The Ikon EXO TR is a versatile marathon tire that blends fast-rolling center knobs with reinforced EXO sidewall protection and tubeless-ready construction for puncture resistance without heavy weight. It sits between the pure-speed Race King and the grippier Racing Ralph by offering a predictable traction-to-weight ratio and widespread availability, delivering solid long-term value and lower service costs thanks to its durable casing and parts ecosystem.
High-speed glide
EXO sideguard
High-speed glide
EXO sideguard
Review Summary
"Versatile, fast-rolling XC tyre with predictable traction and useful EXO sidewall protection for mixed terrain. Some report quicker center tread wear under heavy use, yet overall reliability and speed earn strong praise."
Trail chameleon
High-volume, low-resistance profile that accelerates quickly on XC courses.
Trail chameleon
High-volume, low-resistance profile that accelerates quickly on XC courses.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Ikon EXO TR is a versatile marathon tire that blends fast-rolling center knobs with reinforced EXO sidewall protection and tubeless-ready construction for puncture resistance without heavy weight. It sits between the pure-speed Race King and the grippier Racing Ralph by offering a predictable traction-to-weight ratio and widespread availability, delivering solid long-term value and lower service costs thanks to its durable casing and parts ecosystem.
High-speed glide
EXO sideguard
Trail chameleon
High-volume, low-resistance profile that accelerates quickly on XC courses.
EXO sidewall protection balances cut resistance with light weight for marathon use.
High-speed glide
EXO sideguard
Trail chameleon
High-volume, low-resistance profile that accelerates quickly on XC courses.
EXO sidewall protection balances cut resistance with light weight for marathon use.
$75-115 CAD
The Maxxis Minion DHR II earns its market-leader spot for exceptional braking traction and predictable cornering thanks to its aggressive tread and Wide Trail (WT) casing optimized for modern rims. Technically it outperforms many rivals on steep, technical trails where controlled deceleration matters, and although it sits at a premium price point, its durability and proven race pedigree deliver long-term value versus lighter, less robust options. Compared with the others on this list it prioritizes stopping power and resilience over absolute low rolling resistance or maximum volumetric flotation.
Braking juggernaut
Corner-hungry grip
Braking juggernaut
Corner-hungry grip
Review Summary
"Riders praise the Minion DHR II for exceptional braking traction and predictable cornering on technical trails, with durable WT casing; some note it's heavy and has higher rolling resistance than faster tires. Overall it's a go-to rear tire for aggressive trail and enduro riding."
Fast rolling
Rear-oriented DHR II tread prioritizes powerful braking traction.
Fast rolling
Rear-oriented DHR II tread prioritizes powerful braking traction.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Maxxis Minion DHR II earns its market-leader spot for exceptional braking traction and predictable cornering thanks to its aggressive tread and Wide Trail (WT) casing optimized for modern rims. Technically it outperforms many rivals on steep, technical trails where controlled deceleration matters, and although it sits at a premium price point, its durability and proven race pedigree deliver long-term value versus lighter, less robust options. Compared with the others on this list it prioritizes stopping power and resilience over absolute low rolling resistance or maximum volumetric flotation.
Braking juggernaut
Corner-hungry grip
Fast rolling
Rear-oriented DHR II tread prioritizes powerful braking traction.
3C compound options balance grip and durability for varied trails.
Braking juggernaut
Corner-hungry grip
Fast rolling
Rear-oriented DHR II tread prioritizes powerful braking traction.
3C compound options balance grip and durability for varied trails.
$220-320 CAD
Maxxis Assegai 29x2.5 WT 3C MaxxGrip EXO+
The Maxxis Assegai takes the lead for enduro clincher tires by pairing the ultra-sticky 3C MaxxGrip compound with a wide WT casing and EXO+ sidewall protection, delivering exceptional bite, stability, and puncture resistance on steep, technical descents. Compared with the other tires on this list it trades a bit more weight for outright traction and sidewall robustness, making it a top choice where confidence in rough terrain and lower service frequency are worth the incremental cost.
Mega corner grip
Speedy center roll
Mega corner grip
Speedy center roll
Review Summary
"Widely praised for exceptional grip and cornering confidence in enduro and aggressive trail riding. Durable and fast-rolling for its size, though heavier and pricier with occasional reports of sidewall cuts."
Sharkskin bite
3C MaxxGrip compound for maximum grip in steep, technical terrain.
Sharkskin bite
3C MaxxGrip compound for maximum grip in steep, technical terrain.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Maxxis Assegai takes the lead for enduro clincher tires by pairing the ultra-sticky 3C MaxxGrip compound with a wide WT casing and EXO+ sidewall protection, delivering exceptional bite, stability, and puncture resistance on steep, technical descents. Compared with the other tires on this list it trades a bit more weight for outright traction and sidewall robustness, making it a top choice where confidence in rough terrain and lower service frequency are worth the incremental cost.
Mega corner grip
Speedy center roll
Sharkskin bite
3C MaxxGrip compound for maximum grip in steep, technical terrain.
EXO+ casing adds high puncture and sidewall protection without excessive weight.
Mega corner grip
Speedy center roll
Sharkskin bite
3C MaxxGrip compound for maximum grip in steep, technical terrain.
EXO+ casing adds high puncture and sidewall protection without excessive weight.
$160-240 CAD
The Maxxis Assegai MaxxGrip is the go-to aggressive downhill tire for steep, loose and technical terrain, offering enormous traction from tall, sharply defined knobs and the tacky MaxxGrip rubber. It is heavier and can wear faster than more balanced designs like the Minion DHF, but its unmatched bite on steep faces and braking zones provides a clear technical advantage for riders who demand maximum grip in loose conditions.
Toothlike bite
MaxxGrip stickiness
Toothlike bite
MaxxGrip stickiness
Review Summary
"Widely regarded as one of the stickiest downhill/front tires, reviewers highlight exceptional traction and cornering stability in steep, technical terrain, balanced against weight and faster compound wear."
Root-crushing confidence
Tightly spaced center knobs paired with tall, hooked shoulder lugs for traction and secure cornering
Root-crushing confidence
Tightly spaced center knobs paired with tall, hooked shoulder lugs for traction and secure cornering
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Maxxis Assegai MaxxGrip is the go-to aggressive downhill tire for steep, loose and technical terrain, offering enormous traction from tall, sharply defined knobs and the tacky MaxxGrip rubber. It is heavier and can wear faster than more balanced designs like the Minion DHF, but its unmatched bite on steep faces and braking zones provides a clear technical advantage for riders who demand maximum grip in loose conditions.
Toothlike bite
MaxxGrip stickiness
Root-crushing confidence
Tightly spaced center knobs paired with tall, hooked shoulder lugs for traction and secure cornering
MaxxGrip compound provides exceptional bite in loose and muddy conditions
Toothlike bite
MaxxGrip stickiness
Root-crushing confidence
Tightly spaced center knobs paired with tall, hooked shoulder lugs for traction and secure cornering
MaxxGrip compound provides exceptional bite in loose and muddy conditions
$100-170 CAD
Schwalbe's Magic Mary Super Trail 27.5x2.6 is built around aggressive shoulder knobs and a sticky compound that deliver exceptional lateral bite in deep loam and mud. Versus the Maxxis and Specialized entries it leans more toward maximum cornering performance and often carries a premium price, but its German compound and casing options give it a technical edge for racers and gravity-focused riders seeking the most secure traction in turns.
Glue-like grip
Versatile traction
Glue-like grip
Versatile traction
Review Summary
"Users consistently rate the Magic Mary highly for superb grip, braking and cornering in soft and muddy terrain with excellent self-cleaning; common complaints are weight and somewhat faster wear under aggressive use."
Controlled slides
Very aggressive, directional shoulder lugs that maximize bite in deep mud.
Controlled slides
Very aggressive, directional shoulder lugs that maximize bite in deep mud.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Schwalbe's Magic Mary Super Trail 27.5x2.6 is built around aggressive shoulder knobs and a sticky compound that deliver exceptional lateral bite in deep loam and mud. Versus the Maxxis and Specialized entries it leans more toward maximum cornering performance and often carries a premium price, but its German compound and casing options give it a technical edge for racers and gravity-focused riders seeking the most secure traction in turns.
Glue-like grip
Versatile traction
Controlled slides
Very aggressive, directional shoulder lugs that maximize bite in deep mud.
Sticky Addix compound options improve traction on wet roots and rock.
Glue-like grip
Versatile traction
Controlled slides
Very aggressive, directional shoulder lugs that maximize bite in deep mud.
Sticky Addix compound options improve traction on wet roots and rock.
$120-170 CAD
The Maxxis Ikon 29x2.2 is a benchmark hardpack racer thanks to its fast-rolling, low-surface-area center tread and predictable cornering knobs. It holds its position by delivering an excellent price-to-performance ratio and lighter casing options that make it quicker on climbs and more economical than heavier, wider competitors like the Specialized Fast Trak.
Lightning-fast roll
Corner-hugging grip
Lightning-fast roll
Corner-hugging grip
Review Summary
"Riders praise the Ikon for being lightweight, fast-rolling and predictable on hardpack with confident cornering. Some users note reduced traction in loose or muddy conditions and only moderate durability under heavy use."
Almost weightless
Lightweight fast-rolling tread optimized for hardpack and XC
Almost weightless
Lightweight fast-rolling tread optimized for hardpack and XC
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Maxxis Ikon 29x2.2 is a benchmark hardpack racer thanks to its fast-rolling, low-surface-area center tread and predictable cornering knobs. It holds its position by delivering an excellent price-to-performance ratio and lighter casing options that make it quicker on climbs and more economical than heavier, wider competitors like the Specialized Fast Trak.
Lightning-fast roll
Corner-hugging grip
Almost weightless
Lightweight fast-rolling tread optimized for hardpack and XC
Open center tread and small side knobs for low rolling resistance and predictable cornering
Lightning-fast roll
Corner-hugging grip
Almost weightless
Lightweight fast-rolling tread optimized for hardpack and XC
Open center tread and small side knobs for low rolling resistance and predictable cornering
$60-90 CAD
The Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.5 WT earns its best-in-class spot for loose Rocky Mountain bike tires thanks to a predictable, proven front-end tread and a Wide Trail (WT) casing that balances traction and rolling speed on loose rock and scree. Compared with the stickier Schwalbe Magic Mary and the oversized WTB Vigilante, the Minion offers excellent availability and value—delivering reliable cornering and strong bite without the weight or premium price of some competitors.
Berm-sticking grip
Mud-shedding knobs
Berm-sticking grip
Mud-shedding knobs
Review Summary
"Consistently praised for predictable braking and cornering grip in loose, rocky terrain; wears reasonably well on aggressive rides but is not the fastest-rolling tire."
Fast, playful handling — hooligan-approved
Open shoulder knob design gives predictable bite on loose, rocky turns.
Fast, playful handling — hooligan-approved
Open shoulder knob design gives predictable bite on loose, rocky turns.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.5 WT earns its best-in-class spot for loose Rocky Mountain bike tires thanks to a predictable, proven front-end tread and a Wide Trail (WT) casing that balances traction and rolling speed on loose rock and scree. Compared with the stickier Schwalbe Magic Mary and the oversized WTB Vigilante, the Minion offers excellent availability and value—delivering reliable cornering and strong bite without the weight or premium price of some competitors.
Berm-sticking grip
Mud-shedding knobs
Fast, playful handling — hooligan-approved
Open shoulder knob design gives predictable bite on loose, rocky turns.
WideTrail (WT) casing optimizes contact patch and cornering on 29" rims.
Berm-sticking grip
Mud-shedding knobs
Fast, playful handling — hooligan-approved
Open shoulder knob design gives predictable bite on loose, rocky turns.
WideTrail (WT) casing optimizes contact patch and cornering on 29" rims.
$120-160 CAD