These are my go to for XCO and big multi day races. This tyre provides a good balance between braking and rolling speed down the center and enough chunk on the side to really push into the corners. They are a little heavier, however I am happy to sacrifice that for the confidence that the will last whatever I can throw at them, within reason. A great tyre for the more aggressive XC rider.

I’ve fitted the Ardent race to rear of my pimped out 26inch hard tail.
Definitely softer ride, fast with decent grip.
My Rims r narrow 19mm internal width running 31psi and I weigh a hefty 95kg.
Tyre seems to cope fine ,done couple of hundred km over mix of loose dirt ,tree roots and some rock.No punctures. Using milkit sealant.
Highly recommend for XC hard tails

My go-to front XC tyre. Turn in grip is fantastic across most surfaces, mid corner can tend to slip but predictable. Running anywhere from 17-20psi for a 55kg rider, on a dual suspension 100mm travel bike. Works well for all terrain except for mud and wet conditions. Haven’t tried as a rear tyre, but the Ardent Race front and Aspen rear is a fast and grippy combination.

Beautiful comfortable tyre, quiet on hard or gravel surfaces but still give you great grip in the rough.

I'm using 29" 2.2 versions of these tyres on an Orba hardtail XC race bike and I love the grip/speed of these tyres provide - having spent the summer riding Mt Stromlo Bike Park's awesome trails these tyres were faultless. However, upon switching to the much rougher, rockier, slicker Sydney Northern Beaches trails (Garigal) I've had two rear tyres ripped down the center on rocks and roots. Going forward I need to find something else for the rougher terrain but will likely use these again for dryer, hard packed tracks.

Best tire on the market imo. Super light super fast rolling and the 2.6 is mad grip. Cant get better for the price