Low profile tires might roll fast in the right circumstances, but the one constant in mountain biking is that conditions constantly change. That's where this race-ready, 2.2in-wide Maxxis Ikon EXO Tubeless Ready Tire comes into play.
It's a lightweight, tubeless-ready tire that mixes biting knobs with three rubber compounds to create a truly versatile tire. The Ikon uses a 120tpi casing with EXO protection. What's this? Well, EXO protection consists of added pinch flat and abrasion protection at the sidewall for an enhanced resistance to cuts. Even better, it does this with overloading the tire with bulk.
The casing is then wrapped in a tread pattern that favors both buff and loamy conditions. This is possible due to the spacing between the center lugs and the raised side knobs. Those center lugs are also ramped to resist folding under braking and acceleration. However, the 3c compound is what really allows this tire to bridge the traction gap from packed to loose.
Maxxis made the center knobs from a harder compound. So, it resists wear and flex in the knobs. The supple casing, however, allows it to conform to irregularities, and it also permits the softer side compound to grab. As a result, you gain a positive traction over wet roots and rocks. Also, as a three compound tire, the transitions from straightaways to turns are utterly seamless.
The Maxxis Ikon EXO Tubeless Ready 29in Tire is UST compatible and is available in a 2.2-inch width.
