Maxxis Ikon Tires [Rider Review]

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Gravel bikes have been really rad for us! And now there's a ton of options for gravel bikes as well. We've been really happy with the Maxxis Ikon tires, but don't take our word, see what our customer thinks!!

Overview

If you find yourself seeking a fast rolling set of tires with several applications, I can't suggest the Ikons strongly enough! Fast rolling, can handle some chunk, can be used on both MTBs and Gravel Bikes (check your maximum widths on your wheel set before ordering).

Some background, perhaps? I ride gravel, MTB, road, and even some fat tire winter slop. The weather and conditions? They are used to separate the truly dedicated from the "I didn't charge my lights." If it's a Saturday, you'll find me making deals with my wife for how she can spend Sunday if I abandon her and the kids for 4-5 hours.

The Tires? Yes, of course, the tires. Maxxis Ikon Tan Wall is sick. Look at them. Depending on your wheel set and bike frame, you may want to go black wall, but there are a few things that can elevate a bike's handling and appearance, like a fresh set of tires. The Ikons are fast rolling, grippy AF, and they barely complain, unless you're on pavement. If you decide to roll them on pavement, you'll make some chatter and lose some steam, but you'll also be prepared for whatever conditions are being thrown at you. Want to forge through some snow on a subzero day, but don't want to curl up with a blanket and watch The Notebook? These are the tires for you.

If you're looking for a fast rolling tire with a bit more chunk for applications like gravel riding, these tires hit the mark for me. I installed them on my Lauf Seigla gravel bike and was pleasantly surprised at how much more resilient and versatile the bike became. I think a common trope is to question what kind of difference altering your tire choices really makes. In this case, a ton. It's important to note, I ride Ramblers ALSO for light gravel/road rides, but the grip the Ramblers provide in the chunkier stuff left me a bit under-biked when fresh gravel was laid or conditions were less than ideal. Living in Ann Arbor, MI, we don't have a ton of steep climbs, and most of our trail systems require a car to get to (or are not much of a challenge). Installing the Ikons, I was able to take my gravel bike to proper SE Michigan MTB trails and crush some hot laps, passing people on full Suss MTBs and making them question their choices (and fitness). 

Final Thoughts

If you're on the fence about what tires to choose and you're looking for a tire built more for XC, Gravel, and less than ideal conditions, these are a strong choice. Pull the trigger. Pop off those old pieces of trash and roll on some Maxxis Ikon Tan Wall tires. Not only will you look like a complete and total baller, you'll crush your competition, earn a picture in the local newspaper, and get a shoutout for lil Troy in the early 2000s, as you're not the shot caller.