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I've not used these since some OE Ardents I had on my Giant backing 2015 and then on a Hardtail i had Maxxis Advantage front and rear in 26 wheels.
They dont do them in 27.5 or 29er so was wondering what the nearest equivalent is these days?
What you looking to ride op?
It's for a Hardtail currently have Ralph rear and Ray front. Great rolling tyre but extremely flimsy. I did have schwalbe tough tom but they were a bit vague grip wise. But never suffered a puncture with tubes.
I mainly stick to gravel canals in winter, a short section of mud/gravel track. Use the Hardtail mainly in winter.
So something that isn't like riding in syrup but something that isn't going to puncture by looking at it the wrong way.
Forekasters in the Exo variety?
I'm a pretty bimbly cross country type of rider (forest roads, Land Rover tracks, some tarmac, a few rocky bits) and put a pair of Continental Mountain Kings on the new bike back in February. I found them quite draggy and ripped one after 250 km so replaced them with a pair of Ikons which are now 1250 km old and doing just fine.
Had a look and seem ideal but says it’s designed for 30-35mm inner rim diameter. Mine are 29mm https://www.marinbikes.com/gb/bike-archive/bikes/2019-bobcat-trail-4-1
Will they fit?
Maxxis Ardent EXO Folding Tyre https://g.co/kgs/vD6gC5
I've run adrents for over 5 years all year round once on a 29er hardtail and currently a Sonder Evol 140mm travel full suspension (tubeless), it's not everyones cup of tea but covers most things I do from road with my eldest daughter, XC to bike park Wales.
They may get abit loose when your on the raggedy edge but otherwise great all rounders.
I was thinking Highroller 2 front and Ardent rear.
Not totally sure about this job but usually I'd say there's nothing a highroller 2 can do that a dhr2 doesn't do better. But for this one job, maybe.
Minion SS on the back (if it must be Maxxis- the rockrazor is the same thing only better imo, but the Minion is still pretty damn good. I'm a huge fan of these semi-slicks, faster than an Ardent or similar but also more grip where it counts. EXCEPT straightline braking on hard stuff.
Ardent Race 2.35 Front, Ikon 2.35 Rear on my Hardtail.
Minion DHR2 2.3 front, Minion SS Rear on my trail bike.
Also got a pair of Shortys that go on in winter.
These guys do some really good guides:
https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/blogs/worldwide-cyclery-blog/which-maxxis-tire-is-right-for-you
HR2 is not a bimbly sort of tyre and of all the Maxxis options it wouldn't be my choice as a front tyre for any discipline. It is however great as an all round rear but overkill for gravel.
Exo sidewalls are tough and I have not damaged one in 6 years of riding. Btw the knobs on Maxxis tyres vary with width, i.e. the Ardent 2.4 is a lot knobblier than the 2.25. From your riding description dual compound front and rear sounds best.
Most of the suggestion, IMO, seem over the top for the kind of riding you describe. I would look at Ikon's, Aspen's, Recon race or possibly ardent race, or some combination. You could pair an ardent or rekon (standard) with some of the other suggestions. And go with EXO/ TR.
But I would also look at Bontranger xr3 (new version) and or xr2. Not tried the new xr3 but looks and sounds like a quick fit and forget all rounder for anything below enduro or ultra muddy trails.
+1 ^ . Look at the lighter xc maxxis tyres to replace a ray/ralph. An ardent race/ ikon combo is good. I haven't used the other xc tyres, but world cup xc seem all over 2.4 aspens. Make sure you get the exo sidewall version. Check your clearance if you are going for 2.4s.