Maxxis Aspen review and initial impressions (vs Specialized tires)

[@bradleycox9835]

Currently racing a 2022 Santa Cruz Blur on 2.4 Aspens front and rear... I absolutely love them. Cornering is the best I've ever experienced. The only time I notice slippage is when I get out of the saddle on something really steep but any tire can slip under those circumstances. I'm also impressed with the wear. I thought the smallish center blocks would be fragile but I'm not seeing any chunking or noticeable wear after approximately 100 miles of trail riding & a handful of XC races. Not many sharp or abrasive rocks around here though...

[@addictcyclist]

Thanks for the feedback! I love the grip and dialed in pressure and rarely ever slip these days. 18lbs rear and i weigh 180lbs

[@bradleycox9835]

@@addictcyclist Oops! I should have posted weight & pressures. I65 lbs and I'm running 18 psi front & 20 rear. BTW, in my experience the Aspens are great on either end... or both in my case. Thanks!

[@benmillns8976]

I've just fitted some Aspens on my 27.5 hardtail this morning. They came in at 584g and 596g, which was a nice surprise... Can't wait to get out on them.

[@addictcyclist]

You will love them! Only thing missing is them in 29er 😂👍😎

[@zerocool675]

@@addictcyclist don't hate on us 27.5ers haha - I just ordered them for my hardtail 27.5 as well. My ikons were starting to lose air through the tan sidewalls... was hard to switch, I have used ikons for years now and love the predictability of them. But being that I only ride my hardtail on specific courses now, I was looking for the fastest rolling tire from maxxis that still was grippy enough in corners. Almost went rekon race, but I'm excited to try the Aspens.

[@tarpontime7562]

Damn that’s a sexy bike. Been wanting that frame color since it came out

[@skinny8019]

currently building my XC/DC bike (revel ranger)...going to start with Rekons 2.4....was thinking about aspen 2.4....i test rode aspen 2.4 on a new 2022 blur...they were really fast and light!...thanks for the post. (i ended up getting the roval control SL you reviewed...thx for that also)

[@addictcyclist]

Glad to hear it! Sounds like your building a fast machine!

[@ken1727]

I just tried out the same aspen on the same wheel yesterday as my front. Was surprised how grippy it was. Just as good as my fast track and my rekon race and the old version racing Ralph. They felt a little heavy to me coming off the sworks tires but my legs still may be a little sore from skyway epic this past weekend. My aspen was used from a friend and weighed in at 689. I’d like to get a set of 2.4’s. I had reckon race 2.4’s previously and they were great just tried the sworks for something lighter but learned my lesson this weekend during the race when I got a sidewall tear 😢.

[@addictcyclist]

Thanks for Kenneth for the feedback! Maxxis Aspen are now my number 1. 2.4 version are a little heavier and need to lean over more for side knob engagement. My 2.25 blow up to 2.30 on my wide 29 internal rims.

[@norcalchrismeister]

Nice vid. I'm thinking of getting the Aspens for my Epic Evo Comp.

[@addictcyclist]

Once you dial in pressure, they are fast and grip like hell

[@utfhunter]

I have used an Aspen 26*2.1 for 5 years on my Kona Blast and was disappointed with the front wheel grip. I fell to the ground several times during the corner on various surfaces such as asphalt with a little sand, and on dirt dry slightly loose surfaces. But the Aspen roll is very good. After Aspen, I put on Ikon 26*2.2 and the grip of the tires became much more everywhere, sometimes it even seemed that there was an excess, but the rolling became much worse. Might want to try the Aspen on the rear, and people say the 29*2.25 Aspen has a lot more tire grip than the 26".

[@tonimanuel2416]

Same here..i used the aspen 26 x 2.1 with some succes on the rear..put on the front and experienced exactly the same

[@utfhunter]

@@tonimanuel2416 nice comment)) What tyres do u prefer today?

[@tonimanuel2416]

@@utfhunter hello Stalislav....I am using Vitoria barzo mainly....cheers

[@felipealvarez2466]

Just came across your vids and like how you describe tire performance I can relate to...I have not tried these Aspens . Have you tried the Maxxis RekonRace? I recently used a rental (Stock 28lb Giant Anthem 29) for Sea Otter classic race that had 2.25 Maxxis RekonRace tires on it front/rear. With a mix of hard pack, gravel, and sandy sections I was impressed so I ordered a set. I pushed them beyond there limits during that race but I finished. Held a 20-24mph on most of the last paved mile.

[@addictcyclist]

Thanks for the feedback! I have not tried the rekon race but a lot of my friend run it on the rear with a Aspen on front. Everyone seems to love these two low profile xc tires from Maxxis. I went with Aspen as the tread is even shorter than the rekon race 😎

[@felipealvarez2466]

No prob... I actually now run the Rekon Race 2.35 front and 2.25 rear and they do not bog on damp to loamy single track and sticky switch backs. I can relate when you describe the old FastTraks as being crazy fast, which are my go to tire for my Crave SL 29r-SS (40-14) for road and gravel. Great videos by the way.

[@addictcyclist]

@@felipealvarez2466 thanks! I’m shocked how three aspens and rekon race grip.
The old Fast traks were special. Specialized has a deal on them in their site but their stock is probably the heavy ones left 😂

[@manabiker]

You still have the nubs on the Specialized tires, when I ride them they are slower until I ware the nubs off, after that the tires got much better, lap times went down, they need to be broke in..

[@addictcyclist]

I do agree, I have owned the new version fastrak. The renegade just felt like it was dragging in my sandy trail system. It was a rocket on hard packed. The aspens are noticeably faster and grip faster in every condition so far. And a very subtle tire.

[@i.martin-aparicio]

I'm thinking about riding the Orbea Oiz with the Aspen in front, but I don't know if in 2.25 or 2.40. At 2.40 it has excessive weight... what do you think?
Behind I will ride Wolfpack Speed ​​2.25

[@addictcyclist]

2.4 will grip more as I used on my spark. But 2.25 will work. To be honest, this video is older, I switched to Pirelli scorpion xc RC and best tire ever ridden. Grips like a trail tire and rolls like a xc tire. Check out my scorpion video

[@k.walvarado2156]

Hello! Which one would you recommend? Sworks renegade / fastrak T5/T7 version or the Aspens 29 2.25s? Particularly in weight, grip and performance.. Thanks man!

[@k.walvarado2156]

and btw, is there a fake Maxxis aspen or some maxxis mtb tires? Saw some pairs coming from china.. and im confused if i should buy it or not.. The price i think is a lil bit lower than the srp's

[@addictcyclist]

Aspens all the way! They grip equal but roll faster shockingly. They are more supple over roots at 120tpi.
Only buy from reputable retailers. Use the app, Active Junky. It’s a cash rebate app and through the app you purchase from backcountry, competitive cyclist, or planet Cyclery.

[@massimoaugu]

hello I mount aspen at the rear, beautiful but it seems to lack grip under braking for xc. I would also like to put it in front but I'm afraid. in front of it would be better a fast trak t5 control? thank you

[@addictcyclist]

No issues here wirh braking. I run 19-20lbs I in rear. The front grip better than fastrak at 18psi. I have no complaints!

[@massimoaugu]

a thousand thanks! sorry again for the trouble but I need to understand. Do you use aspens in marathons on smooth roads? I use it on even steep paths in the woods and
at the rear, the very low knobs under braking struggle to catch the ground. however they have the advantage in these situations of not drifting but keeping the trajectory. thanks for the exchange of views

[@addictcyclist]

@@massimoaugu my trail system is more xc. Fast rolling. Hard packed with some sand. If I lived in a rocky or loamy area I would use the rekon. A lot of my friends are on Aspen front and rear. I train and race with them. Wet leaves in winter are a challenge but totally doable with a little caution .

[@darkacept]

Aspens have been my go to tire for the last 4 years, both in front and rear. they have amazing grip in the rear when climbing really steep climbs. This week i have bought a Pirelli tire for the first time to try on the back, let's see how it compares.

[@addictcyclist]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@magnumllama400]

Let us know about pirelli

[@MTB_CRZY]

How is the pirelli working out? Looking at getting either aspens or pirelli XC tires.

[@darkacept]

@@MTB_CRZY well they are a good fast tire, but bad luck or not...in my first race with them, side cut in the rear tire in the first 15km. With Aspen's never had a side wall cut in more than 4 years of racing and in much more demanding terrain. Aspens also offer better traction when climbing.

[@MTB_CRZY]

@@darkacept thanks a bunch, I think im gonna go with Aspens then :)

[@daiqiliu9971]

are those maxxis tires fatter than the fastrak ones ? my friend is ridding maxxis 2.20 ikon, and they are as fat as my 2.35 fast trak.

[@addictcyclist]

Aspens feel slightly faster than the original fastrak. Aspens feel faster than the new version fastrak hands down

[@michalvolec1324]

How about comparing Aspen to Rekon Race, is faster but better for hardpack?

[@addictcyclist]

Check out my video library. All you need to know 😎

[@edlorenz1552]

Racing Ray front / Rocket Ron rear. You'll never need to buy a different tire combo ever again.

[@addictcyclist]

I’m familiar with the rocket ron in rear. The Aspen feels faster and has more bite when leaned over. The ron were fast no doubt. The rons do have a better rolling resistance rating when testing on the drum, but I find the test flawed as the solid drum does not take into effect treading in dirt.

[@edlorenz1552]

@@addictcyclist I'm just going by experience. I've never relied on the rolling resistance web site to be honest. The Rays have never washed out on me and thst is why I like them.

[@hrodulf8]

Nice video ! How about the puncture resistance. Since the amount of open space between the knobs of the Aspen, there is a lot of room for punctures, no ?

[@addictcyclist]

Thanks! Not one puncture. Best xc tires I have ever owned. I use orange seal endurance sealant as well. Creates a nice internal barrier over time after several top offs

[@rob6310]

I sed these tires for everything...until I discovered the Conti Race Kings. 629g for a 29x2.2, extremely fast rollers.

[@addictcyclist]

I switched up the Pirelli scorpion xc RC and loving them!

[@XCRiders]

Put the 2.25 Aspen’s on last night.
On a mile section that goes down hill winding left and right in loose fine gravel that has played havoc on me for years, I killed it today!
Strava #1 fastest time of the year everybody!!!
(heavily traveled trail)
Them new Aspen 2.25 tires are great! (2021 Orbea Oiz M-team tr)

[@addictcyclist]

Great news! Tire pressure is key with these. Don’t be afraid to run low pressure, they roll along just fine in the straight/flats.

[@XCRiders]

@@addictcyclist I ran 21 f 25 b
I’m gonna take it down tomorrow 19-23

[@addictcyclist]

@@XCRiders I’m 180 lbs. i run 17fr 19r

[@XCRiders]

@@addictcyclist I’m 190 at the moment, I drop them down 18-22today see what it does!!
(I’ve watched Nino’s video on tire pressure).
Using a SKS digital pressure gauge, very accurate

[@addictcyclist]

@@XCRiders I use a digital gauge as well on my air compressor before a ride.

[@glinden]

Did you notice a big diference due to the size? 2.35 to 2.25

[@addictcyclist]

Nothing major but I just swapped on 2.4 aspens and they are wide! And loads of grip. Little less snappy out of breaking in the corner

[@glinden]

@@addictcyclist thanks for the reply. I’ll be trying the rekon race with 2.25 Back 2.35 front. Let’s see

[@massimomusto1975]

Have you tried kenda booster pro 2.4 sct? The roll fast and re so grippy.

[@addictcyclist]

I tried the 2.25 version and the non SCT which was their race casing. I did think they were great but the race version sidewalls were spewing sealant and the sidewalls were very flimsy. Had to run higher pressures to keep them stable.

[@massimomusto1975]

@@addictcyclist yes tr version is quite thin and i got it only in front, 2.4 add quite a lot grip and confort

[@addictcyclist]

@@massimomusto1975 I considered the SCT before I went with Aspen but they were all sold out. Will give a go again in future.

[@massimoaugu]

i had the same problems with the booster pro tr 29x2.2 and the weight was very far from stated. in terms of grip have you noticed any differences compared to aspen?

[@addictcyclist]

@@massimoaugu aspens are top notch

[@laxplaysu91]

have you tried the 2.4 versions?

[@addictcyclist]

I have not, they are a little too large for my frame but 2 friends use the 2.4 and love them. Roll fast and crazy grip on corners!

[@laxplaysu91]

@@addictcyclist alright that's what I like to hear!! currently on rekon race 2.35s but building a 30mm ID wheel set and will be putting 2.4 aspens on them

[@igo555]

Ни хуя не понятно, но очень интересно!

[@JasonLiske]

Thunderburts are better / faster.

[@addictcyclist]

Faster yes, but with a lot less grip. Aspen for me has been best compromise for fast rolling and grip.