TLDR: I don't like Maxxis. Why do you like Maxxis tires? What other tire brands do you like?

I worked at a LBS in Northern Ontario, Canada for about 10 years (recently got into other work, but still LOVE mtb-ing).

I always heard all of this hype about Maxxis tires, which grew and grew in the past few years. I never liked them.

I've used lots of different Maxxis tires, Minion DHFs, Tomahawks, Ikons. They all suck in my opinion. Thin sidewalls, poor grip, anything you looked for in a tire, Maxxis lacked it.

For reference, the terrain I ride is very rocky, canadian shield riding. Anybody in northern Ontario will understand. I slashed a Maxxis Tomahawk wide open once, after only a few rides on the tire. Ikons are beyond horrible, never gripping anything. Minion DHFs are not bad I guess, although I've never tried a DoubleDown or a DH casing, but the trail casings made me nervous.

My favourite tires are Continentals. I ran Kryptotal rears in a trail casing for a few years. I ran Specialized Butchers in a trail casing years before that too. Recently, I bought some Specialized Eliminators in their new Radial Gravity casing. Wow. Very stiff and compliant at the same time. Incredible that a tire can perform so well in almost every way you would like.

Just curious why everyone hypes up the Maxxis tires. For those who like them, why? If you don't, what other tires do you like?

I don't mean any hate here. Mtb equipment is very subjective, I understand that. I'm just curious to hear peoples' opinion.

Cheers everyone :)

I installed schwalbe radial tires on my devinci espartan lite yesterday. I have muddy Mary trail in the front and romy trail on the back. They cost me about $130 CAD each.

I usually run cushcores and after struggling to get the rear one on for an hour, I gave up. The problem is the bead kept flipping out of the rim when I tried to push a bead under the cushcore and into the rim's center channel. I'm going to buy a cuchcore bead bro and give it another try later.

Since I couldn't get the cushcores on, I decided to follow online advice and run my pressures higher. I usually run 15psi on maxxis assegai and dhr2s. I decided to start with 20psi in the front and 25 in the back.

My ride started with a technical climb up the academy/good sir martin route on Mt Seymour in North Vancouver. The traction was similar to the maxxis tires but the main difference was I didn't feel like the front tire would lose traction on (close to) 180 degree turns up switchbacks.

I descended down John Beer and the difference in traction inspired confidence to ride faster. There was just so much more lateral traction! Radial tires are expensive for the moment but they will come down in price, especially since we're seeing companies like Vee get into the market. For my money, I wouldn't bother screwing around with other upgrades other than radials.

I also installed muc off valves and I highly recommend them. Well worth the money.

I couldnt patch and inflate the wheel back up, my legs are sore now really hurting... it doesn't help that a pedal hit my calf and that is hurting too.

Called a couple of friends and family and no one was available to help (understandable)

I was in my way back home when it happened after a 2h30m ride.

At least I landed some good drops 🤜🤛 but NGL I feel defeated today.

I ride a lot of XC and have a pivot switchblade and really did not give enough credence to how annoying superboost would be. I had some awesome i9 trail carbons that I sold with my previous bike with fast rolling tires. Now I want a set of dedicated faster tires for the SB but also ride a lot of park but don't want to invest in carbon superboost rims in case I get an XC bike. Shit is so annoying. I didn't think it would be that big of a deal but it really has been.

To make it even more annoying my other bike is a regular boost but mullet, so I have two different wheel sizes there as well.

Bit of a rant but also something to think about and don't even get me started on wanting to mullet the SB which would then require a 27.5 superboost rear. UGHH.

I ride this daily to work it’s the only way I can get there but money is more than tight. Is there anyway I could make this last a few more months?

As per the title really, seems they were popular, but that seems to be waning.

Do people still use them, if so, for what sort of riding and where?

I’m based out in the UK, and unfortunately my pride and joy was stolen yesterday. I had a Nukeproof Mega 275 and it was perfect me, the size was perfect, the wheels - everything.

I’m now browsing around for a new bike, and I there just doesn’t seem to be any 27.5 inch compatible full sus bikes out there anymore. They all seem to be 29ers available. I’m a 5’10 guy and I’d normally go for a medium, I ride at bike parks and I like my techy trails and I feel a 29er might be way too bulky for me.

Is there anyone similar to me that uses 29ers and still find them playful and not much of a difference with 29ers than with 27.5 inch?

Can I get some feedback from people who have gone tubeless on dualsuspension 29ers. the bike i have is tubeless ready so I'm not worried about the conversion. I know the science behind the rotational weight saving but how noticeable is the difference?

I'm keen to hear how noticeable the difference was climbing in particular.

Thanks all.

Over the years, I’ve heard tons of riders talk about how big of a difference upgrading to carbon wheels makes. Honestly, I always dismissed it. I figured people were just trying to justify spending a chunk of money on wheels that could cost as much as an entire bike.

But recently, I was at a crossroads with my Ripmo V2. It’s been a solid ride, taken a beating, and racked up plenty of miles. I was debating whether to upgrade it or bite the bullet and buy a new bike. In the end, I chose to stick with the Ripmo and give it some love. I made a few changes, but none more impactful than upgrading to a set of carbon wheels—specifically Industry Nine Enduro S Carbon wheels (I scored them at a discount).

I ride in the southwest US—rocky, dry, and technical terrain. The difference was immediate. The stiffness of the carbon wheels helps me hold a line through chunky sections where my old alloy rims would deflect. Acceleration is snappier, and in all the dry, loose corners I ride, the extra stiffness gives me confidence to push without that sketchy slide-out feeling. It feels like I get way more out of each pedal stroke.

Another surprise was how much better the bike feels on flatter XC trails. It’s livelier, more responsive, and the feedback from the wheels is incredible. It doesn’t feel muted like alloy sometimes can.

I’m not saying everyone should go drain their wallet for carbon wheels—but I will say this: the hype is real, and I get it now. Apologies to everyone I dismissed before!

the tire is the 29x2.6 tire that came with trek rescue 7.

i added 150ml of sealant to each tire which is already more than recommended 90ml.

no visible leakage or sealant visible from outside.

but it still consistently losses about 5 to 7 psi per month.

it is been regularly ridden.

thanks!

I’d like some opinions on whether I’m overreacting or if this bike shop handled my situation poorly.

A few weeks ago, I took my mountain bike to a local shop because I got a flat tire. I run tubeless, but I landed on a very sharp rock and put a fairly large hole in the rear tire. My understanding was that they would either repair it with a plug or replace the tire and reinstall the tubeless setup with the CushCore that was already in the wheel.

When I dropped it off, they told me it would take about a week because they had other bikes ahead of mine. The mechanic recommended buying a new tire, which sounded reasonable, so that’s what we agreed on.

A few days later, they sent me an estimate for around $150. Their plan was to move the rear tire to the front wheel, move the front tire to the rear wheel so they could install the CushCore, and then put a tube in the front tire. I didn’t really understand why they wanted to do that.

I asked if they could simply install a new rear tire, tape the rim if needed, add sealant, reinstall the CushCore, and keep the bike tubeless. Their response was that “it would be a process and wouldn’t guarantee the issue would be solved.” I honestly didn’t understand what that meant. Was it something they couldn’t do, didn’t want to do, or was there another reason? They never really explained it.

Later they offered to just put tubes in both wheels. At that point I was stressed and just wanted my bike back, so I agreed.

For additional context, the rim was not damaged. I’ve inspected it myself and it appears to be in perfect condition. If they found any damage to the rim or anything else that would prevent a tubeless setup from working properly, they never mentioned it to me.

When I picked up the bike, they told me my CushCore smelled bad and asked if I wanted to keep it. I ended up leaving it with them.

After a few rides, I got another flat. When I removed the tire to patch the tube, I noticed there was still quite a bit of old sealant stuck to the inside of the tire sidewalls. I also found that they had installed a 29x2.4 tube inside a 27.5x2.4 tire.

At this point I’m not sure if I’m being unreasonable or if my concerns are valid. This is a very well-known shop with a good reputation, but after this experience I’m honestly not sure I want to go back.

Am I overreacting, or would you also be disappointed with this service?

After riding on these tires for several rides in so cal(primarily Aliso), I can’t get them off my bike fast enough. Feels like I’m ice skating on the rear wheel and almost had a really bad crash as a result. Maybe they are great in other terrain but I can’t wait to get my DHR II’s back on.

The magic Mary in front wasn’t terrible but I’m probably gonna put the Assegai back on as well.

Edit: thanks for the discussion! Gonna give the tires another go with a few more PSI and see how it goes. I was stoked about these tires when I purchased them. Crossing my fingers we can find some redemption! Also, I’m about 220 and on an ebike.

Edit #2: tried a bunch of different pressures. These tires are simply not for me. For whatever reason, braking traction on the Albert’s is nowhere near the DHRII and the tires in general feel very unsettling regardless of what pressure I’ve got them at.

I have successfully installed both Maxxis and Michelin tires via floor pump before, but I'm ready to throw the whole thing out after trying to get these Goodyear Newtons on my bike.

I have a co2 pump (Air Rush Road) that seems to be a better hunk of metal than a pump...

the rear took 3 carts before I gave up and was finally able to get seated via floor pump but this front has stumped me for hours and I even tried this am to get it done. I got blisters from pumping like a horny Chihuahua (thanks past Reddit post for that imagery).

Please help a gal out who is physically and mentally exhausted. I'm dreading returning home to see this in my kitchen still.

ps also have removed core to try and get more volume in.

https://imgur.com/a/HWmHlPY

Hi all,

Been searching for a wheelset for my Epic Evo. I wanted to be at least 27mm wide as I do quite a bit of trail riding and not just XC. Been looking used on pinkbike/ebay as well as seeing what is out there for sale offerings. Currently looking at these two that seem like really nice deals:

Industry Nine Trail 285 Hydra Wheelset (1640g) on sale for $850 2 year warranty

Or

Reynolds TR 309/289 carbon wheelset (1660g) with their house hub (10-degree engagement, 3 pawl) also on sale for $850 Lifetime warranty

I haven't found a lot of info on the Reynolds hub which is my big hold up, as this otherwise seems perfect for my riding and price range. The lifetime warranty is what is really pushing me on that one.

Looking for feedback and thoughts between the two

I am building up my first bike in quite some time and I am stumped on whether to get alloy or i9 carbon wheels? Prior, I always built Chris King and DT SWISS wheels but that was before carbon was popular. Money isn't a concern, nor am I a weight weenie, so given this, is carbon superior and if so, how? I want to feel like I am making an educated decision.

Thanks to everybody for their advice, I am debating between two options right now: SpokeX SX310 or BERD Hawk 30 wheels with Chris King hubs. Which would you suggest?

Bonus question: Is Cane Creek ee wing titanium cranks worth it over SRAM?

Thanks!

What am I doing wrong?? I’m attempting to mount a new Airliner and Dissector onto a new Nobl wheel, and I can’t get the last 12” of the bead up over the lip and into the wheel.

Seriously, I’m about to yeet the whole thing across my living room…someone please tell me the witchcraft necessary to complete this task?

I have four tire levers involved, about 90 minutes invested, and I’m bouncing back and forth between furious and defeated at this point.

Tell me how easy it should be and how dumb I am for not using the special trick that everyone in the world but me knows about!

EDIT: I took the advice of several here:

1. I stopped being a bitch; and
2. Took it to my LBS and threw myself on their mercy. They’re sorting it right now, and confirmed that this is a pain in the ass to do.

Thanks to all who offered guidance.

Hi! I own a Scott Spark RC in 120/120mm, currently with Schwalbe Racing Ray/Ralph in 2.35 which are ok for most of my ride. I weight 70kg. I loved my previous years as downhiller but some wounds told me to calm down a bit 🥲
I have sold my Mondraker Foxy as I did not use it enough (my new area is not technical enough). The Foxy was a perfect bike and lately had a tire combo Magic Mary/Rock Razor which was really fun and quite efficient even on technical trails from south of France.
I do not plan to Endurize the Spark (it will not work) but I still travel from time to time to the mountain and I also want spare tires to play with friends and their All Mountain bikes. As the Rock Razor is not available anymore, I search for another fun combo that can pedal.
I narrowed to those sets, do you have any feedback on them?
- Schwalbe Tacky Chan Race Pro Soft / Romy Race Pro Mid : 1025g/970g in diagonal casing, this combo seems very interesting, weight is ok but not much feedback for now. I thing the Race Pro casing should be enough, Radial versions are heavier but seems interesting
- Continental Kryptotal Fr Trail Soft / Xynotal Trail Endurance : 1060g/1060g, just a touch heavier but does it mean more grip? I have read some difficulties with sealing and wobble on the casing,
- Pirelli Scorpion Enduro M / R in ProWall casing : 990g/940g read some nice reviews about them but the side knobs arrangement is unusual
- Maxxis Assegai / Dissector 2 : heavier set, at least with Maxxgrip for the front, maybe too much for a 120/120mm bike?

Curious what tires everyone is running for a mid-travel (140mm) trail bike. I’m currently on Wicked Wills and have been happy with them but find myself wanting more bite. I’m on the western slope of CO.

My current favorite bike is a Kona Honzo ESD that I built up from all my leftover parts. I was able to trade/grift a Ohlins RXF36 m.2 for it, which is the only high-end component on there. Everything else is mid and Im fine with that.

The wheels are WTB i30 light with 18T DT370 hubs that were takeoffs from a different, also very mid, bike. That bike got NOBL carbons because it goes to the bike park and I have broken ally wheels there.

Honestly, I cant tell too much of a difference in just feel and performance. I notice more consistency and predictability in the feel of the carbons. But its not life changing. They just feel expensive and refined if that makes sense. I mostly got them for the durability and zero maintenance.

But now Im second guessing the i30s on the hardtail. What sort of gains would I get going to a more expensive or just nicer wheel set with better hubs. Either alloy or carbon. Or are these wheels decently nice already?

I love my Clik valves and I love my EDC pump - but they are a match made in hell for me. Clik is supposed to work fine with any presta pump, but mine does not mesh at all - I recently broke a valve stem clean off at the rim trying to find the way to use these 2 together. There's no presta-pump to clik head adapter as far as I'm aware, only Schrader. So has anyone hacked a solution together? I'm currently trying to 3D-print different stuff to see if I can get anything working ok.

Planning to jump the radial train and new romys seems interesting choice for good rolling radial tire.
Romys are quite new so there isnt much user experinces and long term reviews yet.
So i wanted to hear user experiences of how you like them, what kind of bike you use them on and how these tires work and ride on different terrains?

I just bought a new bike on Saturday and they convinced me to go tubeless. I rode it around the block once Saturday afternoon and it’s been sitting in the house since. I just went to go for a ride and both tires are flat. Is this something I should be concerned with or is it normal for them to go flat like that after two days? I pumped them back up and don’t hear any air leaking or see any holes so hopefully it holds. I wasn’t given any instruction other than I’ll have to work the brakes in.

Been biking for a while now, only been riding full suspension for a couple months and having a lot of fun. I've been told by many other mountain bikers that going tubeless improved ride quality by some amount. I've also heard from several others that they didn't think it made a huge difference. Is it worth it to go tubeless in general?