Grand Sport Race vs Ikon review

In this entry we are going to compare and review Continental Grand Sport Race vs Maxxis Ikon tyres. Both manufactured by different brands, Continental and Maxxis respectively, these tyres have been designed to be used for different purposes. Whilst Continental Grand Sport Race is better for Race Tires activities, Maxxis Ikon is a great choice if your needs are more aligned to mountain activities.

Grand Sport Race

Ikon

This all-rounder is ready for every challenge, even the biggest ones.Proven racing tire contour for responsive handling and secure grip.

Race performance in tours and competitions

A versatile XC tread

This all-rounder is ready for every challenge, even the biggest ones.Proven racing tire contour for responsive handling and secure grip.

The Maxxis Ikon is a versatile XC tire designed to perform in a broad range of conditions. With its predictable handling, the Ikon is also a favorite among our slopestyle athletes.

Features

NyTechBreaker
Nylon fabric in the performance sector
Our new NyTech Puncture Protection has been developed based on the proven Continental SafetySystem Breaker. Its nylon fabric makes it resistant to punctures and cuts like Kevlar reinforced high strength fibres, but offers lower rolling resistance and reduced weight. The NyTech breaker sits between the SafetySystem and the PolyX Breaker® as a more effective puncture protection casing in the performance sector.
PureGrip Compound
The advanced new compound
Based on activated silica compounds, this technology was originally intended as an performance level compound, but after intensive development at our Korbach Research and Development Department Facility, an advanced new compound with outstanding grip and cross-country properties was developed. This new rubber mix, given the self explanatory name “PureGrip”, is ranked just behind our BlackChili Compound and is being used in our performance products both in the road and mountain bike sectors. Whilst providing great grip, it is also long lasting and highly durable – both characteristics of Continental tires, which are exclusively manufactured in the factory in Hefei (Asia).

Features

Select specs are Tubeless Ready (TR), confirm in table below
Dual compound, 3C MaxxSpeed, or 3C MaxxTerra options
60 TPI or 120 TPI casing options
EXO sidewall protection

Usage

XC (Cross Country)

Technologies

Tubeless Ready Tubeless tires provide the rider with many benefits: the ability to run lower air pressures, which improves traction; lower rolling resistance when compared to a tube-type tire; and less chance of flatting because there is no tube. Liquid sealants should only be used in the following types of tires: tubeless road, tubular, and tubeless ready. The use of liquid sealants in any other Maxxis tire will void the warranty.
3C MaxxSpeed Used primarily in cross country and enduro tires, the two compounds in the outer layer are specially formulated to reduce rolling resistance and optimize treadwear and traction.
3C MaxxTerra An intermediate compound configuration used in select mountain tires. 3C MaxxTerra is softer and offers more traction than 3C MaxxSpeed, yet provides better treadwear and less rolling resistance than MaxxGrip.
EXO An extremely cut-resistant and abrasion-resistant material added to the sidewalls of select mountain tires. This densely woven fabric is also lightweight and highly flexible, ensuring that the performance of the tire remains unaffected. Choose EXO Protection for exceptionally rocky, treacherous trails where the chance of sidewall cuts and abrasions is high.

Specifications

26

Part #: TB72385300
Size: 26X2.20 ETRTO: 57-559 TPI: 60 Bead: FOLDABLE Weight (g): 572 Compound: SINGLE Max PSI: 65 Tech: Color: BLACK Application: MOUNTAIN

Part #: TB72390100
Size: 26X2.20 ETRTO: 57-559 TPI: 120 Bead: FOLDABLE Weight (g): 623 Compound: 3C MAXXSPEED Max PSI: 60 Tech: 3C/EXO/TR Color: BLACK Application: MOUNTAIN

Part #: TB73499100
Size: 26X2.35 ETRTO: 60-559 TPI: 120 Bead: FOLDABLE Weight (g): 675 Compound: 3C MAXXSPEED Max PSI: 60 Tech: 3C/EXO/TR Color: BLACK Application: MOUNTAIN

27.5

Part #: TB00332800
Size: 27.5X2.20 ETRTO: 56-584 TPI: 60 Bead: FOLDABLE Weight (g): 701 Compound: DUAL Max PSI: 60 Tech: EXO/TR/TANWALL Color: TANWALL Application: MOUNTAIN

Part #: TB85919000
Size: 27.5X2.20 ETRTO: 56-584 TPI: 120 Bead: FOLDABLE Weight (g): 646 Compound: 3C MAXXSPEED Max PSI: 60 Tech: 3C/EXO/TR Color: BLACK Application: MOUNTAIN

Part #: TB85956000
Size: 27.5X2.35 ETRTO: 60-584 TPI: 120 Bead: FOLDABLE Weight (g): 700 Compound: 3C MAXXSPEED Max PSI: 60 Tech: 3C/EXO/TR Color: BLACK Application: MOUNTAIN

29

Part #: TB96646100
Size: 29X2.00 ETRTO: 50-622 TPI: 120 Bead: FOLDABLE Weight (g): 618 Compound: 3C MAXXSPEED Max PSI: 60 Tech: 3C/EXO/TR Color: BLACK Application: MOUNTAIN

Part #: TB00333000
Size: 29X2.20 ETRTO: 57-622 TPI: 60 Bead: FOLDABLE Weight (g): 710 Compound: 3C MAXXSPEED Max PSI: 60 Tech: 3C/EXO/TR/TANWALL Color: TANWALL Application: MOUNTAIN

Part #: TB00332900
Size: 29X2.20 ETRTO: 57-622 TPI: 60 Bead: FOLDABLE Weight (g): 737 Compound: DUAL Max PSI: 60 Tech: EXO/TR/TANWALL Color: TANWALL Application: MOUNTAIN

Part #: TB96740100
Size: 29X2.20 ETRTO: 57-622 TPI: 120 Bead: FOLDABLE Weight (g): 697 Compound: 3C MAXXSPEED Max PSI: 60 Tech: 3C/EXO/TR Color: BLACK Application: MOUNTAIN

Part #: TB96731100
Size: 29X2.35 ETRTO: 60-622 TPI: 120 Bead: FOLDABLE Weight (g): 755 Compound: 3C MAXXSPEED Max PSI: 60 Tech: 3C/EXO/TR Color: BLACK Application: MOUNTAIN

Part #: TB00038300
Size: 29X2.60 ETRTO: 66-622 TPI: 120 Bead: FOLDABLE Weight (g): 805 Compound: 3C MAXXSPEED Max PSI: 40 Tech: 3C/EXO/TR Color: BLACK Application: MOUNTAIN

Grand Sport Race vs Ikon review

Features

NyTechBreaker

PureGrip Compound

Features

Usage

Usage

Technologies

Technologies

Specifications

26

27.5

29