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Maxxis "exception" series
I am wondering what the deal is with the Maxxis "exception" series compared to the standard "XC". I appreciate that the exception series is recommended for racing and it has something to do with the compounds used in the rubber to make them faster and thus better for racing but am unsure what this actually means to me. Are the "exception" series simply faster but the trade off is a less durable tyre or are they as durable and faster but you pay more for that?
I had Crossmark "exception" series put on my bike when I purchased it, mainly because several people had told me that Crossmarks (but not necessarily "exception" series) were probably better for me than what it came stock and the LBS were happy to swap them without additional cost.
I found the Crossmarks great at the back as they slid nicely around corners and were fine gripping onto rocks but at the front they always slid around a lot, especially in sand and basically just aqua-planed in muddy puddles. After just under 4 months I have a tear in the sidewall on the back tyre so am looking to move the good Crossmark to the back and buy an Ignitor for the front (or maybe an Ardent). There are some good posts about tyre choice so I think my choice is fine for what I want but am unsure about the whole “exception” series thing.
I am not concerned about speed that much, as a “racy” tyre is the least I could do to get moving faster but I know that I am probably harsh on tyres so would prefer to sacrifice speed if the trade-off is a more durable tyre.
Thanks for your time and assistance!
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thats what the exception is, a lighter version,probably by the way of thinning down the sidewalls, not good for technical Sydney sandstone and next weeks Sparrow Hill pointy,sharp sandstone. nuff said from me, correct me if i'm wrong peeps!
eXception series tyres are very lightweight. However, the sidewall of the tyre is made with the least possible amount of rubber, therefore their durability is very poor.
They would be good for one race, maybe 2.
mine lasted 3 weeks until the sidewalls gave out in a blaze of glory - There were 3, 7cm long gashes in the sidewall where the tube was protruding.
Maxxis are completely correct in stating that they are race tyres ONLY.
Thanks for the information, sounds like the advice to go for Crossmarks was basically good but my LBS fitting exception series was a flawed. I have hammered them reasonably well (for me) at the Dam and other places around the Northern Beaches but was a little surprised that they died in under 4 months. Sounds like standard XC Ignitors or Ardents is the call.
Dave
Crossmarks will still do the job - just don't get the 'exception' series.
If you run the tubeless crossmark UST's you wil lbe fine. Bit pricey but much more hardwearing.
D
Thanks Dicko, I am going to stick with a Crossmark at the back but not exception. I have found that I haven;t felt very confident with the Crossmark at the front, especially when it has been sandy at the Dam lately and also in fairly loose soil down around Nowra. It sounds like this is not too uncommon from other posts about Crossmarks on the front so thought perhaps Ignitors might be better.
I guess I should bite the bullet and go tubeless, I haven't tried to put any on as yet but it sounds kind of easy and everyone says that it is well worth it.
Yeah, I'm not a fan of Crossmarks on the front. For me they don't have big enough side knobs and are pretty useless when cornering.
I use one on the rear when racing but then put on something grippier on the front.
I agree Crossmarks on the front don't inspire confidence in the sandy stuff and I'm about to replace mine. However, tyre pressure makes a huge difference. At 40 psi I have no side grip at all and it tracks badly, at 35psi it will wash and then grip but at 30psi it actually feels ok.
Agreed. Crossmarks should only be run on the front if you are only riding firebreaks, I reckon. Throw in any sand, single tracks, etc, best go for a medium grip tyre on the front.
Unless you are only going to use the tyre for racing, don't bother with these super light or super grippy tyres. They will blow up easy, and also wear out in 2 months anyway. You may be made of money, but most people need value and bang for their buck.
Dave
+1 for Crossmarks rear / Ignitors Front.
D
Has anyone tried a rendez on the front?
That's why I would rather go for durability over performance if there has to be a trade-off. Looks like Larsens or Crossmarks on the rear and Ignitors on the front. Perhaps UST if I feel like putting myself through that otherwise just something reasonably wide. Thanks!
I currently use Rendez on the front, I have had no problems in dry / semi-dry conditions.
They don't clear well on the side Nobbies if the track is sticky/wet, however this I have read can be fix by cutting certain Nobs off the tyre. Having said that I didn't notice them washing out at all.
Could try an Aspen for a front tyre, im considering getting one with a crossmark.
If you're going Ignitor on the front, go the 2.35. The 2.1 is a small bag.
Crossmark on the rear supposedly gives better rolling resistance and outright cornering grip leaned over, but I reckon the Larsen's climb and brake better.
I have Larsens front and rear at the moment. The Larsen is definitely a bit less front grip than the Ignitor.
of Larsen you can try if you were local to me