Maxxis Ikon Review – [2023 Top 3 Picks]
The quality of the tire will always have an impact on your riding experience. If you have a road bike, you must ensure that you choose a tire that is durable enough. Besides that, the tire should give you a good riding experience.
Maxxis is known for making top-rated bike tires, and their series, Ikon, stands among the best. This Maxxis Ikon review explores the top three best models that you should consider purchasing. Out of the three tires, which one would you go for?
It would be difficult to make up your mind without having more details of the tires. That being said, let’s explore the tires for you to make a more informed decision.
Why Maxxis Ikon?
You might ask yourself why a lot of bikers go for Maxxis Ikon tires. The truth is that these tires deliver amazingly, and they are truly one of the best tires for road biking. Here is a look at other reasons for going for Maxxis Ikon.
3C Triple Compound Technology
First off, the Ikon is designed for experienced tracers that need lightweight race tires. They come with the 3C Triple Compound Tech that features softer compounds, and it retains a good structure along with low-rolling resistance. The intricate balance of hard and soft compounds allows it to have low rolling resistance.
Versatile/All-terrain
Maxxis Ikon Tires come with a versatile cross-country tread pattern. The tire is designed to work on almost any trail condition.
They come with a high-volume casing and fast-rolling tread layout. This offers you a well-defined and closely spaced center that allows you to move with speed. On the other hand, the taller and widely spaced side knobs will offer more traction when making hard corners.
Top 3 Maxxis Ikon Review
Even though Maxxis Ikon tires come with remarkable features, they do vary slightly in terms of specs and delivery. That being said, here are the top 3 Maxiss Ikon tire models you should consider buying.
Maxxis Ikon 3C EXC Exo Folding Tire
We start our Maxxis ikon tire review with the EXC Exo Folding tire that is designed to offer you an amazing riding experience. This tire comes with the reinforced EXO casing, along with 3C rubber.
Keep in mind that the 3C compound helps to offer low-rolling resistance on the bike. In other words, it allows you to move at top speed while maintaining excellent traction, especially on tight corners. Besides that, the tire comes with a lightweight design at only 589.67g.
Another feature of this tire is that it is tubeless-ready. In other words, you can use this tire with and without an inner tube. This is because the tire is designed to directly seal with the wheel rim. As a result, this tire is air-permeable in the sidewall.
It comes with a folding bead design that allows you to easily fold it when you need to store or transport it. The best part is that folding the tire is very effortless.
The tire features 120TPI, which means that it will offer you a supple riding experience. This also contributes to its lightweight design.
PROS
CONS
Related Guide: Maxxis Ikon vs. Ardent
Maxxis Ikon 27.5inch Shilkshield/ebike Tire
This unit comes in slightly heavier than the previous product by around 9grams. In other words, this tire comes in at 598.74g, which is still considered a lightweight tire to offer you smooth riding out there.
It also comes with dual compound technology, which is common for all Maxxis Ikon tires. So yes, this tire will also offer you excellent traction and fast-rolling riding. Even during the hard cornering, this unit will dig into the soil to prevent you from falling.
We’d recommend this tire if you will be riding on hardpack, medium, loose over hard, or loose ground. In other words, the tire will suit almost any terrain out there.
You will be sure of enjoying the tire in any riding condition. This is because it comes with dual compound tech, a fast-rolling tread design, as well as a high-volume casing.
This is also a folding tire that allows you to roll and fold it when you want to store it. Even when folded, the tire won’t lose its shape or treads.
This ShilkShield tire is designed to offer an extra level of protection for the sidewalls and under the tread.
PROS
CONS
Suggested Guide: 60 vs 120 TPI Tire
Maxxis Ikon 3C EXO Tire
This marks the final product on our list, and it is yet another tire that is designed to offer you an amazing riding experience.
It happens to be the lightest tire on our list. If you prefer riding on lightweight tires for supersonic speed, you’d want to go for this one. The tire comes in at only 385.55g, which is over 200g lighter than the two tires on our list.
The tire has the iconic EXO protection that will further protect your tires. With the EXO protection, you will enjoy extra protection to the sidewalls of your bike. In turn, this will help to resist abrasion and rock slices. Even better, it adds puncture protection to an XC tire that is known to be sturdy but still lightweight.
Plus, the tire is tubeless-ready, along with 120TPI. So yes, this tire will offer you a supple riding experience while being lightweight enough. The 3C Speed Eraser Mix allows you to enjoy speedy riding with his tire.
PROS
CONS
Related Topic: favorite Cyclocross Tires
Things to Consider Before Buying
Even with the Maxxis ikon tire review, it is important to consider the main features of the tire for you to be sure of picking the right unit. Here are the things you need to consider;
The Type of Bike
You need to consider the type of bike before you pick the tire. Every tire is designed for a specific bike, and you should understand that as well. Whether it is a road bike, mountain bike, or hybrid bike, ensure that you choose the right tire for it.
Dimension/Width
Most of the tires are designed with a diameter of between 26inch and 29inch. Basically, this is the outside diameter of the tire. On the other hand, the width will range from 1.5inch to 2inch. If you need a tire for high speeds, choose one that is thin. But the thick tires are best suited for slow-rolling and better traction.
Weight
The weight of the tire is another feature that you will want to consider. This is only relevant to those that will be going for competitive cycling.
Type of Tread
The tread type of tire will be determined by the riding surface. If you will be riding on rough terrains, you will need to choose one with treads that will offer traction on the road. Smooth tires with minimal treads are best suited for the pavements.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a feature that allows the tire to be used with or without the inner tube. Also, the tire is designed to seal directly with the wheel rim.
Not every tire is suitable for all riding conditions. However, tires with high-volume casing and a fast-rolling tread layout come with a well-defined, and closely spaced center tend to be suitable for almost any terrain.
No, Ikon tires come at different price tags, and some can go for less than $50, while others cost over $100.
That depends on your riding environment. If you tend to ride fast and want a tire to match that, ensure that you go for a thinner width. But a thicker tire in width is best for traction, but they roll slower.
Yes, all Maxxis Ikon tires come with a 120TPI construction.
Final Words
There goes our Maxxis Ikon review; you now have an idea of what you will be getting when you go for the Maxxis Ikon tires.
Just remember to take good care of the tire and ride in the right condition at all times to preserve its durability and delivery. Above all, inspect the tire frequently to avoid any inconveniences.