Maxxis Ikon EXO 2.2 tyre review

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. 

The only time it trips up is in sections of deep and slippery mud, where it clogs and spins out instead of climbing. If you don’t face that kind of slick clay/deep mud every day, the Ikon will serve you well. It’s particularly well suited to trail centres, and the supple carcass makes it predictable on roots and loose rock. 

Unless conditions are dry and hard packed you won’t find us strapping one on the front, though, as we prefer something with a little more spike. On the back it ticks all the boxes and gives your whole 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. 

This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.