The Ikon is available in a range of tyre sizes for road and race cycles. Check the table above and remember we are bringing in new sizes all the time.
Ikon Tyre Test Results
If you’re looking for mountain bike or cross-country cycling tyres and you’re not sure which tyres to choose, you can always look to tyre tests for the answer.
Mountain Bike Rider
A go-to UK-based magazine for mountain bike riders, MBR is a great source of reference for independent advice on aftermarket parts and accessories for your bike, and they were very pleased with the Ikon.
“…It’s actually a very good, fast-rolling trail tyre that’s even available in a 2.35in size for those that want extra cushioning. The 2.1in tested has thicker ‘EXO Protection’ sidewalls, which translates to greater stability and better wear.
The narrow tread is quite low-profile but it doesn’t feel like this once riding, proving itself really composed on rough sections of trail, even in wet conditions. You don’t feel as if you’re going to wash out carrying speed into a turn and the rubber just seems to stick to the trail. Braking traction is equally impressive, even on roots and loose surfaces.”
Jamie Darlow, MBR.co.uk, October 2014
MTBR
The American equivalent, MTBR.com is dedicated to delivering expert advice to the global mountain bike riding audience, giving the tyre an astounding verdict of 4.5/5:
“Versatility is the word that comes to mind when riding and testing the Maxxis Ikon. While not blessed with the same extreme low rolling resistance as the Kenda Saber Pro, Vittoria Mezcal, or Schwalbe Racing Ralph, the Maxxis Ikon was generally more confidence-inspiring in a wider variety of terrain.
Mtbr spent most of our Ikon test time on the loose-over-hard (and bone dry) trails near Salida, Colorado. But despite sketchy, loose conditions, the Maxxis Ikon held its own, maintaining traction both in straight line steeps and marbly corners. And while we didn’t sample the Ikon in any truly muddy conditions, it fared well on softer terrain, providing plenty of bite but never packing up.
We also appreciated the 3C compound technology, where more durable rubber populates the tyre’s centre, while a softer/grippier compound is used for cornering knobs. The difference is palpable to the touch and on the trail. (The third rubber compound is found below the tread blocks and is a harder, longer-lasting base layer.)
…Bottom line, while not the fastest tyre in this test, the Maxxis Ikon is arguably the best overall tyre among the group if you’re looking for an option that won’t slow you down on XC race day, but can also hold its own on more aggressive trail rides. Indeed, I’d even consider mounting a fatter version of this tyre on the rear wheel of my trail bikes because it will roll reasonably fast on long climbs, but not be too sketchy on the way back down.”
Jason Sumner, Reviews.MTBR.com, September 2018
BikeRadar
BikeRadar.com reviewed the Maxxis Ikon back in 2013, and awarded the tyre 4/5:
“A fast and grippy tyre, perfect for squeezing just enough grip from the 29er footprint to make it viable. The Ikon’s tread design was made for the 29er platform. Shallow, closely spaced knobs, a large volume and superb weight add up to a comfy but rocket-fast tyre. It shines as the larger footprint gives it surprising levels of grip for trail riding under most conditions… It’s particularly well suited to trail centres, and the supple carcass makes it predictable on roots and loose rock… On the back it ticks all the boxes and gives your bike a light and fast feel.
We tested the top-of-the-range model with triple compound and reinforced sidewalls – and an appropriate price tag – but you can pick a cheaper version up, and it will still serve you extremely well.”
Andy McCandlish, BikeRadar.com, May 2013
Singletracks.com
The American equivalent of the UK’s famous Singletrack magazine, this site reviewed the Ikon in January 2014 and were very pleased:
“…As a high volume tyre, the Ikon 29er does its job absorbing trail chatter and smoothing out rough patches. And at the risk of sounding cliché, the additional width really does inspire more confidence on the trail… I think a better description for the Ikon is “all-rounder”. The knobs are long enough and spaced far enough apart to give good bite in the straights and the corners. I’ve experienced excellent results in both wet and dry conditions, and find myself able to push the envelope a bit more in the turns on these tyres compared to others I’ve tested.
The Maxxis Ikon is a great tyre for XC racers who prefer trading off a couple seconds on the climb for several more seconds in the corners and on the descents. Besides, everyone knows that’s the fun part of mountain biking anyway.”
Jeff Barber, Singletracks.com, January 2014
Who rides the Maxxis Ikon?
Becci Skelton
Mountain biking elite and Ninja Warrior contestant Becci Skelton chooses the Maxxis Ikon on the rear depending on the weather, terrain, and type of race she participates in.
Ikon Tyre Reviews
Sometimes the best reviews come from riders just like you. Take a look at our user reviews below.
Rider, ChainReactionCycles.com, January 2019:
“Happily trust these for multi-day racing, but word of caution, always opt for the 3C sidewall protection, the same tyre without it seems prone to sidewall cuts.”
Rider, ChainReactionCycles.com, March 2018:
“This tyre is super grippy and strong for those rocky sections of track. These tyres are awesome, if you have never tried them for XC, try them. Trust me.”
Rider, ChainReactionCycles.com, April 2017:
“My Yeti SB95 came with Ikon on the rear and once I had worked out the correct tyre pressure for it, it really did the job it’s intended for; it grips, climbs and descends amazingly.”
Rider, ChainReactionCycles.com, September 2016:
“This is a fast-rolling lightweight tyre that’s great for summer conditions. [The 3C version] is more robust than the ‘base’ tyre, two of which I managed to trash in no time at all. The slightly heavier construction in the ‘EXO’ is well worth the additional weight – it’s a whole lot tougher.
Grip is surprisingly good (mine is a 29-er) for such a skimpy-looking tyre. It won’t handle winter gloop particularly well, but from spring to autumn it’s fine. I run it on the rear only – I prefer something a bit more substantial up front – but if you’re a XC-whippet, then run them front and back.
I converted this to tubeless a while back: it isn’t *officially* a tubeless tyre, but it works fine that way. I really like this tyre in spite of the price tag.”
Interested in the Ikon tyre for your mountain bike? Scroll down to use our dealer locator to find a tyre fitter near you.
