Maxxis Crossmark 2 vs. Ikon – What’s the Difference?
When you are planning to go out on road biking, you must ensure that you have the right road bike.
Besides the bike, you also need to consider the type of tire that you will be using on the bike.
A good tire will highly enhance the bike’s performance. There are multiple bike tires out there, but not all of them will suit your road biking needs.
Today, let’s switch our focus to the Maxxis Crossmark 2 and the Maxxis Ikon 3C EXC tires. How do they compare?
Here is a brief article to help you understand the difference and find the right tire to meet your needs.
Maxxis Crossmark 2 vs Ikon Comparison of 2023
| Model | Crossmark 2 | Ikon |
|---|---|---|
| Item Dimensions | 10 x 9 x 5 in | 9.75 x 7.5 x 4.75 in |
| Brand | MAXXIS | Maxxis |
| Tire Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Bike Type | Mountain Bike | Mountain Bike |
| Item Weight | 1.76 Pounds | 1.29 Pounds |
| Material | Rubber | Other |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Maxxis Crossmark 2
The CrossMark II tire is designed to maximize the speed of the rider while bettering the grip in intermediate conditions.
This one comes with center knobs that are tightly packed to let you cruise easily over hardpack.
Furthermore, the tire features tread patterns that are updated to enhance the cornering and braking over different terrains.
If you are the fast rider kind of person, this tire will suit you perfectly. The open-side knob design allows you to make corners on any terrain effortlessly. Also, the tire comes with 60TPI construction.
It measures 27.5 by 2.25 inches and only weighs 735 grams. With this lightweight design, you can be confident in having a smooth and easy ride.
Plus, it has a tubeless-ready casing and a lightweight single-ply option, which is an added advantage.
Generally, this tire is best suited for the lightweight trail bike and cross country bikes. If you favor speed over grip, the tire would be a good pick for you.
PROS
CONS
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Maxxis Ikon 3C EXC EXO Folding Tire
True racers would truly appreciate having the Maxxis Ikon EXC Folding Tire.Without any doubt, this is a special race winning tire that won’t disappoint.
Whether you are a professional or an amateur, this tire would easily serve you with elegance.
This one only measures 29 by 2.2 inches and weighs 640 grams. That makes it lighter than our previous product, but stronger.
The construction of this tire is 120TPI, which means it is meant for endurance.
Thanks to the combination of the 3C Triple Compound Technology and the high-volume casting, you can be sure of a high-performance tire that will serve you on any terrain.
If you are riding on a terrain that has loose dusting, you will be getting the maximum performance of the tire.
The loose dusting will act like tiny bearings to offer grip and smooth riding of the tire.
The knobs on this tire come with the right depth to cut through the loose, which then lets the multiple working edges to bite into the hardpack. Above all, the traction of this tire is worth the hype.
PROS
CONS
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Maxxis Crossmark 2 or Ikon Tires
So, how different are these tires? Which is the best for your biking needs? Generally, both of them are good tires that come with decent specs and features.
Let’s check out their differences;
Dimension/Weight
Okay, there is not much difference in the sizes of these tires, but if you are keen enough, you will notice them.
First off, the CrossMark II comes in shorter and slightly wider than the Ikon.
You get a tire that measures 27.5 by 2.25 inches with the CrossMark 2, while the Ikon measures 29 inches by 2.2 inches.
This also makes the Ikon lighter at 640g, while the CrossMark 2 weighs 735 grams.
Construction
If you are looking for a tough tire for your road biking, you might want to go with the Ikon.
The Maxxis Ikon comes with a 120TPI construction. This means it is twice as tough as the CrossMark, which is at 60TPI.
Knobs
With the CrossMark 2, it comes with tightly packed knobs that allow you to cruise over hardpack with ease.
On the other hand, the Ikon offers you knobs with a decent depth to slice through the loose dusting.
But with the edges, they come with the same open-side on both tires. This helps to make it easy to take the corners on any terrain.
According to most bikers, they think the CrossMark II offers speed, but a limited grip.
On the other hand, the Ikon is well balanced in terms of speed, toughness, and traction.
The major drawback of the Ikon is that it might be slightly narrow for some bikers. Others also think it is relatively costlier than most tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much air should I put in the tires?
You can always check the side of the tire to know how much air you will need to put in it.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAs long as your tire is in good condition, you can always put in the maximum amount of air recommended.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eMost mountain bikes will come with a rating of 65psi, while hybrid bikes can take 75psi.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eBut road bikes can easily take 100psi. All in all, make sure you follow the specific tire rating.
Is it necessary to pump the tire frequently?
Yes, it is. Generally, bike tires can only hold a small amount of air. But this will only happen under high pressure.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eOn the other hand, air will naturally seep out. This will then mean that the tire will run out of the air over time.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThat is why it is advised to pump the tire often enough. Ideally, pump up the road bike tire at least once every week.
Should I go for a tubeless tire?
It is not a must, but it is advised. This is because tubeless tires let you run lower air pressure without the risk of pinch flattening the tube.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eIn other words, tubeless tires offer better traction since they have more contact area with the surface.
What is TPI?
TPI is the measure of threads per inch, and it determines how many threads are in every inch of the tire casing.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eA lower TPI means that there are larger gauge cords in the casing of the tire.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThis also means that the tire will be more durable. But a tire with a high TPI rating will be lightweight and supple. Most tires will either come with 60TPI and 120TPI.
Should I use a high volume tire?
Yes, a high volume tire is very beneficial. With a high volume tire, you can be sure of a large ground contact area, which then boosts the overall traction of the bike. Plus, it helps to minimize the possibility of a pinch flat.
Conclusion
There goes our Maxxis Crossmark 2 and Ikon comparison. Now, you have a clue about which tire is best suited for your biking needs.
Make sure you choose a tire that is durable and one that will offer balanced performance, toughness, and lightweight.
But it all depends on how you use your bike and the type of bike you have. Both the tires are best suited for a road bike.