Maxxis

I bought these tires 3 years ago and somehow was miraculously able to mount them on fresh wheels for a tubeless setup without a compressor. Though, it was definitely not easy. Remounting the tires, though, are nearly impossible once you've had sealant in the tube. I took it to a bike shop and they used an inner tube to seat the tire beads into the rim (I have Bontrager 23mm wide rims) and then carefully removed the innertube and installed the valve while leaving one side of the tire still 'hooked' into the rim. And finally they used an air compressor to seat the tire completely (I don't have an air compressor at home and don't really have a need for one). Despite the struggles getting the tire on the rim, these tires worked excellent in the 2-3 years I've had them with zero flats. Only recently did I get a flat (blowout, really) due to old rim tape that blew out into one of the spoke holes. That's my bad though, as I didn't realize until recently the tape should also be replaced periodically.

These tires were recommend for the style of riding I do. They certainly have proven themselves worthy of the price. The tread allows to bite in when needed in the gravel with great stability. I was doubtful of their handling on pavement but quickly changed my mind on the first steep paved curvy 10 mile down hill I was blessed with at the end of a long ride. Holy cow did they way out perform anything I've ridden in the past. Absolutely love these tires. Maxxis wins again.

This tire works very well on the front for my loose over hard trail riding in CO, and it rolls noticeably faster than the burlier tires I had been using recently, like the DHR, DHF, Dissector.... The first thing I noticed was the smoother ride quality over those heavier tires. Next was less of a floaty vague feeling over deeper loose sections. Around here it can be like riding through an endless box of kitty litter. Then it was the lower rolling resistance, which was very evident on long shallow declines where the bike picks up speed more quickly. I was disappointed that the 2.4" tire only measured 2.2" on my 30mm inner width rims, but I can't argue with how well it works.

Purchased the 45mm 60 TPI version for a specific gravel race that was "chunky" gravel so I was concerned about durability and thus the 60 TPI/SilkShield version. I was told these would not be as fast and/or supple as some of the other Maxxis Rambler versions but compared to the tires they replaced (set of Panaracer Gravel Kings that came with the bike) they seemed to be absolutely grippier and more supple. Mounted and inflated normally and have held air about as good as anything else I have on a bike...I am running them tubeless. And FWIW, I have suffered no punctures to date.