Q: My opinion is that the question "good on road or not?" may depend on the point of view. Some people (like me) use their MTB not only on dirt tracks ou downhill tracks, but rather ride most of the time on road. Eventually some crosscountry ride may come up along the weekend and for this we really want a reliable tire that won't make us fall in the first corner... For this case, I would say that no tire will work perfectly for both worlds. For this, what we need is a tire that partially attends both of them as better as possible, giving good enough rolling resistance on the road and good enough grip on the dirt and a bit technical downhills. In this case, I would say that this tire is one of the best choices for a lower budget, but keep in mind that extreme cases may not be handled by this tire like a pro. In other words: If you want to ride on the road, get some nice road tires. If you want to ride on the dirt, get some nice dirt tires. However, if you cannot afford of simply do not want two bikes (assuming that changing tires all the time is not an option), I would recommend Maxxis Crossmark... Hope my point of view aligns with yours...
A: Chances are you figured it out already, but here is my take. Rolling resistance on hardpack or road is actually quit good. As a rear tire it sucks if you are in wet or muddy conditions. The sloping tread forces you to spin out on wet or grassy climbs. It works best as a front tire.
Best setup
Pros
Fast rolling rear setup. Pair with Ardent up front.
Cons
| Thank | EditNone
Highly recommend for XC especially on hardpack or some loose over hardpack conditions
Pros
Super fast rolling, predictable traction, durable, easy to set up tubeless
Cons
| Thank | EditPacks up with mud. Not really for super loose or muddy conditions. Slips a bit on climbs if used as a rear tire as well. Not really a con... Just that it's better suited for fast rolling conditions
I'd steer folks to other options depending on their riding style and use.
Pros
- better roller than Maxxis Minions
- durable
- easy to setup tubeless
- good balance between rolling resistance and traction
Cons
| Thank | Edit- better options at comparable, or better, pricing
I loved my Cross Mark tires and never had any issues with them
Pros
- Light
- Hard bead/side wall
- last longs
Cons
| Thank | Edit- kicks a lot of mud up
I set these up tubeless on my stock Giant wheelset after riding for a year on tubes. the fit was very loose, and hard to get set up, but they have worked alright. I love the tires for racing, as they roll fast and are predictable in corners. They do slip a little on hard cornering, but they always slip exactly the same. they very rarely actually slide out. Rocks don't seem to cause too many problems. if they make a 27,5 model, I might mount them on my next race bike.
Pros
FAST
consistent cornering
pretty tough
Cons
| Thank | Editslip a little on loose climbs
loose bead
pack with mud
don't play well with extremely dry, sandy trails
I ran this as a front tire in the winter and it faired well. It was good at cutting through the mud without retaining anything. It gave me confidence cornering, but could be even better if offered in a width greater than 2.1.
Pros
Thick tread. Good in all conditions. Lightweight
Cons
| Thank | EditBit slim in width.
Yes, I would recommend them
Pros
Wide at 2.1 and smaller diameter is good for 26" conversion.
Light, fast, good in a variety of conditions.
Cons
| Thank | EditOkay in wet but throws mud up your back.
Load up mud and dog doo do like a politician.
This tire is quick on the straights, but is lacking on the corners. Also, in loamy, loose trails, expect to wash out.
Pros
Quick
UST
Cons
| Thank | EditCornering
Side knobs wear fast
I got this tire stock on my last bike. I've never been a big fan of the lower profile tires, but gave these a try for a while. I was actually impressed with them, but eventually I replaced the front one with something with more grip. Eventually I replaced the rear before a trip to WV, and am glad I did. In the right conditions though, this seems like a great tire.
Pros
Fast, low resistance. A good tire for its intended purpose -- XC on hardpack. Lives up somewhat to its claim that it "has enough spacing to grab wet roots and rocks."
Cons
| Thank | EditIt really rough or slipper conditions, you will want something beefier and grippier.
Excellent tire for summer race season an weekend epics
Pros
Fast and durable with tough sidewalls. Have had very few flats.
Cons
| Thank | EditWears fast if ridden on streets, but they all do. Washes out occassionally in loose conditions.
This tire is quick on the straights, but is lacking on the corners. Also, in loamy, loose trails, expect to wash out.
Pros
Quick
Cons
| Thank | Editcornering
I run my 29" tubeless. Holds well and good grip for rear tire.
Pros
good tread and fast in 29" version
Cons
| Thank | Edithard to mount tubeless but can be done
I'm riding the 29er version right now and I really like this tire.
Pros
Classic, time tested design combines low rolling resistance with good traction in a variety of conditions. Durable casing and solid construction.
Cons
| Thank | EditThis is not a tire for loose, wet, or muddy conditions.
I have these front and rear, on both of my xc bikes. I love them!!
Pros
Super low rolling resistance. Uber fast. Good cornering.
Cons
| Thank | Editlose some traction on very steep inclines.
I love this tire in low technical conditions when I want to FLY around corners! It doesn't look like you get the traction, but you DO! If you are experienced and lean into turns while you still crank down - this tire rocks for you! If you are going to ride Moab...get a thicker sidewall tire. This tire has a VERY thin sidewall. This is a great tire for the right conditions!
Pros
Great traction and cornering!!!!! Very low roll resistance.
Cons
| Thank | EditWeak sidewalls in sharp technical conditions.