Aspen vs WILD GRIP'R2 review

In this entry we are going to compare and review Maxxis Aspen vs Michelin WILD GRIP'R2 tyres. Both manufactured by different brands, Maxxis and Michelin respectively, these tyres have been designed to be used for different purposes. Whilst Maxxis Aspen is better for mountain activities, Michelin WILD GRIP'R2 is a great choice if your needs are more aligned to mtb activities.

Aspen

WILD GRIP'R2

Thanks to tread block reinforcements and its 60 TPI casing

Our go-to XC race tire

The trail tire for riders who are looking for grip on mixed terrain

The Maxxis Aspen is one of our premier XC race tires. A low center tread height allows the Aspen to roll quickly but substantial – for XC – side knobs provide cornering traction.

Thanks to tread block reinforcements and its 60 TPI casing

Features

Wide Trail (WT) sizes optimized for 30mm inner width rims
EXO sidewall protection
60 TPI or 120 TPI casing options
Select specs are Tubeless Ready (TR), confirm in table below
Dual compound

Features

Usage

XC (Cross Country)

Usage

cross country

Technologies

Wide Trail XC (WT XC) MAXXIS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU USE WIDE TRAIL XC TIRES WITH A 25-30MM WIDE RIM (30MM IS OPTIMAL). MAXXIS RECOMMENDS A MINIMUM OF 6MM CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TIRE AND ALL PARTS OF THE BICYCLE FRAME AND FORK.
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 because there is no tube. Liquid sealants should only be used in the following types of tires: tubeless road, tubular, and tubeless ready. The use of liquid sealants in any other Maxxis tire will void the warranty.
EXO 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.
3C MaxxSpeed Used primarily in cross country and enduro tires, the two compounds in the outer layer are specially formulated to reduce rolling resistance and optimize treadwear and traction.

Technologies

Specifications

27.5

Part #: TB00144100
Size: 27.5X2.25 ETRTO: 57-584 TPI: 120 Bead: FOLDABLE Weight (g): 606 Compound: DUAL Max PSI: 60 Tech: EXO/TR Color: BLACK Application: MOUNTAIN

29

Part #: TB96895500
Size: 29X2.25 ETRTO: 57-622 TPI: 120 Bead: FOLDABLE Weight (g): 653 Compound: DUAL Max PSI: 60 Tech: EXO/TR Color: BLACK Application: MOUNTAIN

Part #: TB00211500
Size: 29X2.40WT ETRTO: 61-622 TPI: 120 Bead: FOLDABLE Weight (g): 721 Compound: DUAL Max PSI: 50 Tech: EXO/TR Color: BLACK Application: MOUNTAIN