Interbike 2013: Maxxis adds skinwall, quick Ardent

Loads of tubeless-ready options, too

Those of a certain age…

Granted, skinwall tyres aren’t to everyone’s liking- but they are effective at pulling bling-blinded cyclists of a certain age out of the trade show aisle. For 2014, the Maxxis Ardent 29×2.25 and 29×2.4 will be offered with a tan wall. Awesome, right? Just the thing for that skinny-tubed hardtail, wouldn’t you say?

More knobs, more tightly spaced.

Aside from a monster DH tyre, the Ardent Race is Maxxis’ new tread for 2014. Clearly resembling to the original Ardent, the Ardent Race’s knobs are similar but lower and more tightly spaced. This should make for lower rolling resistance and – it stands to reason – a nice rear when paired with an Ardent front. (Or an aggressive race front with an Icon rear?) The tube-type and tubeless-ready Ardent Race will be available in a 2.2in width for 26in, 27.5in, and 29er wheels. Sadly, no skinwall is mentioned for this quick, high-volume addition.

Ardent tread for comparison

Maxxis has also spent a good deal of time creating tubeless ready versions of existing tread patterns. For 2014, everyone from XC racers to the Enduro crowd will be able to benefit from sealant-approved casings with tubeless bead shaping:

Tubeless Ready
Ikon	26×2.20; 26×2.35; 29×2.20; 29×2.35	XC	Sealant approved
Crossmark	26×2.10; 29×2.10	XC	Sealant approved
Ardent	26×2.25; 27.5×2.40; 29×2.25	Trail	Sealant approved
Ardent Race	26×2.20; 27.5×2.20; 29×2.20	XC/Trail	Sealant approved
Ignitor	26×2.10; 29×2.10	Trail	Sealant approved
Minion DHF	26×2.30; 27.5×2.30; 29x.230; 29×2.50	Trail/Enduro	Sealant approved
Minion DHR II	26×2.30; 29×2.30	Trail/Enduro	Sealant approved
High Roller II	26×2.30; 27.5×2.30; 20×2.30	Trail/Enduro	Sealant approved