Maxxis Ardent vs Rubber Queen

buddy_club

Hello, looking for some advice as to which would be a better front tyre for my Voodoo Bizango, currently running the stock Ardent 2.25 on the front, (cheap, wired OEM one) but can get a good deal on a folding 2.2 Rubber Queen (no 2.4's unfortunately) Which is the better front tyre? Is it worth buying the Rubber Queen at £16?

Myster101

Not really unless you get the Black Chilli Rubber Queen (more expensive than £16 though).

buddy_club

Okay it's just the standard folding rubber queen.

Myster101

The Rubber Queen might be a bit lighter but as for grip they're pretty similar (IMO). A 2.2 Rubber Queen is quite wide though, the 2.4 is massive.

buddy_club

I've always heard that the tyres that come with bikes are worse than ones you can buy, the Maxxis Ardent is the stock tyre that came with the bike, I'm tempted to be honest, folding for 16£ seems a bit of a bargain to me.

Myster101

I used the same Rubber Queen on the front of my bike and was pretty happy with it (also had the Ardents). In fact it's still in my garage with very little use, you could have it for £12 posted if you want which will save you a bit of cash.

buddy_club

Is it a 29er tyre? I'd be tempted to take you p on that if so

Myster101

Ah sorry mate it's a 26". For £16 though buy it and see what you think.

buddy_club

That's exactly what I was thinking, if I hate it then I can put it on eBay for a tenner or so and make a bit of money back, thanks for your advice though mate.

peter413

Unless the Conti is Black Chili (seriously doubt it at that price) then I'd stay away from them, they're horrible. Just because the Ardent is wired doesn't mean it's a nasty compound, could actually be a good compound so you might be swapping from a nice softish compound to a horrible plasticky one.

Are you actually having any problems with the Ardent or is this purely you fancy a change? If you aren't having any problems with the Ardent then I'd suggest just leaving it until it wears since you're unlikely to see any improvements for £16. If you're wanting to ditch the wire beads for a folding bead you're better off spending a little more to get a nicer compound since the little benefit in weight will be far outweighed by the loss of grip.

buddy_club

Yeah, I'm gonna leave it, bought some bars I the Planet X sale instead, 810mm! For £20 - although they'll probably get trimmed.