The problem is you are not using the EXO version and for punctures, and lots of other reasons you should be running tubeless. The crossmark is about 80g heavier than ikon and aspen and at that weight the ardent race makes more sense IMO. The aspen gives you more volume than the ikon at the expense of traction. I would look to the ardent race in EXO for a race tire with more bite.
I run Maxxis Aspen EXO 2.25 tubeless and Stans Race sealant for late spring/summer races and they absolutely work for my local XC races. No issues whatsoever. For autumn/winter I run Maxxis Forekaster EXO 2.2 which are also a great tyre for the conditions I race in which include mud, grass, silt, clay.
I think the maxxis ikon and aspen on your bike is the oem versions.. that's why it's the inferior ones compared to the actual yellow labelled maxxis ikons or aspens or even crossmarks which are superior in quality and Thales comes with exo casings. Why not try those and see the actual comparisons of the oems and the authentic ones. I have used maxxis ikons and they held up well without any quality or puncture issues. Thanks
The ikon is my favorite tyre at the back in summer conditions. Haven’t had any bigger issues expect one bigger crack after a stone field (many sharp stones), was able to fix it. Using it on trails and enduro tracks .
I love the Maxxis Ikon 2.2 on my Giant Anthem 29er cross country bike. It is a well balanced tire that is capable at anything I throw at it and as you pointed out, it is predictable. Predictable tires keep me upright, and that is a good thing. I have tried the Racing Ralphs and they are good tires but just dont mix with my riding style. The Racing Ralphs are a grip/no grip tire for me. One minute I was railing a corner with them, the next second I am on the ground. I am all about carrying speed and momentum over distance and for me the Ikons are perfect. Just my two cents.
I totally agree it is a predictable tire and that's all I want. I thought everyone was looking for that? This guy's channel is entertaining, but he is a contrarian with everything bikes.
I use Schwalbe Smart Sam Plus tyres on my Trekking bike which for me is an all purpose bike. I noticed that they have very good grip in corners but lack a bit in muddy straight up climbs. Also pretty good in terms on rolling resistance on tarmac. They are very heavy but I just don't get any punctures at all - I think you'd have to go at it with a knife to get to the inner tube.
The best maxxis tire combination imo is Ardent Race 2.2 TR 3C EXO MaxxSpeed on the front and Ikon 2.2 TR 3C EXO MaxxSpeed on the back. You should defenetly try the ardent race it offers such a nice grip and predictability, you will not regret buying it. The best Schwalbe tire combination Imo is the RacingRalph in front and ThunderBolt in the back but the big problem with Schwalbe is the life of the tire. You can not compare the life of Schawlbe with the Maxxis one. Still hope you will try the Ardent Race. Cheers!
Ikon and Aspen aren’t really amazing for any type of aggressive riding in harsh conditions. But (trust me when I say this) these are my new favourite tires for daily commute because really low vibration and their amazing rolling resistance.
Rocket Ron Snake Skin, super light and low rolling resistance, soft compound, I like how they grip, but they don't last long, especially if used on the back. If you don't care about the weight, Vittoria tires are super strong. I'm currently using Rocket Ron as front tire and Conti Race King on the back, but I would probably replace that Race King with a Vittoria Mezcal graphene.
I really like the rocket Ron on the back, but like you said it will not last that long. Rocky rough terrain will eat the cornering nobs. I need something that will holdup better. Maybe Ralph or conti king?
I have ridden Conti, Schwalbe, Mitas Textra and Maxxis win them all by so much. Best tires for me. Of course you need to ride EXO version with increased puncture resistance not paper weight versions which are rubbish You have to use EXO (puncture protection version) TR rubber, not OEM paper thin trash
Same experience with aspen :( Poor traction, puncture every 50km. It's always front wheel, because it catches sharp objects and leaves nothing for the rear wheel
Many cross country racers use maxxis Aspen ! 2,25 or 2,40 , also in front and rear ! I use aspen 2,25 rear and ikon 2,35 front . Very fast no problems good grip.
I would agree with you didn't have mentioned Racing Ralph and crossmark(!) which are also relative fragile racing tyres. I had visible wear every ride on swalbe rocket ron (which are supposed to be a more trail friendly tyre than the rara) and then i started puncturing every ride. I swapped them for maxxis ikon and never looked back. A bit slower tyres but beter grip (i could feel it and measure it), more puncture protection and way less wear. There are beter tyres for more agressive riding but definetely not the crossmark and Rara
The Specialized trail/enduro tires I use also weep through the sidewall, and you can see the threads there. Both the Control and the GRID casing. Even so, I haven't punctured one in 3 years heavy riding also doing Enduro races. I use 10-12 psi, but they are 3" and can handle this.
Since Maxxis Pace is one of the common fast rolling tyres for paved roads that you want a light weight, these tyres are for you, but somehow I either prefer CST Jack Rabbit or Jet since I am not competitve biker. ❤
@@mtbjoser Actually this really depends on your conditions. If you live in a dry/Hardpack area Ikon is generally beter. If you live in a more muddy area the aspen wel be more suited for you!
grumbles just sunk i put ikon race exo on the rear and running a crossmark up front i feel just set my self up for misery well i'll find out tomorrow evening i got a deal on them now feel like should just got two minions
So The link to Racing Ralphs above are for the new tread pattern 490 version. I am thinking that most of the opinions here are directed and the earlier Ralph the 425 version. Has anyone tried the newer 490 version? My ride came with Ralphs 425s front and back. I found that they rolled nicely but I did not feel confident in there cornering on loose over hard. As a rear tire, the climbing grip is good, but seem kind of squirrely is looser rocks and gravel. I have not tried the 490 version but the side nobs look to have a nicer profile similar to Rocket Rons. Rons have great grip and rolling but do not hold up in technical terrain. Anyone have any suggestions? I am thinking or trying out an IKon or Race King for a rear next.
I only trust in Maxxis and Specialized tires. For XC I like Specialized,the carcass is quite good and the rubber too,you must find something to match your trails. As an Enduro/DH rider always chose a more robust tire,taking a flat is unacceptable in a race no matter what kind of bike you are riding.
Mir gefällt das Aspen Logo mit dem orangefarbenem Blatt sehr gut....ich habe leider nur 26 Inches und quäle mich furchtbar den Berg hinauf, bin jedes mal fix und ferddisch.
I had Ikon 2.2 and was disappointed because of those stupid "lungs" of the tire (the sides) they grip before the tread in ruts. I am thinking about 2.35 heard it is completely different. Now I run maxxis Pace and I love them
Maybe thats your experience, but you arent using the xpensive tires, you arent using them with exo, soy you sholdnt say that they arent made for tough races, ikon is one of the best xc tires since the beggining of times and aspen is actually ridden by nini schurter, and i dont think that he is using the wrong tire
hurricaneheli79 that was during his 27.5 time. Last year he was already on 29er Aspen. amp.redbull.com/au-en/nino-schurter-2017-bike-check-scott-spark-rc
Bought them few days ago (wire bead) 718 grams in 29x2.1 so lite enough.Been using 2.1 maxxis pace (really fast tire) and i can report these are even better,fast and more grippy.Fastest tire i used were Bontrager xr1 29 i miss those alot...😭Been using maxxis tires little over 2 years and they are light year in quality over Schwalbe,really😁
fabi I’ve used RK but Continental is too expensive here in Brazil, and I wanna try something new. I’m using RaRa front and Ikon rear. Do you thing RaRa is a faster rear tire than the Ikon?
TB only - has all what you need - speed on straight section and grip in corners! I am using it with ikons in front - anyhow Ikons are not the very best for technical cornering.
@@sonnybocalajr.725 I figured it works well for my local XCO and XCM race tracks as well as for regular trail usage provided you run them tubeless or with inner tubes with sealant
wish I had puncture on hard trails with Aspen. I bought GT 29er with Aspen installed and had so many punctures even on chill ride in forest on tarmac! Almost made me hate that bike.
Racing Ralph are the worst overpriced tires I've ever had on a bike! Unless have a truly wide inner channel on the rim the tend to be unpredictable and experience a lack of traction on the front wheel on a climb is truly unaccetable from a 70€ tyre. For 70€ I can buy a pair of Fast Trak by specialized wich are simply amazing (at least on the rear wheel), or a Fast trak for my rear wheel and a good tyre with an aggressive pattern for my front wheel that I need on our rough terrains in Italy.
Exo is worked great, but without is just stupid. the misaligned head, probably just manufactures failure, I had Maxxis tyres with the logos misaligned they were not at the same spot on both sides. I all Aspen tires I have seen pictures of having even thread,, same n official picture.
The problem is you are not using the EXO version and for punctures, and lots of other reasons you should be running tubeless. The crossmark is about 80g heavier than ikon and aspen and at that weight the ardent race makes more sense IMO. The aspen gives you more volume than the ikon at the expense of traction. I would look to the ardent race in EXO for a race tire with more bite.
i have maxxis ikon, it feels heavy, i prefer raceking
Which is faster rolling, Ikon or Aspen? Thanks
I've been using the Aspen MAXXSPEED (2.4) this season. 2 XC races and lots of tough south austin gnar. No flats or damage yet. I'm 180lbs.
aspen in the front? good lord dude how do you corner
Ask Niño Schurter too 😂
i run aspen front and rear...they grip like f.ck
they are perfect
Yeah , thats probably why nino schurter rides with it
...and couple years later ...what would be your choice for dry hard pack, rooty terrain
I run Maxxis Aspen EXO 2.25 tubeless and Stans Race sealant for late spring/summer races and they absolutely work for my local XC races. No issues whatsoever. For autumn/winter I run Maxxis Forekaster EXO 2.2 which are also a great tyre for the conditions I race in which include mud, grass, silt, clay.
I think the maxxis ikon and aspen on your bike is the oem versions.. that's why it's the inferior ones compared to the actual yellow labelled maxxis ikons or aspens or even crossmarks which are superior in quality and Thales comes with exo casings. Why not try those and see the actual comparisons of the oems and the authentic ones. I have used maxxis ikons and they held up well without any quality or puncture issues. Thanks
exo or non?
@@zxchselv420 exo
It’s Ok for Nino.......
how about cleaning the tires so we can see the details better next time
The ikon is my favorite tyre at the back in summer conditions. Haven’t had any bigger issues expect one bigger crack after a stone field (many sharp stones), was able to fix it. Using it on trails and enduro tracks .
I love the Maxxis Ikon 2.2 on my Giant Anthem 29er cross country bike. It is a well balanced tire that is capable at anything I throw at it and as you pointed out, it is predictable. Predictable tires keep me upright, and that is a good thing. I have tried the
Racing Ralphs and they are good tires but just dont mix with my riding style. The Racing Ralphs are a grip/no grip tire for me. One minute I was railing a corner with them, the next second I am on the ground. I am all about carrying speed and momentum over distance and for me the Ikons are perfect. Just my two cents.
I totally agree it is a predictable tire and that's all I want. I thought everyone was looking for that? This guy's channel is entertaining, but he is a contrarian with everything bikes.
I use Schwalbe Smart Sam Plus tyres on my Trekking bike which for me is an all purpose bike. I noticed that they have very good grip in corners but lack a bit in muddy straight up climbs. Also pretty good in terms on rolling resistance on tarmac. They are very heavy but I just don't get any punctures at all - I think you'd have to go at it with a knife to get to the inner tube.
The best maxxis tire combination imo is Ardent Race 2.2 TR 3C EXO MaxxSpeed on the front and Ikon 2.2 TR 3C EXO MaxxSpeed on the back. You should defenetly try the ardent race it offers such a nice grip and predictability, you will not regret buying it.
The best Schwalbe tire combination Imo is the RacingRalph in front and ThunderBolt in the back but the big problem with Schwalbe is the life of the tire. You can not compare the life of Schawlbe with the Maxxis one.
Still hope you will try the Ardent Race. Cheers!
100% correct on both counts!
Ikon and Aspen aren’t really amazing for any type of aggressive riding in harsh conditions. But (trust me when I say this) these are my new favourite tires for daily commute because really low vibration and their amazing rolling resistance.
Daily commute on the road? Thx I’m considering using my mtb for the road sometimes
Rocket Ron Snake Skin, super light and low rolling resistance, soft compound, I like how they grip, but they don't last long, especially if used on the back. If you don't care about the weight, Vittoria tires are super strong. I'm currently using Rocket Ron as front tire and Conti Race King on the back, but I would probably replace that Race King with a Vittoria Mezcal graphene.
I really like the rocket Ron on the back, but like you said it will not last that long. Rocky rough terrain will eat the cornering nobs. I need something that will holdup better. Maybe Ralph or conti king?
Aspen since 2012 is my fav. "Exception series" version. No flats for years.
I have ridden Conti, Schwalbe, Mitas Textra and Maxxis win them all by so much. Best tires for me. Of course you need to ride EXO version with increased puncture resistance not paper weight versions which are rubbish
You have to use EXO (puncture protection version) TR rubber, not OEM paper thin trash
I have ikons and do weary technical stuff and have never have a puncter
i just got my new Maxxis Ikon 29x2.20 4 days ago, how is ur ikon holding up?
Same experience with aspen :( Poor traction, puncture every 50km. It's always front wheel, because it catches sharp objects and leaves nothing for the rear wheel
Many cross country racers use maxxis Aspen ! 2,25 or 2,40 , also in front and rear ! I use aspen 2,25 rear and ikon 2,35 front .
Very fast no problems good grip.
Getting ready to run this exact set up of Ikons on hard pack and trails here in Florida. Looking to lighten my SJ alloy up and get faster rolling.
Lols that aspen is wat Nino using and Ikon is what the Philippines Arianna Queen of trail tire.
Very well, share your opinion. When you make a review for crossmark 2 and ardent race maxxis?
Why maxis? How about Conti RaceKing? It's a very universal puncture for XCM or XCO
I would agree with you didn't have mentioned Racing Ralph and crossmark(!) which are also relative fragile racing tyres. I had visible wear every ride on swalbe rocket ron (which are supposed to be a more trail friendly tyre than the rara) and then i started puncturing every ride. I swapped them for maxxis ikon and never looked back. A bit slower tyres but beter grip (i could feel it and measure it), more puncture protection and way less wear. There are beter tyres for more agressive riding but definetely not the crossmark and Rara
Ikon x RaRa as rear tire, did you feel Ikon slower?
Around 15 seconds in a 3 km climb and it was pretty consistent result. But i had rocket ron not Rara but i suspect the results will be similar.
Exo??
The Specialized trail/enduro tires I use also weep through the sidewall, and you can see the threads there. Both the Control and the GRID casing. Even so, I haven't punctured one in 3 years heavy riding also doing Enduro races. I use 10-12 psi, but they are 3" and can handle this.
Is the crossmark 2 tougher with side wall protection? The one with EXO and dual compound?
what is the best maxxis tire for just cement and paved asphalt riding. im on a 29 x 2.20 tire currently.
Continental Rapid King Protection, its expensive but you ask for the best.
@@MrPisuicas continetnal the worst tire quality
Only one comes to mind... Maxxis Hookworm. Or try Maxxis Pace, Kenda Kwick/Street.
Since Maxxis Pace is one of the common fast rolling tyres for paved roads that you want a light weight, these tyres are for you, but somehow I either prefer CST Jack Rabbit or Jet since I am not competitve biker. ❤
Which is faster rolling, Ikon or Aspen?
aspen
@@linemedia666 Thank you!
@@mtbjoser Actually this really depends on your conditions. If you live in a dry/Hardpack area Ikon is generally beter. If you live in a more muddy area the aspen wel be more suited for you!
@@wouter4739 Thx! What about for tarmac/pavement? A bit of my ride is roads too and I was wondering how do they do on roads. Thank you for the info!
@@mtbjoser tarmac is dry and hardpacked so ikon would be probably better for you
Constant punctures with my icon looking into some proper off road tyres
What would you recommend for tapeworm? Or north Seatac??
grumbles just sunk i put ikon race exo on the rear and running a crossmark up front i feel just set my self up for misery well i'll find out tomorrow evening i got a deal on them now feel like should just got two minions
Without EXO you can expect punctures around every corner ...
EXO versions are for folding tyres, right?
@@synthesizerhome2041 Yeah, and the rubber is more high quality and you puncture less
Whaat about skinwall tyres?
I have maxxis Ikon, and yeah its heavy ang slow compared to my Continental Race King
which one front and back? im planning to put up also.crossmark II 29.2.25 front and aspen 29.2.1 back. any thoughts? thank you.
So The link to Racing Ralphs above are for the new tread pattern 490 version. I am thinking that most of the opinions here are directed and the earlier Ralph the 425 version. Has anyone tried the newer 490 version? My ride came with Ralphs 425s front and back. I found that they rolled nicely but I did not feel confident in there cornering on loose over hard. As a rear tire, the climbing grip is good, but seem kind of squirrely is looser rocks and gravel. I have not tried the 490 version but the side nobs look to have a nicer profile similar to Rocket Rons. Rons have great grip and rolling but do not hold up in technical terrain. Anyone have any suggestions? I am thinking or trying out an IKon or Race King for a rear next.
Stop crying, you didnt get the exo version. Those tires are for mall bikes or discount bikes.
Thanks for the video because I looking for xc tyre what will you recommended.
i punctured these like 4 times in a row and i barely use it on the trail
I only trust in Maxxis and Specialized tires. For XC I like Specialized,the carcass is quite good and the rubber too,you must find something to match your trails. As an Enduro/DH rider always chose a more robust tire,taking a flat is unacceptable in a race no matter what kind of bike you are riding.
What's the fastest Maxxis tire? Is it the Aspen?
I would say so.
@@cannondany Thanks!
Hookworm
Mir gefällt das Aspen Logo mit dem orangefarbenem Blatt sehr gut....ich habe leider nur 26 Inches und quäle mich furchtbar den Berg hinauf, bin jedes mal fix und ferddisch.
dann hol dir ein Bike mit 29er Bereifung...
i use crossmark 2 for hard terrain
I'm planning on getting new tires soon. It's probably gonna be between Pace or Aspen, I'm just wondering which of the two is faster on street/asphalt?
Pace.
Are the maxxis ikon good for dirtjumps and pumptrack ?
Yup
Las Maxxis Aspen son buenísimas además si las usa N1NO SCHURTER, eso me dice que son geniales, saludos desde Argentina 🇦🇷🇦🇷
Esatto, e usa ora le ancora più scorrevoli Aspen ST 😃🔝
I had Ikon 2.2 and was disappointed because of those stupid "lungs" of the tire (the sides) they grip before the tread in ruts. I am thinking about 2.35 heard it is completely different. Now I run maxxis Pace and I love them
I got icon 3c exo tomorrow its so much tougher then maxxspeed and i can pump it tubeless with my track pump without any air leaks in process)
Maybe thats your experience, but you arent using the xpensive tires, you arent using them with exo, soy you sholdnt say that they arent made for tough races, ikon is one of the best xc tires since the beggining of times and aspen is actually ridden by nini schurter, and i dont think that he is using the wrong tire
i switched to vittoria & haven't looked back since
Hmm aspen in front.... 🤔
Nino Schurter had a perfect XCO season on Aspens, we aren't all like Nino though but I guess if it passed his standards, it should be pretty good.
Christopher Calalang He uses Dugast not Maxxis. Go on his website.
hurricaneheli79 that was during his 27.5 time. Last year he was already on 29er Aspen. amp.redbull.com/au-en/nino-schurter-2017-bike-check-scott-spark-rc
hurricaneheli79 www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/article/nino-schurters-scott-spark-rc-900-48907/
hurricaneheli79 his website is misleading, and i think is there just for sponsorship
racing ralph on back and racing ray on front. (best combo)
Has anybody tried the maxxlite 29???
Maxxis Pace are the way to go. They are the second fastest XC tire Maxxis produces
What is the first fastest? Also which is faster, Ikon or Aspen? Thx
How about Maxxis Pace folding tire? Is it fragile too?
for front i use michelin force xc and this is magic i recommend it for aggressive xc mtbikers
for rear i use continental raceking protection in 2.2 and for the front ( michelin force xc ) 2.25
Bought them few days ago (wire bead) 718 grams in 29x2.1 so lite enough.Been using 2.1 maxxis pace (really fast tire) and i can report these are even better,fast and more grippy.Fastest tire i used were Bontrager xr1 29 i miss those alot...😭Been using maxxis tires little over 2 years and they are light year in quality over Schwalbe,really😁
Which is better? Ikon or pace?
What about XCM rear tire low rolling resistance... Ikon, Aspen, RaRa or TB? All protected versions (I want to get to the finish haha)
fabi I’ve used RK but Continental is too expensive here in Brazil, and I wanna try something new. I’m using RaRa front and Ikon rear. Do you thing RaRa is a faster rear tire than the Ikon?
Thanks! As a front tire I feel much more secure with the RaRa than the Ikon, never tried it as a rear tire.
TB only - has all what you need - speed on straight section and grip in corners! I am using it with ikons in front - anyhow Ikons are not the very best for technical cornering.
How many races nino won with aspen tire? Ask nino first hehe
💯
Yeah right.
all pro riders change tires every race. So not good comparison
This is mainly sort of a race tyre, kinda not a day to day tyre.
@@sonnybocalajr.725 I figured it works well for my local XCO and XCM race tracks as well as for regular trail usage provided you run them tubeless or with inner tubes with sealant
Kenda negal
wish I had puncture on hard trails with Aspen. I bought GT 29er with Aspen installed and had so many punctures even on chill ride in forest on tarmac! Almost made me hate that bike.
Cut my Ikons sidewall on my 29er in the past ones....thanks)))) no
yup, I toss aspen because its too easy to get punctured
try kenda SCT ou tubeless, you'll be surprised :D
Racing Ralph are the worst overpriced tires I've ever had on a bike! Unless have a truly wide inner channel on the rim the tend to be unpredictable and experience a lack of traction on the front wheel on a climb is truly unaccetable from a 70€ tyre.
For 70€ I can buy a pair of Fast Trak by specialized wich are simply amazing (at least on the rear wheel), or a Fast trak for my rear wheel and a good tyre with an aggressive pattern for my front wheel that I need on our rough terrains in Italy.
Get Pirelli XC RC Prowall, so much better than Maxxis Aspen
Nobby Nics
Nino runs aspen 🏁
Because payed partnership
@@13massfreeman42 but he wins lol
@@JMCH1988 yep, but he could win even on smartSam
@@13massfreeman42 and he can replace his tyres every race...
Exo is worked great, but without is just stupid.
the misaligned head, probably just manufactures failure, I had Maxxis tyres with the logos misaligned they were not at the same spot on both sides.
I all Aspen tires I have seen pictures of having even thread,, same n official picture.
A speed tire
Nino Schurter rides With Maxxis Aspen 2.1
NallePu83 No he doesn't. He uses Dugast. Look up his website.
I was looking at Redbull talking about his bike
Maybe it was for 2017.....
Not anymore!
Bill Reilly , but all the wins in 2017 were using Maxxis Aspens, right?
szajbajk
Maybe that's fake hahahha