SCHWALBE TYRES MEGATHREAD: read this thread before posting new ones
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caad9
Likes Bikes and Dirt
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
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
Knuckles
Lives under a bridge
I have the ikon exo in 2.3 on the rear, they're a mini version of the HR (which I previously had on the rear and still run up front). Really noticed the improvement in rolling and bugger all change in the grip. I run tubeless with fairly low pressure so don't really suffer from the 'oh fuck' centre to side know transition. I reckon they'd be a really fast grippy front rear option. 3c version would probably allow you to ride across the ceiling.
Awesome price too, best bang fer buck tyre out there IMO.
Awesome price too, best bang fer buck tyre out there IMO.
Slowman
Likes Dirt
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.
quiggs
Likes Dirt
The Maxxis tyres are cheap compared to any Schwable tyre so why not have a go on them, the Maxxis construction seems sound, tread wear couldn't possibly be any worse than Evos. And from all reports you won't waste days of your life trying to get the Maxxis tyres to stay inflated tubeless unlike Schwables!
If you don't like them go back to the Ralphs
If you don't like them go back to the Ralphs
Slowman
Likes Dirt
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.
Benizmo
Likes Dirt
I find them a little bit less grip than the RRs, which takes a little while to get used to, particularly if you are leaning the bike hard into corners.
Wear wise they definitely last longer. They are not super cheap anymore for the exo 3c but if you shop around you can normally find for around 70$ each. Not many shops seem to have them in stock though either if you need the in a hurry.
And agree they seem much easer to install, I always seem to get sorted with just a track pump.
Wear wise they definitely last longer. They are not super cheap anymore for the exo 3c but if you shop around you can normally find for around 70$ each. Not many shops seem to have them in stock though either if you need the in a hurry.
And agree they seem much easer to install, I always seem to get sorted with just a track pump.
caad9
Likes Bikes and Dirt
The other thing to think about if you are buying new tyres at this time of year is wet weather grip?
Again, I only used the cheap standard version, but I found they hooked up a bit better on slimey tree roots and rock than RaRa's.
Could be the lower and more spread out profile?
This probably matters more in Victoria, where it will no doubt be wet as all buggery in the coming weeks
Again, I only used the cheap standard version, but I found they hooked up a bit better on slimey tree roots and rock than RaRa's.
Could be the lower and more spread out profile?
This probably matters more in Victoria, where it will no doubt be wet as all buggery in the coming weeks
Mike95
Likes Dirt
pushys has the 3C exo TR in 29 for $52
I have run the ikons front & rear & found it a great tyre & a very fast setup for xc.
The only place they feel down was in damp, wet clay conditions where the knobs couldn't shed the mud.
I currently run the ikon on the rear of both my xc bikes.
On my main bike its teamed up with the maxxis ardent race up front.
Only ridden this setup a few times, but straight away im really liking the ardent race up front for the extra bite over the ikon.
Other bike uses ikon rear & nobby nic up front. I rode the ikon / nobby nic combo at last weekends shimano mtb gp race @ awaba in quite damp conditions & it was a pretty good setup.
I really like the maxxis tyres. They wear really well.
my previous set of ikons had to be binned after about 18 months because of they started to get the well documents bubbles in the tread from stans sealant. still had heaps of tread left.
I also found the ikons suffered a bit from holes around the tyres knobs.
Stans would 9 times outta 10 seal it up though. These 2 issues don't stop me from going back to them.
I have run the ikons front & rear & found it a great tyre & a very fast setup for xc.
The only place they feel down was in damp, wet clay conditions where the knobs couldn't shed the mud.
I currently run the ikon on the rear of both my xc bikes.
On my main bike its teamed up with the maxxis ardent race up front.
Only ridden this setup a few times, but straight away im really liking the ardent race up front for the extra bite over the ikon.
Other bike uses ikon rear & nobby nic up front. I rode the ikon / nobby nic combo at last weekends shimano mtb gp race @ awaba in quite damp conditions & it was a pretty good setup.
I really like the maxxis tyres. They wear really well.
my previous set of ikons had to be binned after about 18 months because of they started to get the well documents bubbles in the tread from stans sealant. still had heaps of tread left.
I also found the ikons suffered a bit from holes around the tyres knobs.
Stans would 9 times outta 10 seal it up though. These 2 issues don't stop me from going back to them.
Big JD
Wheel size expert
yeah 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.
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.
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Mike95
Likes Dirt
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
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
JonnyH
Likes Bikes
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
There is no EVO compound. It's either TrailStar or Pacestar.
Pacestar is a harder compound and harder wearing. Trailstar softer and wears very quickly especially on the rear.
I'm pretty happy with the Pacestar compound, it wears well and to me, had just as much grip.
My Giant 26" XTC came with Maxxis Crossmarks, and like another poster said, they fluxed crap everywhere. Besides that, the knobs being a little higher, I found they were a bit too squishy for my liking. I put Maxxis Ikons on front and back to replace them, and the bike was like a different bike. It was an awesome change! The bike rolled a whole lot better, the acceleration was better, I found the climbs different etc. I loved it!!! My new Giant Anthem Advanced 27.5 1, came with RR, and I find them ok, and so far no complaints, although I have found pressure losses in the tires a little more than I expected. Tyre performance wise, I've got no complaints! I've still got a thing for Maxxis Ikons, and when I upgrade my wheels, I'm thinking I might go to the Ikons at the same time. I know I'm talking different wheel size and HT v FS, but I'm keen to read the thoughts presented on this post
Slowman
Likes Dirt
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 happen
I just picked up a pair of 650B Evo RaRas for $99.98 at Pushys - I went with the devil I know. I can't get the Ikon 650B 3C for that anywhere I've looked. I have ridden a lot of tyres over the years, Kenda SB8, Nevegals, Slant6; Maxxis Larsen TT, Ignitor, Crossmark, Larsen Mimo, Minataur 380; Panaracer XC Firetrail; Schwalbe Nobby Nic, Racing Ralph, Rocket Ron, Smart Sam; and a few more I've forgotten for sure! Nothing though has been faster or lighter than EVO RaRas, some definitely have more grip, but I have found the closest in speed to be Crossmarks and Larsen TTs, though slightly heavier and slightly less grip. Nothing else I've tried has come close.
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stinkytodamax
Likes Dirt
I'm running Ra Ra on converted sc blur XCc they go well. If I could clear a high roller I'd run one of them but the fork clearance appears to be to tight.
I have Ikons on my 27.5 advanced xtc and they feel comparable to the RaRa's just a bit better roller resistance and slightly less bite in loose over hard pack terrain.
I have Ikons on my 27.5 advanced xtc and they feel comparable to the RaRa's just a bit better roller resistance and slightly less bite in loose over hard pack terrain.
el~rio
Likes Dirt
Schwalbe Hans Dampf Tire Pressures?
Just wondering what pressures others are running this tire at? I weigh a bit under 70kg with kit and have a 26 x 2.35 Snakeskin on an 18mm internal rim set up tubeless which I've dropped to 22psi and I'm still not getting any squirm or any sign I'm running too low pressure. Anyone else running similar or am I just asking for a burp or to roll the tire off the rim?
Just wondering what pressures others are running this tire at? I weigh a bit under 70kg with kit and have a 26 x 2.35 Snakeskin on an 18mm internal rim set up tubeless which I've dropped to 22psi and I'm still not getting any squirm or any sign I'm running too low pressure. Anyone else running similar or am I just asking for a burp or to roll the tire off the rim?