Maxxis Aspen 29x2.4 WT EXO TR
The Maxxis Aspen 29x2.4 WT EXO TR earns its spot for cross-country racing by pairing a fast, low-profile tread with a wider WT casing that improves stability and traction on variable terrain while remaining light enough for long efforts. EXO sidewall protection and tubeless-ready construction give racers a technical edge against punctures compared with ultra-light race casings, and its mid-market pricing delivers strong value versus pricier, single-purpose race tires on this list.
Silky rolling
Featherweight sprint
Silky rolling
Featherweight sprint
Review Summary
"Light, fast-rolling XC tire praised for speed and efficiency on hardpack and packed trails; acceptable sidewall protection with EXO but less traction in very loose or muddy conditions. Owners commonly report long wear and predictable handling at race pace."
EXO-armored flanks
Semi-slick center knobs for exceptionally low rolling resistance on hardpack.
EXO-armored flanks
Semi-slick center knobs for exceptionally low rolling resistance on hardpack.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Maxxis Aspen 29x2.4 WT EXO TR earns its spot for cross-country racing by pairing a fast, low-profile tread with a wider WT casing that improves stability and traction on variable terrain while remaining light enough for long efforts. EXO sidewall protection and tubeless-ready construction give racers a technical edge against punctures compared with ultra-light race casings, and its mid-market pricing delivers strong value versus pricier, single-purpose race tires on this list.
Silky rolling
Featherweight sprint
EXO-armored flanks
Semi-slick center knobs for exceptionally low rolling resistance on hardpack.
EXO sidewall protection reduces cuts while keeping weight low.
Silky rolling
Featherweight sprint
EXO-armored flanks
Semi-slick center knobs for exceptionally low rolling resistance on hardpack.
EXO sidewall protection reduces cuts while keeping weight low.
$90-130 CAD
The Ikon EXO TR is a versatile marathon tire that blends fast-rolling center knobs with reinforced EXO sidewall protection and tubeless-ready construction for puncture resistance without heavy weight. It sits between the pure-speed Race King and the grippier Racing Ralph by offering a predictable traction-to-weight ratio and widespread availability, delivering solid long-term value and lower service costs thanks to its durable casing and parts ecosystem.
High-speed glide
EXO sideguard
High-speed glide
EXO sideguard
Review Summary
"Versatile, fast-rolling XC tyre with predictable traction and useful EXO sidewall protection for mixed terrain. Some report quicker center tread wear under heavy use, yet overall reliability and speed earn strong praise."
Trail chameleon
High-volume, low-resistance profile that accelerates quickly on XC courses.
Trail chameleon
High-volume, low-resistance profile that accelerates quickly on XC courses.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Ikon EXO TR is a versatile marathon tire that blends fast-rolling center knobs with reinforced EXO sidewall protection and tubeless-ready construction for puncture resistance without heavy weight. It sits between the pure-speed Race King and the grippier Racing Ralph by offering a predictable traction-to-weight ratio and widespread availability, delivering solid long-term value and lower service costs thanks to its durable casing and parts ecosystem.
High-speed glide
EXO sideguard
Trail chameleon
High-volume, low-resistance profile that accelerates quickly on XC courses.
EXO sidewall protection balances cut resistance with light weight for marathon use.
High-speed glide
EXO sideguard
Trail chameleon
High-volume, low-resistance profile that accelerates quickly on XC courses.
EXO sidewall protection balances cut resistance with light weight for marathon use.
$75-115 CAD
The Maxxis Ardent 29x2.25 is a versatile training tire with open shoulder knobs that balance traction and rolling speed, making it ideal for mixed-surface XC sessions. It holds its position as the list's all-rounder because its durable casing options deliver puncture resistance and predictable handling at a midrange price, offering more robustness than the race-focused Racing Ralph while rolling noticeably quicker than the heavier Ground Control.
Fast rolling
Cornering anchor
Fast rolling
Cornering anchor
Review Summary
"Users praise the Ardent for dependable traction and long-term durability on loose and loamy trails, though many note it is heavier and not as fast-rolling as dedicated XC race tires."
Sidewall brawler
Open, ramped center knobs balance traction and low rolling resistance.
Sidewall brawler
Open, ramped center knobs balance traction and low rolling resistance.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Maxxis Ardent 29x2.25 is a versatile training tire with open shoulder knobs that balance traction and rolling speed, making it ideal for mixed-surface XC sessions. It holds its position as the list's all-rounder because its durable casing options deliver puncture resistance and predictable handling at a midrange price, offering more robustness than the race-focused Racing Ralph while rolling noticeably quicker than the heavier Ground Control.
Fast rolling
Cornering anchor
Sidewall brawler
Open, ramped center knobs balance traction and low rolling resistance.
Intermediate shoulder knobs provide predictable cornering for varied XC trails.
Fast rolling
Cornering anchor
Sidewall brawler
Open, ramped center knobs balance traction and low rolling resistance.
Intermediate shoulder knobs provide predictable cornering for varied XC trails.
$70-100 CAD
Schwalbe Racing Ray Super Ground 29 is the market leader for pure speed and tuned grip in dry XC conditions thanks to its Super Ground compound and race-optimized tread; it is engineered for racers who prize traction and minimal rolling resistance. Compared to the more all-around or protection-focused tires here, the Racing Ray typically commands a premium but returns top-end performance where milliseconds matter, at the expense of some long-term durability.
Low-drag roll
Aggressive bite (hooks!)
Low-drag roll
Aggressive bite (hooks!)
Review Summary
"The Schwalbe Racing Ray Super Ground 29 is widely regarded as a top pick for XC racers seeking low rolling resistance and confident front-end grip, especially in dry to mixed conditions. Users like the push in corners and the modern compound, with few complaints beyond very soft-surface limits."
Plush casing (cloudy!)
Super Ground compound combines low rolling resistance with sticky grip on mixed XC terrain.
Plush casing (cloudy!)
Super Ground compound combines low rolling resistance with sticky grip on mixed XC terrain.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Schwalbe Racing Ray Super Ground 29 is the market leader for pure speed and tuned grip in dry XC conditions thanks to its Super Ground compound and race-optimized tread; it is engineered for racers who prize traction and minimal rolling resistance. Compared to the more all-around or protection-focused tires here, the Racing Ray typically commands a premium but returns top-end performance where milliseconds matter, at the expense of some long-term durability.
Low-drag roll
Aggressive bite (hooks!)
Plush casing (cloudy!)
Super Ground compound combines low rolling resistance with sticky grip on mixed XC terrain.
Slim, fast-rolling tread pattern excels on smooth to moderately loose surfaces.
Low-drag roll
Aggressive bite (hooks!)
Plush casing (cloudy!)
Super Ground compound combines low rolling resistance with sticky grip on mixed XC terrain.
Slim, fast-rolling tread pattern excels on smooth to moderately loose surfaces.
$80-130 CAD
The Maxxis Ardent combines fast-rolling center knobs with aggressive shoulder lugs for confident cornering on XC trails, making it a best-in-class choice for riders seeking a balance of speed and grip. Its durable wire bead clincher construction and proven Maxxis compound give reliable puncture resistance at a competitive price, standing out against lighter race-specific options like the Continental Race King while offering more traction than the Schwalbe Rapid Rob.
Sticky traction — loves roots
Fast-rolling center
Sticky traction — loves roots
Fast-rolling center
Review Summary
"Consistently praised for fast rolling speed and reliable traction in varied XC/trail conditions; durable casing for wire-bead versions, though some users report faster wear of knobs under heavy use."
Corner-hugging — clawed grip
Aggressive center tread for confident traction at speed
Corner-hugging — clawed grip
Aggressive center tread for confident traction at speed
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Maxxis Ardent combines fast-rolling center knobs with aggressive shoulder lugs for confident cornering on XC trails, making it a best-in-class choice for riders seeking a balance of speed and grip. Its durable wire bead clincher construction and proven Maxxis compound give reliable puncture resistance at a competitive price, standing out against lighter race-specific options like the Continental Race King while offering more traction than the Schwalbe Rapid Rob.
Sticky traction — loves roots
Fast-rolling center
Corner-hugging — clawed grip
Aggressive center tread for confident traction at speed
Open shoulder knobs for predictable cornering on mixed terrain
Sticky traction — loves roots
Fast-rolling center
Corner-hugging — clawed grip
Aggressive center tread for confident traction at speed
Open shoulder knobs for predictable cornering on mixed terrain
$50-80 CAD
The Ardent Race EXO TR 29 is a tubeless-ready XC tire that trades a little extra weight for EXO sidewall protection and a grippier, slightly more aggressive tread that excels in loose or technical XC sections. Against the other options it offers noticeably tougher sidewalls and cornering confidence—making it a pragmatic choice when durability and puncture resistance on rough courses matter more than the absolute lightest rolling performance, and it usually competes well on price-to-durability.
Aggressive bite
EXO sidewall armor
Aggressive bite
EXO sidewall armor
Review Summary
"Riders commonly report the Maxxis Ardent Race EXO TR as a great all-round fast XC tire with noticeably better sidewall protection from the EXO casing and strong cornering grip for its class, though some note slightly faster wear under hard use. Its tubeless-ready construction and balanced grip/speed make it a frequent pick for mixed XC and light trail."
Clings like spider
EXO sidewall protection enhances cut and abrasion resistance
Clings like spider
EXO sidewall protection enhances cut and abrasion resistance
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Ardent Race EXO TR 29 is a tubeless-ready XC tire that trades a little extra weight for EXO sidewall protection and a grippier, slightly more aggressive tread that excels in loose or technical XC sections. Against the other options it offers noticeably tougher sidewalls and cornering confidence—making it a pragmatic choice when durability and puncture resistance on rough courses matter more than the absolute lightest rolling performance, and it usually competes well on price-to-durability.
Aggressive bite
EXO sidewall armor
Clings like spider
EXO sidewall protection enhances cut and abrasion resistance
Tread tuned for a balance of grip and speed on varied XC terrain
Aggressive bite
EXO sidewall armor
Clings like spider
EXO sidewall protection enhances cut and abrasion resistance
Tread tuned for a balance of grip and speed on varied XC terrain
$65-100 CAD