Mr lee

See it's been won by some dude that was not me....

Did you ever run the bike with Forekasters front and rear? If so how does it compare to your new setup?

Haven't serviced my bike there before but can vouch for the excellent service

Just on feel the LUST tire side walls are thicker but I am sure there are loads of people running the EXO without any problems. Majority like to ride with a narrower rear and wider front. Both the same would be fine but I would not go wide rear and narrow front! Both LUST and EXO casings mount and seal fine even using a floor/foot pump so no need for a compressor or bomb. The LUST casings are generally heavier compared to their equivalent EXO brothers and sisters but you cannot have durability without giving up on something else. That said, the new Aggressor is only available in EXO and weighs 900g's which is the same if not more than some LUST treads. this seems more to do with the tread design and the fact that they use more meaty nobblies... Check the Maxxis site for all specs etc.

Have you tried fitting the tyre or are you relying on Internet feedback? Did you get the T/R EXO cased version or something else? I would say stick with a crossmark LUST at the rear and go with a wider ikon on the front, unless you looking for something a little more aggressive then you could look at the Ardent in front but the 2.25 LUST version. The 2.25 LUST feels like it has a slightly harder compound so should last a little longer...

Ok, yes I haven't

I don't think any tyre would seep through the walls... From the Maxxis site TUBELESS READY Tubeless 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 since there is no tube. Maxxis Tubeless Ready (TR) tires provide the benefits of a UST tubeless tire without the weight penalty. Our TR tires use a standard casing and require the use of a liquid sealant in order to make them airtight. Maxxis Tubeless Ready tires are the only Maxxis tires approved for use with liquid sealants. Using a liquid sealant in any non-TR Maxxis tire will void the warranty. L.U.S.T. Maxxis mountain tubeless tires, certified to UST® standards, featuring Lightweight Ultimate Sidewall Technology (L.U.S.T.). This technology offers better puncture resistance, improved air retention, better longevity and lower weight than previous tubeless technologies. By adding a thin fabric layer to the sidewall, covered in a special airtight rubber compound, Maxxis created a casing that is lighter, tougher and holds air better. EXO PROTECTION An extremely cut-resistant and abrasion-resistant material added to the sidewalls of select mountain tires. This densely woven fabric is also lightweight and highly flexible, ensuring that the performance of the tire remains unaffected. Choose EXO Protection for exceptionally rocky, treacherous trails where the chance of sidewall cuts and abrasions is high.

Comparing the expert to the outgoing spark 960 my wife bought (same price) after the recent cycle lab specials, I am glad we bought when we did. Rear shock aside I would even rather choose the spark over the titan Comp! For what they are they should be a few grand cheaper than advertised. Suppose those are estimated rates and you could see them coming in a little cheaper anyway depending on shop bulk orders etc. I would still have to think long and hard before laying down cash on these new titan's! I started on a titan and have respect for the brand but if they are gong for that "gap" the prices #must fall :)

No XL frame....

I would say the ikon on the rear as the Ron is more agressive and better suited to the front. Can also look at the crossmark LUST for the rear too....would probably be more durable than a "tubeless ready tyre".

Anyone running a maxxis ardent up front and crossmark rear?

Hi my name is Lee and i am an.... The wife and I purchased entry level MTB's a year ago but have not ridden much due to many different reasons....probably no more than 200km's!!! Mainly due to short trail rides at the local golf course whenever my parents could look after our twins and we were not sick...! I have never been too enthusiastic about doing any exercise and a gym contract would never keep me for longer than a month at a time. Hate running as well!!! Anyway I needed to start doing something to get me fit and healthy....not that I wasn't healthy, but I just wanted to feel more alive and also do something that my wife and I could do together. So...after a visit to one of the Sportsman's warehouse stores we notice a nassive new biking section which deserved a looking! Asked a few questions and it got us thinking...mmm...these bikes also look neat to what I remember them to. Anyway long story short we got into it a little too quick as one does when there is something new when the wrong birdy is talking in your ear. My only regret was not finding this site or doing more research back then and being a little more patient with our purchase. Not that we got a bad deal but just that we could have moved our bike selection up a notch for something just a little better. Anyway I have never been a bike guy and never though I would be as hooked as I am now.... Oh yes and I am 2.03m tall and weigh 125kg's