This tire, at low PSI, is very grippy. Corners very well and is light and fast. I also run the Maxxis Ardent tire and I dont notice any less traction. Just faster.
I ride mostly hard pack technical single track with some loose dirtsand, the knobby 29er's that came on my Specialized Stumpjumper FSR were horrible for this, I had zero confidence in the turns and did a lot of braking to navigate them. After a lot of research and YouTube I decided to try these, they Are Awesome, I can't believe how well they perform, after a few miles I started backing off the brakes leaning into them on the turns and they just delivered, I can't believe what a difference they make. The added bonus is that they are much faster on the straights as well so it has been a win-win. I balked at the price for a pair not knowing how they would be but after the first ride I was smiling ear to ear and the price was the last thing on my mind, that doesn't happen very often. My friend wants me to put the knobby's back on because I'm smoking him now, lol
I took these on a 7 day trek, hut to hut from Telluride and ending with Porcupine Rim in Moab. Not a single flat. Setting up tubeless was easy wth a pump. In the 7 days we tackled varied terrain and these tires rocked.
I have a set of these set up tubeless on my Salsa Fargo, and so far so good. My off road riding is limited to gravel and simple single track, and these tires road plenty well, and deliver a plush and comfy ride. I like the retro browntan sidewalks. Well see how durable they are at the end of the summer.
I have used Maxxis ikon tires for a few years. . I only use it for rear tire. Never tried it for front tire but it's a Fast rolling tire.
Faster than my Schwalbe Rocket Ron's & more durable. Sidewall puncture after about 20 hours was a bummer but it sealed up nicely with a plug.
For Southern California trails this tire is a good all a rounder - light, fast rolling and grippy enough.
I ride NW single track on a hardtail. This tires have great grip and feel even on wet surfaces. I'm a light rider and like 22 lb air pressure.
Tires feel good
I installed on my Specialized Levo SL. They improved the handling while riding single track trails. Bike turns quicker and has less rolling resistance.
