Yeah I'm reluctant to leave something I know. Had Crossmarks once before and they flicked crap everywhere and had clearance issues, which I see the Ikons have been critiqued by some for the same faults.I'm a long time RaRa fan Slowman, but my latest ride came with the standard version of the Ikon.
I really liked it, I'd imagine the 3C Exo is a quality tyre with higher TPI and the like.
I nearly bought a set recently when swapping tyres but went back to the old faithfuls
That's the point though, the Ikon 3C EXOs are comparable in price to the RaRa EVOs. Maxxis I believe are aiming for a higher perch in the market and so them being cheaper might be becoming a thing of the past.The Maxxis tyres are cheap compared to any Schwable tyre so why not have a go on them, ...
What are Maxxis like compared to Schwalbe for sizing? I know Schwalbe's come up quite small, and Kenda's normally come up big for their stated size ... I'm keen to try Maxxis they seem to get a good review.The new ardent race is much more like a ikon than it is to the original ardent.
takes the best bits from both imo.
for $50 its a great bang for your buck xc tyre, thats not bad in the wet, just not good in clay based mud.
ardent race
http://www.maxxis.com/catalog/tire-465-18-ardent-race
ardent
http://www.maxxis.com/catalog/tire-294-121-ardent
There is no EVO compound. It's either TrailStar or Pacestar.What are Maxxis like compared to Schwalbe for sizing? I know Schwalbe's come up quite small, and Kenda's normally come up big for their stated size ... I'm keen to try Maxxis they seem to get a good review.
I run RaRa's on my 29er and love the tyre, but on my local trails I can ruin a back tyre in Evo compound within a few weeks! The compound just seems far too soft in my view.
Jonny
I don't need wet weather tyres! I've done enough of that thanks and I have other options. Though I do like a Nobby Nic on the front at times. After a lifetime of illustriously mediocre results (in a number of sports!) a podium every 2nd weekend is a novel idea. I have podiumed in my age group a handful of times over that time, by the luck of Bradbury, and I wouldn't want to cheapen the thrill! And with a nickname like mine you know it's a self fulfilling prophecy waiting to happenyeah you need to factor in the fact is will be wet very soon. Look at a winter set of tyres and a Summer. For Summer the RR or Icon or a host of other XC tyres will do the trick but for winter the options are fewer.
Ardents are good for grip in the wet as are Nobby Nics. Unless you are looking to be standing on the podium every second weekend mate- go for sometime cost efficient, that will last and not let you down and that you can set and forget for the next 6 months.
Look at Specialised tyres - they are cheaper- around $55, last well, are light and something like the Fast track for Summer and Captain for winter are good combos.
I like Geax tyres for Summer.