I have experience on RR and Aspen. The RR rolls just as good as the Aspen and has more grip in corners and in loose conditions. The Aspens were slightly lighter, about 10g per tire (505g vs 515g).
I race the RR EVO 26x2.25 when it's a smooth course, and the RR Double Defense when it's rocky. Actually, I've started training on the DD version as well, and it seems to be just as tough as full UST tires, and significantly lighter.
Haven't tried the Renegades.
Since you are currently on RR's, I think you'd be giving up quite a bit going to the Aspen, especially if you ride in loose conditions.
I like the RR's more than the Aspens. My trails are mostly a mixture of rock, sand, and loose dirt. The Ralphs have great grip and roll very well. The Aspens roll well but lose grip when it's loose. It would be a toss up on true hardpack, but here the RR's are a much better choice.
I have a Renegade that I run as a rear race tire. It rolls fast, no doubt. And run at low pressure it has surprisingly good traction on dry trails. The braking ability of the tire is pretty weak, it locks up and skids quite easily. But that shouldn't be surprising given the minimal tread. I did take a ride with the Renegade in the rear and Fast Trak on the front when the trails were wet and slippery and the traction was absolutely horrible. I had to walk a technical downhill section that is normally no issue at all in any conditions.
I've gotten myself the Renegade's 2.1 yesterday. Still have to mount them. They indeed do look very fast. I've measured the width while folding them open on the table : 14.7cm, which is very wide, even more than a Racing Ralph 2.25, measuring 14.5cm. Hope this will also bring some extra grip by lowering the pressure.
Note : the Racing Ralph 2.1 and Rocket Ron 2.25 measure 12.8cm folded open on the table
Mounted the Renegade's last weekend, and done about 50 miles on dry terrain. Mounting them with sealant was super easy on my Rovals, they inflated first time using only a floor pump. They hold air very well, didn't spill one drop of sealant.
As mentioned, rear tire braking performance is low, and the tire skids very easily when braking. I have the impression I have to lower the rear tire pressure, front performed excellent. This tire doesn't allow hard braking to make corrections, you have to choose your lines carefully. Rolling resistance is really low, fastest tire ever used so far. The difference in grip front and rear to my Racing Ralph's is quite huge (in favor of the Racing Ralph's), but the Renegade's are designed for specific terrain (dry), and taken that into account, they perform really well. Correct tire pressure is crucial. I'll be racing a 6h race on them next saturday :thumbsup:
Mounted the Renegade's last weekend, and done about 50 miles on dry terrain. Mounting them with sealant was super easy on my Rovals, they inflated first time using only a floor pump. They hold air very well, didn't spill one drop of sealant.
As mentioned, rear tire braking performance is low, and the tire skids very easily when braking. I have the impression I have to lower the rear tire pressure, front performed excellent. This tire doesn't allow hard braking to make corrections, you have to choose your lines carefully. Rolling resistance is really low, fastest tire ever used so far. The difference in grip front and rear to my Racing Ralph's is quite huge (in favor of the Racing Ralph's), but the Renegade's are designed for specific terrain (dry), and taken that into account, they perform really well. Correct tire pressure is crucial. I'll be racing a 6h race on them next saturday :thumbsup:
Cool. I've considered getting another Renegade many times so I would have a pair instead of just one, but then my Fast Trak would have nothing to do. These are my dry course race tires only, Fast Trak up front and Renegade in the back. I feel like I gain a little more confidence with the slightly knobbier tire on the front, that's why I didn't get a pair of Renegades to begin with. Good luck in the race.
I'm starting this thread back up. Any new comparisons between the RR and Renegade? I need new tires soon and I'm pretty sure it's gonna be one of the two. I ride mostly SoCal conditions...hardpack with loose gravel/sand on top. No mud whatsoever.
OK, got my first good ride in on the Renegade Control and I'm stoked!
My specs:
165lbs 5'10"
Bike: 2010 Spec Stumpjumper Carbon Comp HT 29er
Spec 29" Fast Track S-Works up front, the 29" Renegade Control on the rear.
Running both tubeless around 24psi.
Conditions: Socal Hardpack, Hardpack over loose, some gravel, rock and sand.
I think it's a great tire for Socal XC conditions. I train on hardpack fire roads and singletrack and race on exactly the same. Rolling resistance on hardpack surfaces is great. Feels better than the Fast Track. Loved how the tire gripped while climbing hardpack conditions too...felt like Velcro. Descending felted great...no loss of speed and plenty of confidence. I forced it to lock up while descending and it was very predictable.
For such a low profile, low rolling resistance tire I'm very happy. I'm probably going to stick to the Fast Track up front and the Renegade on the rear for all training and racing.
Maxxis Aspen is faster and grippier than Renegade and Racing Ralph...much lighter too. Perfect for SoCal riding conditions. Keep them at slightly higher pressure(28-33psi) and they will force a *****-eating grin on you...
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