Maxxis Ardent Race, as a front tyre?

It’s been about 15 years since I’ve done a ‘what tyre’ thread.

Who has used a Maxxis Ardent Race as a front tyre? It’s different to the normal Ardent, more knobs, closer pattern, lower profile – so I’m not worried about hearing about normal Ardent usage!

I’ve been running a Forekaster up front for a while, but I’m on the edge of swapping out to an Ardent Race 2.35 as it’s so dry at the moment.

If I do, and I don’t get any replies, I’ll post up my findings anyway!

But it’d be great if someone to either save me time, or inspire me.

Ran that with a crossmark 2 on the back. Fast but a little bit sketchy.

Did for a bit, probably wouldn’t. Maybe if you’re only using it on dry hard surfaces. It’s also one of the least durable tyres I’ve used.

I have one on the front of a hardtail. It’s very sketchy on anything that’s not dry hardpack. I’m planning on replacing it with something grippier and using it on the back. I don’t recommend it as a front tyre unless you are racing in dry conditions.

As others have said it really is only suited to very dry conditions. I found the sidewalls very delicate, too.

Whats up with the Forekaster that you’d want to swap it out?

My ‘downcountry’ bike came with Reckon Race front & rear so was considering the Forekaster as a bit more trail friendly alternative on the front

I run forekasters (or with a beaver rear) in the winter then swap to a pair of ardent race in summer.

Oddly a much better tyre than a regular ardent which is neither fast nor grippy. The AR isn’t grippy but it’s fast.

It’s a bit tougher and a bit more grip than a crossmark or ikon though which would be my usual fast summer go to.

Whats up with the Forekaster that you’d want to swap it out?

for me it’s that a Forekaster is slow in summer. It’s a mud tyre really. Forekaster squirms a bit more too and is less good on rocks.

Nothing “wrong” with it but I enjoy a fast tyre when conditions permit, and then some spicy handling when they don’t but I’ve not changed back yet.

Ikon or Rekon race both ends.