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Drive Tyre Choice


Callum Hunter's picture

By Callum Hunter - Posted on 22 March 2014

NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.

Hi all,

I have bit of a dilember facing my drive tyre. Up until recently on my 27.5 hard-tale, I was running racing ralphs front and rear and the combination was exceptional, however the rear wore out quite quickly and I have now replaced it with a maxxis crossmax. This tyre has stood up to its reputation very well, around marrinup and surrounding areas, however after racing at Jorgenson Park this afternoon, it was utterly useless on steep and gravelly climbs where I was out of the saddle powering (approx 27-28psi). Im interested to see what you all have to say on the following tyres as DRIVERS, being paired with a racing ralph front. They are MAXXIS ARDENT, MAXXIS CROSSMAX & RACING RALPH EVO (folding). im sure there are better examples available but with turner hill coming up next week and other commitments the chances are I wont be able to acquire any other options and dont fancy a repeat of today's traction issues on the climbs next week. As a side note, the RaRa EVO I have is a 2.25 and the standard RaRa on the front is a 2.1 so i can easily swap that to the rear. Any suggestions and opinions are most welcome.

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Simon C's picture

Sorry Callum but I don't think much can help you outside of heavy slow downhill tires, there was not much grip available. I raced with a Ralph on the back today and those gum nuts were terrible. If I were to pick I would say go grab a specialized ground control but not sure they do a 27.5. Ardents grip pretty well but are heavy, they do last though. You could grab a nobby nic and just save it for race days - faster and grippier than anything you have listed. Other option that I ran for Cape is a maxis icon - maybe try that at 25-27 - I assume you run tubeless?

Callum Hunter's picture

nah im still on the old fashion tubes aha. my rims are tubeless ready but im just gonna whip in a puncture proof tube on the rear

Simon C's picture

What bike is it - I have no idea why anyone runs tubes these days. If you have a giant then use the bontrager rim strips - they are super easy and flawless. I have run tubeless for the past 2 years, done two capes, ride every week and have yet to have a flat. I run 23-25 front 25-30 rear depending on grip/terrain

Callum Hunter's picture

im on a 2014 giant xtc advanced 2 27.5.
as an addition to my original post, its actually a MAXXIS CROSSMARK. keep getting crossmax and crossmark confused

hawkeye's picture

It's a pity they don't make the Larsen TT in anything bigger than 26" Sad

Greggo's picture

Hey Callum try moving the RR 2.1 to the rear and put a Nobby Nic 2.25 on the front. You want max traction on your front end. I've also heard that the Nobby Nic works better on the front in the reverse direction. Give it a go see what you reckon.

hawkeye's picture

True. Nobby Nic is more predictable in reverse. It also needs to be run at a lower pressure. Start at 30psi and keep lowering until you get the traction you are looking for.

Hasbeen Racing's picture

Maxxis Ikon on the rear is awesome on my 27.5 Trance. Running an Ardent Race on the front, pretty happy with it too. Nobby Nics were useless tubeless, not enough rigidity in the sidewalls.

Greggo's picture

Callum, as another option you could try a Bontrager XR3 Team Issue on the rear. They come in 27.5 x 2.2, are very good running as a tubeless setup and have mobs of traction. Their weight's not bad either, 635gm. The RRP is $69.95 so they're about the same price as Maxxis. In the past (about 4years ago) they were a bit iffy but with the release of the new range they're another excellent option.

Callum Hunter's picture

thanks for all of the replies and opinions, however as said before im unable to get hold of any other tryes aside from the small range i have here again.
so out of an;

- ARDENT
- CROSSMARK
- RA.RALPH EVO

which is the best driver for our wa conditions?. ie pea gravel
racing ralphs have proved themselves well, as have the crossmarks aside from standing (loose) hill climbs. which of the three is the best all rounder?

Simon C's picture

For straight grip ardent, run tubeless at about 25psi. On tubes or higher pressures not so good in my experience. I run them on the rear of both my bikes for training as they wear well and grip better than the other two tires. Turner hill is nowhere near as bad as Jorgensen though for loose climbs so I would stick with the Ralph. You need to broaden your choices after the weekend and get some rim strips and go tubeless - whole world of more grip and less pinch flats awaits. What class are you racing on Sunday - thinking of entering.

Callum Hunter's picture

im in B's after being boosted from c after me n a few other blokes cleaned up c at marrinup

Cotic Tony's picture

I'm surprised that you' didn't have issues with the skinny Ralph up front on that loose stuff rather than the Crossmark rear.

I've always found the Nic front & Ralph rear snakeskin versions running UST fast, light & tough enough for racing
For what you have I'd shift the Ra Ra to the back & buy a Nic 2.25 snakeskin to stick on the front (tubeless).

For a tougher grip pier but heavier combo Im really enjoying an Ardent front & rear EXO TR on my 26er.

Maybe Ardent front Icon rear as a second choice, again EXO TR

Callum Hunter's picture

i was out at turner today and the rear was a lil slippy but the RaRa i couldnt really trust it when switching corner directions and hense i have put the 2.25 evo on the front and will give that a go. if its still crap im goin to move that to the back and try the ardent upfront. come saturday ill think back and choose my favourite combo for sunday

Simon C's picture

Was at tbe Belmont today and checked out the new ikon 2.35 - I reckon best looking front tyre option for summer Xc racing I've seen - fast middle tread, higher side nobs and pretty light for that volume - going to grab one if I decide to race sunday

Simon C's picture

Was at tbe Belmont today and checked out the new ikon 2.35 - I reckon best looking front tyre option for summer Xc racing I've seen - fast middle tread, higher side nobs and pretty light for that volume - going to grab one if I decide to race sunday

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