Currently I was using a Schwalbe Hans Dampf TS/Nobby Nic PS 2.25" combo, but the idea that it was too much tire for this kept buzzing my mind.
I really like the Schwalbe Pace Star compound, it is really fast, and grips well "most" of the time...
But when it let's go ... it lets go violently, and if it is on the front, that will be ground time.
On anything like wet roots, wet slick rocks it slips like ice.
Schwalbe Trail Star sticks to the ground good enough, but almost TOO sticky, it drags a bit too much for me. In the front it is good, as the load is not so high, so it does not contribute too much for rolling resistance, and you have the added grip...
Now, with the ADDIX compounds, this problem should be solved, as the new "SPEEDGRIP" compound rolls as good as the Pace Star, but with some added grip so you do not die in the wet.
If you have a death wish, the ADDIX SPEED compound is supposed to be faster than PACE STAR, and you have the "SOFT" and "ULTRA SOFT" versions, which should relate to Trail Star.
So ... I could just replace the front tire with a "SPEEDGRIP" version and the rubber issue would be solved.
Still ... Rubber is just part of the equation, as both Hans Damps and Nobby Nic are, well ... knobby !
The impact of the rubber compound can be seen on rolling resistance tests on smooth drums. As for the tread and knobbyness, I'm not so sure, as it is not easy to replicate the drag of the knobs perforating dirt.
As alternative to Schwalbe's options, I considered MAXXIS. Many many people run and swear by them.
One particular good thing on MAXXIS is that they have millions of options regarding tires.
For example, I like wide tires, as wider is better, rolls faster, more confort, more grip, more everything.
I also like XC/XCM type treads in order to roll faster, and as I do not do very technical stuff ( as I am technically "challenged").
If I look at Schwalbes options, in 2.35" wide, I only have options in the Trail/All Mountain variety.
There is no Racing Ralph or Rocket Ron in that width.
Maxxis has you covered, the Ikon is available from 1.9" up to 2.6" !!!
Regarding rubber, Maxxis' "MAXXSPEED" compound is somewhat in the middle of the old PACESTAR / TRAILSTAR, so, to me it is kind of a Goldilocks option.
For the rear tire, maybe a faster rubber would be good, but let's not mix brands for now.
Based on reports, advice, competition guys (Brazil Ride, Cape Epic), etc, the alternative combo is :
MAXXIS ARDENT RACE / IKON !!!
Both available in 2.35, both suited to XCM, light weight, low tread, sidewall protection.
The Ardent Race should be grippier and have more braking/corner control, so it will go in the front.
the Ikon is a classic rear tire, so I am expecting it to be good and fast.
Now, let's break out the science ! Is the Maxxis combo better than the current Schwalbe one ?
On weight, they are almost the same, so no difference there.
Regarding rolling resistance :
Front
Looking at this, I can expect to gain around ... 10 Watts in the front at my favorite pressure, and loose about 5 Watts in the rear, which would still be a 5 Watt improvement.
Still debatable as the load on the front is lower, so not so important for rolling resistance, so ... maybe not much to gain.
One thing to note, is that the results are for MAXXIS 2.2" version, so the 2.35" should have better results as WIDER IS BETTER !
( One of the many tests showing this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGv329v8-vI )
( Wider is better comparison on road tires : https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/specials/conti-gp4000s-ii-23-25-28 )
In summary, I made the move to MAXXIS, worst case I have feedback on how they ride.
I am not expecting real improvements on asphalt based on the rolling resistance tests, but I am expecting better overall performance, as the compound is more versatile, it should do better in a variety of environments, and I do expect them to roll better in hardpack dirt, as the center knobs are much lower.
Also, better comfort due to the slightly wider size.
Last but not least, the bright yellow sidewall logo looks good on my bike !
Still, I am not so keen on loosing the agro looking tires...
Let's see how they hold up !
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