I'm usually one the reviewers that comments on tire spec, and it's because I don't think someone buying a new bike should have to pay for new tires at the same time. I hear what you're saying, and realize this is location dependent. I think tire spec should be appropriate of the intended use of the bike, both compound and casing.
* Unless it's a DH bike, I don't think there should be a MaxxGrip (or similar) tire on the rear.
* For a 155 mm plus travel bike, there should be a MaxxGrip (or similar) front tire, EXO+ front is ok, for longer travel should have atleast a DD rear tire.
* For a bike like this, I think it's plenty appropriate that there is a MaxxTerra on the front. I don't think Cam is saying this isn't appropriate for this bike, a MaxxTerra front tire is probably appropriate for most folks. I think Cam is simply saying that for around here in the winter a MaxxTerra front tire is inadequate, and on that I completely agree.
As for not using MaxxGrip at all, a MaxxGrip front tire doesn't add significant rolling resistance, will last a long time, and offer more grip everywhere. Even for a place that doesn't NEED a MaxxGrip front tire, I'd still prefer to have one.
Feb. 18, 2022, 12:03 p.m. - Tim Coleman
I'm usually one the reviewers that comments on tire spec, and it's because I don't think someone buying a new bike should have to pay for new tires at the same time. I hear what you're saying, and realize this is location dependent. I think tire spec should be appropriate of the intended use of the bike, both compound and casing. * Unless it's a DH bike, I don't think there should be a MaxxGrip (or similar) tire on the rear. * For a 155 mm plus travel bike, there should be a MaxxGrip (or similar) front tire, EXO+ front is ok, for longer travel should have atleast a DD rear tire. * For a bike like this, I think it's plenty appropriate that there is a MaxxTerra on the front. I don't think Cam is saying this isn't appropriate for this bike, a MaxxTerra front tire is probably appropriate for most folks. I think Cam is simply saying that for around here in the winter a MaxxTerra front tire is inadequate, and on that I completely agree. As for not using MaxxGrip at all, a MaxxGrip front tire doesn't add significant rolling resistance, will last a long time, and offer more grip everywhere. Even for a place that doesn't NEED a MaxxGrip front tire, I'd still prefer to have one.