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Submitted by
Garner
a Cross Country Rider
from College Station
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Grip ONLY in the right conditions.... WICKED in sloppy, watery mud $19 for BOTH at local store-closeout | | Weaknesses: | Grip in the WRONG conditions.... Had these puppies on my bike after a weekend trip (little slippery out there that time) and rode to campus on them........... the 1.5 mile trek to campus (hardly any hard turns) torn them up, i lost 5 knobs on front with 3 partially lost and 2 on the rear, and i treated them kind that day-----ALSO VERY VERY VERY SLOW!!!!!! and heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Tioga factory, specialized | | Bike Setup: | 1999 KONA (rocks!) Caldera, xt drivetrain, z5 marzoch | | Bottom Line: | You should see the trail after you get finished with it in the mud, they are rad... its very TORN UP.. but, if its not extremely muddy, don't use because the trail will tear them up due to very hard compound.... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Cook
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | approx, for two! | | Strengths: | -Awsome Grip on Grass and Mud
-Look Cool as Hell
-Warnings on Edge are a good read! | | Weaknesses: | -Lethal on Tarmac
-Exciting!?! on Rock and Wook | | Bike Setup: | Bita and Bobs, slowlymorphoing into XT groupset. | | Bottom Line: | Unless only riding on Mud or Grass, DONT put on front and back.
If using just as a rear tyre, then these are excellent combined with a dedicated front (ie Dart)
Yes they slip around on hard stuff, but it is controlable, and my God do they make up for it when you need to climb a grass bank or plough through the mud.
They do wear very quick, hence the low value rating!
Can be used on road and stuff, but only to get too and from trails sensibly!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike MacDougald
a Cross Country Rider
from London, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Whispering Pines | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | The Cyclepath | | Strengths: | Amazing for what they are supposed to be used for, can't be beat in mud/snow and especially loose sand. | | Weaknesses: | Horrible on hardpack/tarmac, but that's not what they're for. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Dirt Baldy, Panaracer Dart, Specialized Team | | Bike Setup: | Raleigh/rockshox/avid v's/ti saddle | | Bottom Line: | Use 'em for what they're for and love 'em. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
code33
a Cross Country Rider
from SF, CA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$12.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambriabikes.com | | Strengths: | Good in mud as everyone has stated. | | Weaknesses: | Sucks on hard dry stuff, rocks, etc. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Cannibal; Ritchey Megabite; Panaracer Smoke | | Bike Setup: | Alpinestars Aluminum Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | A good portion of the lugs have ripped off. Others are breaking off. Glad I didn't pay full price for it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Han
a Weekend Warrior
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Off-road traction | | Weaknesses: | Quick wear | | Bottom Line: | I've been using this rear tire for about 2 months and one knob has already come off completely, exposing a small part of the carcass. Others are starting to peel. Made a lot of noise when I first put it on and cycled home from the bike shop on road. Seems to have got a lot quieter now. Seriously. I can't really compare the Panaracer with other rear specific tires. It did spin a bit when I stood to hammer up a rocky steep slope. But I still moved. Didn't dig me into the hill that I had to fall while still clipped. I always avoid skidding the rear. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ozzie
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Fairly good in mud and sand.
Durable
Long lasting (Hard Compound)
Good overall traction | | Weaknesses: |
Can't corner. | | Similar Products Used: |
Panaracer Smoke Dart Classic Front. | | Bike Setup: |
98' Joshua XO, Rock Shox Judy T2 Front, Rock Shox Deluxe Rear, Spinergy Rev-X-Roks, Shimano STX/LX/XT Grouppo. | | Bottom Line: | Pretty good tire. But no cornering ability whatsoever. I'm only rating the Spike front 26x1.95 dimensions. Good in sand and mud, but I find I'm still washing out in sand, but not much. Have to give it 3 chillis coz' it's only good in certain conditions. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross-Country Rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | I have owned a pair of these since they came out 4 or 5 years ago. Like most other reviews say, they are VERRY terrain specific (mud, sand, snow) but in the right conditions, they are da BOMB! I expect them to last forever beacause 1) they are sooo burly and 2) they see limited use from me. For a great demonstration, sneak on to a golf course after hours with these pupies on and throw a roost like a 2-Stroke! Seriously though, these will hook up where no other tire has a prayer.
4 stars only cause they weigh a ton. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MCA
a weekend warrior
from Clarkton,MI
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought a set Of the Spike's on closeout from Nashbar. These tires can't be beat in the mud or snow. The traction is unbeatable. No side knobs for cornering, but who really corners at high speed in the deep mud or snow anyway. Heard a rumor about these tires being discontinued, called panaracer, and found out it was true. The knobs are nearly a 1/2 tall, so they ought to last a while. One thing though these tires, due to their nature, are slow, slow... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Agent Orange
a racer
from Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
Date Reviewed: February 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
The Spike is a very, VERY terrain-specific tyre. Never in a million years would I ride this beast on hardpack, rock, concrete, or anything more solid than a sand dune. HOWEVER, in the slop, snow, sand, and mud, this tyre is THE COMPLETE BOMB. I rode this puppy up front in a snow biker-cross (with a Kujo DH rear) and it bit perfectly. The course was hacked after a couple runs, but the Spike just kept diggin'. If you live in a place where you frequent muddy or very loose terrain, buy one of these bad boys.On the hardpack, this thing gets a pretty weak review. However, for the loose and sloppy, this momma gets 5 big fat flamin' peppers! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ant
a weekend warrior
from Kent, England
Date Reviewed: January 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have tried five different pairs of tyres of my bike in the last year. This has been expensive, so I hope that this comparative review of my experience with these tyres helps you make a better choice first time.Some Taiwanese no name dual purpose tires:
Heavy, not good on any terrain, a sod to get on and off the rims, couldn’t get shot of them quick enough.
Specialized Fear Master/Control: (kevlar 127tpi 1.95”)
Light. good traction on the rear. Good control on the front. Predicable in everything from mud to tarmac. If you don’t know what the terrain is going to be like, these are a good safe bet. Lasted for 1200 miles. The only reason I will never ( and I mean never ) buy them again is that they were unbalanced weight wise. Enough to cause the forks and frame to vibrate violently at high speed. The shop said that this must have been badly pressed in the factory. Who needs that when your racing against some psycho out there in the back of beyond!Panaracer Spike: ( kevlar 1.9” )
A very terrain specific tire. Truly fantastic control and traction in anything from swampland to soft mud. That said, there not safe on hard ground, and are positively lethal on tarmac. This is one time when you should heed the warning printed on the tire: Not For Road Use. No-shit-sherlock! So much so, I can’t use these tire, no matter how hard it’s been raining the night before, as the trails I ride all have some sections of tarmac. Going to keep them though, for when it snows hard.WTB VelociRaptor: ( 2.1” )
The rear has great traction in the mud; although when the mud is like clay, the wide width of this tire cause the mud to build up in the frame around the brakes and the wheel drags to a complete lockup. This is when I realised that 1.9” tires are definitely better than 2.1” in the mud. Piss poor control from the front tire. Predicable on any terrain only in the sense that I know it’s going to washout. I expected more from WTB. Michelin Wildgripper: (1.9” any colour, there all the same compound, so the guys in the bike shop say )
This is now my chosen knobbly tire for wet off road terrain. Safe enough on tarmac, predictable in soft or loose conditions; and it’s balanced! I didn’t think that the stud pattern on the rear was going to give good traction, but it does. This is the tire performance that I was expecting from the Specialized Fear Master/Control tires.Bontrager revolt SS: (2.1 front, 1.9 rear)
Light. Extremely low rolling resistance. Fantastic cornering ability on hard and dry ground of any type, including grass. Allowing you to really lean into those corners until your knees touch the ground, and you power out the bend with an elated scream of relief. These will stay on my bike from May to October. These tires are only made in 2.1” for front, 1.9” for rear. This sounds stupid at first, but don’t let it put you off, it really does work well.Summery:
Use Michelin Wildgripper: 1.9” for soft or loose conditions.
Use Bontrager revolt SS: for any terrain in dry conditions.4 stars for the spike, ( not 5, because it's to tarrain specific )If you would like to see some MTB photos, you are welcome to visit my home Smeg Site at www.antx.freeserve.co.uk | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob C.
a weekend warrior
from Sultan, WA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Getting ready for the big witner storms everybody is predicting and looking for some aggresive mud tires. Went snooping around at the local shops and found a set of Spike F/R's. These are the toughest looking skins I have ever seen. Put them on last night and went for a quick ride on a local trail. These babys rip!! Be really careful if you have to ride on the rode at all cause they shure are supe loose on pavement. Leaves behind a trail like a rototiller so not to nice in sensitive areas. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Dave
a cross-country rider
from Waterdown, Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Panaracer Spike front and rear tires are designed specifically for extreme condition riding. Living in Canada and riding year round these tire are a must. They get put on my bike in late October and stay on until April when things start to dry up. The traction of these tires in deep mud and snow is second to none. I've ripped up and down hills while riders using regular tires are just spinning out and slidding out of control.These tires will not do well in any other conditions, they are not intended to be used for long periods on the road or dry hard trails.If you ride year round in snow and mud then do yourself a favour and get some Spikes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AARON WILLIAMS
a cross-country rider
from PACIFIC MO USA
Date Reviewed: December 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
IT'S MISSOURI, IT RAINS A LOT IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER CAUSE IT'S TOO LAME TO SNOW...I'VE GOT A STOCK PILE OF SPIKE FRONT KEVLAR FROM NASHBARS EIGHT DOLLAR SALE...MUD IS GOOD! THESE TIRES EAT IT UP! CORNERS LIKE MAD, GRABS UP THE SOUP AND SPITS IT OUT PUSHING YOU EVER FUTHUR! TOO BAD THEY STOPPED MAKING THESE! PROBABLY THE MOST MEATY TIRE EVER! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a racer
from Va Beach Va
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just did a race in the mud! It rained all day. I put my spike front tire on the rear and dart up front. Wish I had 2 spike fronts to go all around. I was so impressed with the climbing capabilities of this tire. Now if we can only solve chainsuck hhmmm!
If we keep raving about this tire, the price may go up! It's a classic. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Rahrer
a weekend warrior
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a front Spike on closeout from Nashbar. Put it on the BACK, with a
Pana Dart SC up front. Went for a ride in the slime and loved it. I was able to
climb steep hills that are difficult during dry season. The Spike actually threw dirt
and slime all over my back side. It only packed up a bit in clay, but cleared
quickly. This ride was on open mountain bike trails at a ski resort. I wouldn't take
this tire out on environmentally sensitive trails if they were wet and/or muddy.
One point to all those who complain about sliding out when turning with ANY tire
in slick or soft conditions: the secret is to keep your bike upright when turning. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sherman
a weekend warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: June 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got this tire cheap from Supergo. It is light and it is great in the mud. It does not have any side knobs so it is not very good on any dry dirt for cornering. These are made specifically for mud so there is a lot of rolling resistence when riding on the road with these. I got the front one so and it tracks pretty good. It goes where it is pointed | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
silas
a cross-country rider
from washington
Date Reviewed: June 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Mud what mud these tires rip it up it is great. The BEST mud tire ever...you will never get stuck because of spin out only because the legs are not strong enough. If you ride in mud these are the best snow to. I love them just remember to take them off when it dries out or you will loose knobbies. That is expected when they look this mean. The best nuf said in the mud. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robin Bebbington
a cross-country rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: April 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Awesome mud tire but stay well clear of roots. Also be carefull going through thick mud as I have broken chains with a bit too much power. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bootsy Collins
a cross-country rider
from Longview, WA
Date Reviewed: February 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
These are cool for welts and/or burnout marks on fellow riders, or innocent bystanders for that matter. Good in the mud of the pacific northwest too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger Winther
a weekend warrior
from Norway
Date Reviewed: February 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
These tires are great if You do a lot of riding during the wintertime. In snow and mud they just keep on digging. The only fault so far, Is that they wear fast. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Klasen
a racer
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the tire for the winters on the west coast and found them to work very
good in snow and mud. I replace these tires in the dry season. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ted
a cross-country rider
from PA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Spikes are great slalom tires. Panaracer recommends using them for
soft to very muddy conditions, but I'd rather use something that
sheds mud better. Spikes are still a good choice in sand and snow,
however.That's not to say that Spikes are bad, just mislabeled. On slalom
courses where the dirt is pretty soft and/or there's still a lot
of grass on the course, Spike R kicks butt. The key is that
the soil has to be soft enough for the side spikes to penetrate.
Unlike some slalom tire setups, keep the pressure higher than
usual so that the knobs don't fold over. A layer of duct tape
inside the carcass helps, too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hung Nguyen
a cross-country rider
from Fairfax, Va
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I mostly ride the water soaked trails of the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. and
these tires are unstoppable in mud. If mud, sand, and generally loose trails
are your normal stomping grounds then these tires are one of the best performing
treads you can slap on your wheels. I bought one, mostly because I could get it
at a killer price from the bike shop that I work at, and they have more than paid
for themselves in performance and adrenaline. It is true that these tire perform
almost poorly on pavement and not too much better on hard-pack trails, but who
really wants to ride their $1000+ off-road dream on pavement. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a cross-country rider
from Asheville, NC
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This tire has a very square profile. As you initiate a turn on hardpack, the bike's balance shifts from the flat bottom of the tire to the edge, at which point you are riding on a single row of knobs.
The knobs are extremely aggressive, which can be damaging to the trail surface.
If you ride in nothing but mud and sand, this may be the perfect tire, but for any other conditions, I found it awkward and occasionally destructive. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a cross-country rider
from Pittsburgh PA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
These tires rule...they dig into the dirt and shed mud very well, I can climb like a deer
without losing my traction and can descend like a wild man. These tires are a steal
outta nasbar. The only problem is that they take getting used to on the road because the spikes
bend on the road are feel strange.
| | Overall Rating: |
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