Ardent Race
Ardent Race

Ardent Race

$82.00

$45.00
( / )

Ready to ship

The Maxxis Ardent Race shares many features with the Ikon - small, ramped center tread - but offers improved cornering performance with more substantial side knobs.

  • Dual compound or 3C MaxxSpeed options
  • 60 TPI or 120 TPI casing options
  • EXO sidewall protection
  • Select specs are Tubeless Ready (TR), confirm in table below

Category: XC Race, XC, Trail

Recommended use: Dry to mixed XC trail conditions

Recommended installation: Front or Rear
Available Technologies

Available Technologies

3C MaxxSpeed
EXO
Tubeless Ready

3C MaxxSpeed

Used primarily in cross country (XC) tires, the two compounds in the outer layer are specially formulated to reduce rolling resistance and optimize treadwear and traction.

*Note that the 3C MaxxSpeed compound is being phased out for the new MaxxSpeed launched in April 2023.

Diagram of Maxxis 3C MaxxSpeed compound construction.

EXO

EXO is a cut- and abrasion-resistant material added to the sidewalls of many Maxxis mountain bike and gravel tires. This densely woven fabric is lightweight and highly flexible, ensuring that the performance of the tire remains unaffected. Choose EXO Protection for enhanced durability for gravel, XC, and light-duty trail riding.

EXO Cutaway for web

Tubeless Ready

Tubeless ready tires provide the rider with many benefits: the ability to run lower air pressures, which improves traction; lower rolling resistance when compared to a tube-type tire; and less chance of flatting because there is no tube. Tubeless ready tires are denoted by the letters “TR” on the sidewall.
Tubeless ready tires must be mounted to tubeless compatible rims and require the use of a liquid sealant to maintain pressure. Liquid sealants have the added benefit of sealing small punctures. Be sure to check your sealant regularly and refresh as needed as it will dry out over time.
Liquid sealants should only be used in the following types of tires: tubeless road, tubular, and tubeless ready. The use of liquid sealants in any other Maxxis tire will void the warranty.
Tubeless Ready Maxxis Shorty bicycle tire.

Performance Ratings

Rolling Speed

Cornering Control

Braking Traction

Overall rating: 4.607143 / 5 from 28 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The Maxxis Ardent Race offers excellent traction and secure cornering, making it ideal for dry to mixed XC trail conditions. It features a small, ramped center tread with improved cornering performance and more substantial side knobs. The tire is lightweight and provides great rolling performance.

Summary topics

  • Traction: 20%
  • Performance: 53%

Review topics: ["quality","shipping","tire","traction","cornering","track","rolling","resistance","grip","combo"].

Review highlights

  • "Overall, I high quality tire with good performance." — Scott G.
  • "Predictable and fast rolling, this is by far my favorite racing tire for both front and back." — Nathan C.
  • "Good tire but I expected the Maxxis logo to be white not yellow." — Gilbert F.

Reviews

Awesome tire grips well and

"Awesome tire grips well and got shipped sooner than I expected Awesome tire overall 10/10"

— Jose V. (5/5)

They are working great!

"They are working great!"

— Marvin B. (5/5)

Llanta Arden Race 29x2. 35

"Me urge conseguir una llanta Arden Race 29x2. 35 Maxx Speed EXO TR"

— Juan B. (5/5)

The tires have great traction

"The tires have great traction and are a breath of fresh air compared to my older tires, although the tires came very loose and were almost impossible to put on bike without them popping out."

— Caleb H. (4/5)

Huge upgrade from the stock

"Huge upgrade from the stock hybrid tires that cane with the bike. Good cornering but could be better. Overall, I high quality tire with good performance. Def wont be disappointed if you purchase these tires."

— Scott G. (4/5)

Fast rolling and durable enough

"Fast rolling and durable enough to stand up to the sharp rocks on the local trails."

— Trace P. (5/5)

Great traction while cornering. Just

"Great traction while cornering. Just as confident as with my old Butcher tires."

— Brian N. (5/5)

Amazing tire

"I have ridden this tire on a one day white rim and now in my 14th Leadville Trail 100. By far the best tire I have ridden in that race. I have ridden Conti XKing, Pythons, Spec fast track, ZMax, Ikon(one of my least favs), and this was the best. It rolls very well on the pavement sections and with the packed track from the rain, its braking and corning ability was shockingly excellent. The Ikon is a very good tire but it is slower on pavement and doesn't have the side bite for the sandyish trails of Leadville."

— Whit (5/5)

Good all around tire for

"Good all around tire for our area. Great for Swedetown (old school hand built singletrack), you need to be smart with it up at the Harbor (much more vertical with fast descents)."

— Marc N. (5/5)

Good tire but I expected

"Good tire but I expected the Maxxis logo to be white not yellow."

— Gilbert F. (4/5)

Q&A

Is there going to be a replacement for the Ardent Race since it was discontinue? Rumor has it the replacement is the Rekon. I hope that's not the case. That tire isn't that great.
Hi Matt, there is not a direct replacement for the Ardent Race. The closest option would be the Ikon. The Rekon skews a bit more towards the trail side of things instead of XC. Hope that helps!
Hello - I currently ride a 2024 Trek Marlin 8. I'm looking to purchase a new set of tires.Maxxis Ardent Race, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60tpi, 29x2.20'' These tires have white letter on the sidewall.
The Ardent Race is no longer in production. We would recommend the Ikon or Rekon as alternatives.
I'm an Ardent Race fan - been riding them on my Cross Country and "Down Country" Santa Cruz bikes. What would be a comparable tire - weight, grip and control?
The Rekon would be a great replacement for the Ardent Race.
Is the ardent race discontinued?
Yes, the Ardent Race tire has been discontinued. However, you might want to look into the Rekon or Ikon patterns, which could be great alternatives depending on your specific preferences and riding style.
When will the Ardent Race be available with the new silica infused max speed compound?
The Ardent Race is not currently in production so there won't be a version with the new MaxxSpeed compound.
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