The number of options is a bit crazy to list as well, from different compounds, casing options, and widths, as well as the option to go non-tubeless. It also makes a great rear tire when looking for speed in the back and some more tread up front like what you would get with the Ardent, Ardent Race or Forekaster. I would say the Ikon lends itself to be the most predictable XC tire in this lineup if your goal is going fast. The Ikon excels in dry conditions with its 3C compound options and the small siping on each knob across the tire. With a tightly packed set of small ramped knobs, the Ikon tire almost feels a bit like velcro in the traction department while rolling fast with ease. The Maxxis Ikon tire might be the most classic XC tire in most recent years and is still winning WC XC races.
The Aspen also clears mud very well and while it might not have the overall height of some mud tires, the spaced-out tread allows more clearing when the dirt gets thick. Once leaned over, the slightly offset two rows of side knobs grab and keep your tires planted on the dirt. This allows the center of the tire to roll fast providing just enough traction when climbing and braking but not comprising any speed. The Aspen has some small race size ramped knobs in the center with larger more aggressive side knobs. The Aspen recently got a bit of a revamp with a wider casing option, 29 x 2.25. With riders from Nino Schurter winning many races on this tire to the more adventure marathon riders like Geoff Kabush also riding this tire for a wide range of events, it shows its speed with results alone. I think it's the fastest rolling tire and has recently been adopted by most of the XC World Cup Maxxis riders. Wheels and tires are what make the most difference when it comes to weight and on a small travel bike, the best weight to traction ratio win the spots on my bikes. While I wouldn't consider myself a weight weenie, I do look at the weight on tires and wheels. As you would expect, with more tread comes more weight. I will start with the faster rolling, smaller tread tires and continue into the heavier, knobbier tires that tend to have more traction. Pairing a slightly meatier tire up front with a faster rolling tire out back is normally how we roll with our XC-ish, light-trail setups, which some might describe as "down-county" bikes. While true cross country racers will be looking for the best weight and rolling speed they can get, our tire choices tend to also have a heavy emphasis on traction. While there are a huge number of choices from Maxxis, we have picked out our favorite models and the combinations that we love to ride them in. Maxxis might have some of the most iconic XC/Trail tires like the Ikon and Ardent. While XC tires might not get much love from us, we do ride most of them and also sell lots of them. Padded / Protective Short Liners / Chamois.
Drop-bar Hydraulic Brake / Shift Levers.
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