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Submitted by
Mike Jackson
a Cross Country Rider
from Cedar park tx
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Green belt, walnut creek. Emma long etc. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | came on bike | | Strengths: | i will agree, with the durability of this combo,& the traction that come from no where. hard to torture. you name it, they'll hook on to it like a leach!! | | Weaknesses: | too far back to remember back in 89 or 91. | | Similar Products Used: | all kinds of tires | | Bike Setup: | Alot of good stuff XT.XTR.mavic tubliss rims(to lazy to go to the garage)Marzzocchi xc pro front shock,fox float rear Hollow tech 2 XTR | | Bottom Line: | back in the daywhen when farmer john tires were around, and when knobs on a tire were the thing. I got the combo on a old GT Karakorm steal frame (I miss that frame)these tires came on the bike when I baught it. these two tires where amazing. climbing, at time my front wheel would lift from the traction I'd get even on loose gravel, sand, loose on hard pack what ever was rolled over. And even tore some knobs off the rear and still had casing left. now I'm hearing that these things are still around. i've been waitng to get this set up again, and thy're affordable. time for my old favorite combo. That I've not been able to duplicate in any way. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
old school dave
a Racer
from Shelby Twp., MI
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Potto | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | performance | | Strengths: | Light weight, awesome tread pattern, rides over and through everything!! Wet...Dry... Rocks...Roots...Whatever!!! Awesome humm on pavement, on your ride to the trail. | | Weaknesses: | Not made in tubeless form yet. My 2.1 actually measures 2.0, but for a rear tire, no mas... | | Similar Products Used: | Ritchey z-max, Fire xc pro | | Bike Setup: | Ibis steel Mojo, Rocky Mountain Team Only Vertex, xtr, mavic, other high end stuff... | | Bottom Line: | I've rode these for 20 years. Used to ride these on front as well, before they came out with the Dart. I've tried some other tires, but always came back to these. THIS IS THE BEST REAR TIRE EVER MADE...EVER!!! It alway's wears well, and I've never had a flat issue with these, or any other issue as a matter of fact. And after 20 years of hammering on these, through EVERY type of midwestern terrain and weather condition, I think, is quite a testemant to their performance and durability. If your still running tubes this is the only rear tire I would use. All for only $25- incredible!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
norseman
a Cross Country Rider
from alta loma, ca usa
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | performance | | Strengths: | Great traction. Light. Climbs extremely well. | | Weaknesses: | Wears out fast. Last two tires were junk. See narrative. | | Similar Products Used: | Panaracer Fire, Continental Vertical, WTB velociraptor | | Bike Setup: | 2005 Trek Top Fuel 110. All stock. | | Bottom Line: | I orginally bought these tires to replace the more expensive and heavier Velociraptors on the rear. Where I live is ALL hills. I ride one block to the trails of the San Bernardino Mountains where it is mostly gravel and rocks, loose conditions over hardpack. They wear out a lot faster than most other tires but they get tortured up steep loose climbs followed by fast downhills. I was ok with the wear since they work so well in those conditions but the last two tires had defects. Ive used about 7 of these tires over two years with no problem but a tire I got in Oct 2008 developed tears ahead of each center knob that went straight thru to the innter tube. Performance Bike replaced it for free but the second tire developed a bulge in the sidewall followed by the same tearing problem. I dont even want to go back for another free one so Im switching back to my Velociraptors... That is, as soon as Im done trying to set a world record for the longest rear wheel skid using a Panaracer Smoke. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AndrwSwitch
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | St. Ed's | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Decent grip outside of mud, climbs well | | Weaknesses: | poor manners in a skid, not brilliant in mud, a little narrow for a 2.1", sits a little funny on wide (22mm internal) rims. | | Similar Products Used: | Mythos XC rear, Continental Cross Country, Specialized Resolution | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Hardrock with stock wheels, Panaracer Dart up front | | Bottom Line: | It's definitely an upgrade from the Specialized Resolution, but I think I'll try something else when I buy my next tire. The performance is pretty good when it's dry, and it rolls well enough at low pressure for me to keep it at 25psi (I'm 145 lbs) without being frustratingly slow. I'm into "all conditions" tires because I don't want to change my tire every time I go for a ride. This tire is just a little weird. It definitely climbs well, including pretty bad surfaces, and it stays hooked up better than the Resolutions or my Cross Country did, but when it loses grip it can be a bit of a surprise and quite hard to recover. I've noticed, glancing back at it, that it tends to accumulate mud between the side knobs. It also has a very square profile on the rims I have.
People with narrower rims than mine will probably like it a lot more. People who climb a lot will be into it. People who go at a fast enough pace to need to lean into their turns a lot are likely to have some problems with it on bad surfaces at either extreme - dust and grit over slick surfaces and mud. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Barkleyfan
a Cross Country Rider
from Iowa
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Strengths: | traction, wear | | Weaknesses: | recovery | | Similar Products Used: | to many to list | | Bike Setup: | several | | Bottom Line: | The Smoke is the best climbing tire I've used in 16 years of mountain biking. It hooks up on any surface, in any conditions, even ice. For a front tire, I tried the Dart up front, but I have to say the Ritchey Z-Max worked better for me. The only issue I had with the Smoke is that once you actually do break traction with it (which takes alot of effort) it is skechy in the corners. It slides, then gets grabby, making a slide unpredictable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
beedubs
a Cross Country Rider
from BG, KY
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Sal Hallow | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | Timeless design, long lasting (stay off pavement), clears well, grips great. | | Weaknesses: | Panaracer has reduced availability internationally, lite combos are apparently no longer available. | | Similar Products Used: | Tioga, multiple others | | Bike Setup: | Old school V2000 Cannondale, Stumpjumper, Giant Warp, now Marin Mt. Vision Pro 05 full gear | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding for over 15 years (semi-pro back in the day... before I got fat and lazy!). I've tried a dozen or so different tires over the years and have always given them away or thrown them out... except for the smoke/dart combo. They are eventually worn down (on dirt) and used for rail/trail or riverside riding with the gf before being tossed out. I've never ridden downhill and don't do much technical or jump. I'm basically hard-pack singletrack and this setup is the best that I've found. I'll never buy another combo. Best of all, they're perceived as cheap now.
BW
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pos51
a Cross Country Rider
from Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, UK
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Bathpool | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Strengths: | Great all round performance | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Tioga, Maxxis | | Bike Setup: | Claud Butler Ravana, full disc conversion, Suntour XCM's. SRAm cassette. | | Bottom Line: | First used the Smoke/Dart combo 8yrs ago. Took me 6 months to track down somebody in the US to ship them to the UK as they no longer sell them here!?!?!
They were well worth the effort.
Cant fault these tyres at all.
Grips on everything i ride on, great in really muddy conditions.
Best tyres ever!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bart
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Technical Roller Coaster Rides | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$15.00 | | Purchased At: | PerformanceBike.com | | Strengths: | Price, weight, price, and price. | | Weaknesses: | Nowhere near stated width of 2.1", maybe 1.95"... with me on the bike.
Doesn't seem to grip all too well in more hard packed conditions. | | Similar Products Used: | Old stock Bontrager Jones. | | Bike Setup: | Old Trek Hardtrail w/Manitou fork, XT components, Crank Bros pedels, etc. | | Bottom Line: | This is a decent tire... for the money. I replaced the old stocker Bontrager Jones tires on my bike with the Dart/Smoke combo and am more happy with the grip increase in the front, but have seemed to have lost a bit of grip in the rear, and that's even when swapping from a worn tire to a new one. The only thing that I can come up with to explain the loss of grip is that the few times I've ridden on the new tires since I've gotten them have been more hard-packed conditions than normal. Though, in the loosened-up sections, it seems to grip well. So, maybe I just haven't gotten it in it's element yet. The weight seems decent, but the whole 2.1" width thing is way off. This could be another attributing factor to the bit of lost grip. Ironic, I go from a 1.95" Bontrager Jones that measured 2.1", to a 2.1" Smoke that measures 1.9". Ugh. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Andover, NJ
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Kitatinny Valley | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | LHS | | Strengths: | Durability, grip and confidence | | Weaknesses: | Wet surfaces, rocks and roots. | | Bike Setup: | Yokota - Yosemite Comp Hardtail, Smokes FR & RR | | Bottom Line: | Looking for new tires as I have thoroughly have gotten my money's worth out of these by being able to rotate my tires. Looking to try a Dart/Smoke combo this time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Andersen
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | McDowell Mtn Loops | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$16.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Price ($16 combined for the Smoke/Dart combo--$8 per tire!), durability, good traction/stability. Avg. rolling resistance. Not a single sidewall cut since I've had them on. | | Weaknesses: | Size. I went to a smaller tire to avoid sidewall tears, but these tires are not even close to the advertised 2.1 width; they're actually about 1.8 or 1.85. When you're used to higher-volume tires, these tires feel much harsher. I really wish these tire companies would use accurate measurements! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Resolution Pro 2.1's (great tires, horrible sidewalls); Panaracer Fire XC's (good tires, but these are better). | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Stumpy FSR, '07. | | Bottom Line: | Decent tires at a great price. Been riding them for 3 months now, and I can see why the Smoke/Dart combo gets such high ratings. I just wish the tire was a true 2.1, b/c they ride a lot rougher than the higher-volume 2.1's that I had on there before--so much so that despite liking their performance, I'm probably still going to replace them with a higher-volume tire. These tires would be great for a hardtail and/or single-speed. I've used Panaracer Fire XC's in the past, and I'd rate the Smoke/Dart combo as better and more durable in AZ conditions. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jhomper
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | DR/MW/Halls Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Descent treads and traction. Pretty light. Moderate durability. | | Weaknesses: | A little slippery on the mixed rock with sand terrain. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB velociraptor, Maxxis, Conti gravity and survival pro, Tioga Psycho | | Bike Setup: | Giant VT, XT drivetrain, Manitou Minute and Swinger SPV shock setup about 5 inches of travel. Velociraptor front and Smoke in the back | | Bottom Line: | The rear tire is quite good for digging into loose gravel. Took it to Moab a few weeks ago and it did great on slick rock along with plowing thru the sand patches. Had some snow experience, and it did quite well. I am a little nervous on the mixed dry sand on rock terrain. The rear Velociraptors were a bit better for this. Climbs well on loose rock/gravel like the Vraptors and a bit lighter. For the price and performance, this tire is a great value.
Riding style: I bike xc and all-mountain and like mixed terrains with some technical rock gardens, including some rough jagged rocks. The terrain in the Front Range is dryer with interspersed loose rocks and gravel. Climbing is always a part of a fun ride for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Woodstock, Ga, USA
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Blankets Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Grips like hell over any surface. What else could you want? | | Weaknesses: | Slings pooh like a pissed-off monkey | | Similar Products Used: | Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Hutchinson Python AirLite | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2006 Giant Anthem | | Bottom Line: | This coupled with the dart up front makes for a hell of a ride. Buy these tires and forget about them. Thats the best compliment I can give a tire. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc
a Cross Country Rider
from Holly Springs, Georgia, USA
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Blankets Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$19.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike Online | | Strengths: | Grips roots like a lumberjack, and corners like an indi car. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Hutcheson POS factory installed tires. | | Bike Setup: | Giant Rainier. Sram X-7rear marzochi EXR pro shock. | | Bottom Line: | I bought these based on the reports I read here. THANK YOU. So far this tire has been a huge improvement from the Hutcheson crap that came on the bike. Buy them you won't be sorry. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$17.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Light, easy mount and dismount. Super grip on any surface. | | Weaknesses: | Some rolling resistance, but not much. Tends to pop off rim at times. | | Similar Products Used: | IRC Mythos, Kenda Klaw XT, Maxxis | | Bike Setup: | Iron Horse Warrior Comp with lots of upgrades | | Bottom Line: | I ride these tires on just about every kind of surface and they seem to be the best I've tried. They work best on hardpack singletrack. Cornering is good. Great grip on roots. A little sketchy on loose gravel though. They are a little loose so make sure they're on the rim right otherwise expect a blowout. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mel Stewart
a Cross Country Rider
from Steamboat Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Eye-to-eye | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar | | Strengths: | Great grip, cheap | | Weaknesses: | DO NOT USE WITH STAN'S NO-TUBE | | Similar Products Used: | IRC Mythos | | Bike Setup: | Yeti ASR-SL | | Bottom Line: | Great tire, but DO NOT use with Stan's no-tubes. Found out the hard way with two flats from rock punctures on the first four rides.
Bottom Line: Good tire in multiple condition, just use with tubes and tire liner. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex bob
a
from vancouver
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | grous mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$27.00 | | Purchased At: | bike docter | | Strengths: | very gripy
and they go very fast on grass. | | Weaknesses: | not very good on really fast corners. | | Similar Products Used: | kenda hamers. | | Bike Setup: | GT agrressore 2.0 aluninum dh bike. | | Bottom Line: | A very good tire for eny bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Cross Country Rider
from santa rosa cal usa
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Strengths: | ok for back tire | | Weaknesses: | very week tire for the front when you make turns going downhill you can feel it slipping | | Similar Products Used: | maxis other | | Bottom Line: | I wrecked hard with this tire going down hill in the dry feels very slippery making turns I dont like it | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank Durso
a Cross Country Rider
from Brookhaven, PA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Middle Run | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$17.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes | | Strengths: | Durability, Cornering ability, climbing ability | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Panaracer Fire XC
IRC Mythos | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Jamis Exile with Mavic 222's, Manitou Skareb Comp | | Bottom Line: | I have used these tires exclusively for close to 9 years. The Smoke and Dart Combo are the best all-around riding and racing tire I have used, and they are very economical.
I pay about $17 per tire when they go on sale at Performance Bikes, and that 50% sale happens a couple of times a year | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven Mancuso
a Weekend Warrior
from Haskell, New Jersey, USA
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood Skylands Manor | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Pad in New Jersey | | Strengths: | I have been using the Smoke Dart combo since 1992 and love them. Have tried other tires and always go back to this combo. I even have the newer riders in my bunch using them. I am 175 pounds and ride ruff cross country, all mountain stuff. I took the 2.35's off my 06 Trek Remedy and swapped the smoke/dart combo on. Ruff rock gardens, mudd, even with suspension,, I mean when these tires came out there was like no such thing as suspension,, they are the best tire yet I have used. Will keep on ordering them. | | Weaknesses: | none,, they do wear but 2 sets of tires for a season,, maybe one set if you ride the last 2 months or so with worn tires,, thats enough time out of a set of tires for me. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2006 Trek Remedy 6 | | Bottom Line: | Good stuff | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse
a Cross Country Rider
from Selinsgrove, PA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Marsh Lake, PA & Roaring Creek, PA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$18.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | It's freakin' classic. Works great in mud, snow, and other wet coniditions. Seems to run good in dry stuff, but its been so wet since I put it on. | | Weaknesses: | Heavier than the Contis I usually run. | | Similar Products Used: | IRC Mythos | | Bike Setup: | 2005 Rocky Mountain Element 70 | | Bottom Line: | I've been running it in this crappy winter slop. Central PA has been blessed with snow, rain and cold with a few 50 degree days thrown in so I usually get out on the bike at least once a week. It has tackled the mud, snow wet ground really well. Climbing on snow seemed like a breeze. The Smoke sheds mud and snow like a snake sheds its skin. It handles slick rocks as well. If you're looking for a great off-season or wet conditions tire go vintage, get back to you roots and throw on that old school Panaracer Smoke. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Landl
a Racer
from Helena, MT
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Many :) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$18.00 | | Purchased At: | bikesdirect/nashbar/performance | | Strengths: | Super tire for climbing/stopping on fast decents.
Hooks up excellent in all conditions. Price! and Light! | | Weaknesses: | Wear out quickly. Prone to punctures on rocky trails. | | Similar Products Used: | Just about every tire you can think of...Favorites are:
Mitchelin Hot s
Continental Survival PROtect | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Specialized FSR Pro Top of the line everything.
2003 Treck Fuel 98 Top of the line everything. | | Bottom Line: | My wife and I have been riding these tires on the rear of our mt. bikes for over three years...even tho they aren't ust, she runs tubeless with the Stans set up, and I run tubes. We have never had any problems when it comes to everyday riding, but when we get down and dirty while racing we have both blown these tires several times. I am light at 145 and so is she at 125 so I would expect these tires to hold up a little better. We still ride these tires everyday, but when it comes to race day I ride the Mitchelin Hot s in back and she rides the
Conti Survival Pro. haven't had any punctures with these to yet, and they wear much longer. FYI we both run the Panracer Fire Xc Pro 2.1 with snake bite in front..Sweet/light/excellent tire
If you dont go to bananas the in the rocks the Smoke Classic is the ultimate tire for everyone!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Tustin, CA
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$18.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Lots of grip | | Weaknesses: | none so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager Jones AC | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4900 Stock | | Bottom Line: | I typically ride a couple miles on street to get to the trailhead. The trails in Southern california are pretty hard packed dirt & sand with no water/mud/grass.
I rode the Jones AC tires for 1000 miles before they wore out so I was very aware of the capabilities when I switched the rear tire to the Panracer Smoke. The difference is night & day. I no longer spin the tires as I try to climb hills. It is like they are glued to the trail. I'm easily getting up all sorts of hills that were very challenging before.
I did finally get my first flat while riding with these tires. It was a 2" nail so I don't think I can count that against the tire.
Also, there were many negative reviews about the significant rolling resistance on pavement. I have mine pumped up to ~50psi because I'm 200+ lbs. The tire is designed so there's a good contact patch going down the center of the tire so it rolls very smoothly in a straight line. However, if you turn a corner and roll on the side of the tire, you'll slow down a lot.
Finally, I doubt these tires will last 1000 miles like my previous tires because the rubber feels softer. However these cost $18 versus $40 or $50 to replace the Jones AC's. For the increased performance I'll gladly replace them a little more often.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ivan
a
from C-Springs
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | The traction this tire provides (especially when new) is quite impressive. nice big lugs will reach out and grab trail features. | | Weaknesses: | Durability. Went through two tires in 6 months. First tire lasted only a few rides before ripping the sidwall on Horsethief bench in Fruita. When I replaced the dart I had on the front wheel, I checked the smoke and noticed missing lugs etc. I'd like to think I'm a manimal, but in reality, its soft rubber (which may be why its such a shovel). Touch heavy in Kevlar (in wire its a boat anchor) | | Similar Products Used: | WTBs, IRCs, Tiogas, etc | | Bike Setup: | black bomber | | Bottom Line: | If you can find these tires with the kevlar bead for less than 20$ you should consider the tire. Overall durability leaves a bit to be desired, but the traction is quite nice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Belgian Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Dreaming Spires
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | *This is a follow up review to that submitted as 'Red kites'.*
Grip, more grip and... yup, still more grip! Smoke and Dart combo is excellent for traction in all loose and sloppy conditions. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, a bit sluggish and not ideal therefore on pack and road. | | Similar Products Used: | aligators, mythos, roll-x, explorers, veliciraptors... I could go on. | | Bike Setup: | 'Hopper Pro, with whatever tyres, pedals, saddle I'm trying out this week! | | Bottom Line: | Having used these tyres for over a year, I am happy to say that my earlier review was unduly harsh.
The smoke (rear) tyre shifts loose mud, soil and rocks like a miner on speed, and feels very positive on off camber loose stuff like rocks flints and soft mud.
Its partner tyre up front, the Dart, takes a little getting used to, as it's tread design means it wants to go in a straight line, regardless of what you try to do with your bodyweight. This means it isn't a tyre whose handling you can take for granted for the first couple of rides, but stick with it, because what the Smoke offers in rotational grip, the Dart offers in lateral grip. You can ride ACROSS a very steep, slippery camber with this tyre and it will tend to climb the slope, not descend it, it has that much traction.
Because of the spacing between the blocks (paddles, knobs, blades... whatever) they don't shed very sticky thick mud or mud and leaves too well, so don't use them in clay/ chalk soils in the wet!
Bottom line? I got mine for £25 a set at my LBS (Beeline), and now I love them. I'd definitely buy another set.
Value rating is for the price I paid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mister Big
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Marin Headlands | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | 15.00 | | Strengths: | Grippy, confidence-inspiring, pushes through tough terrain, feel like I'm on rails. | | Weaknesses: | Slow, lots of rolling resistance, on the street you feel like you're pulling an extra 15 pounds. | | Similar Products Used: | Ritchey Innovader, Panaracer Fire XC, Specialized stock stuff | | Bike Setup: | Marin Pine Mountain, steel hardtail | | Bottom Line: | You will find yourself riding with more speed an confidence, but you will pay the price in rolling resistance and if you have to ride on the street to get to your trail. A word of difference between these and the less knobby Ritchey Innovaders. Those are fast, but I find myself slipping and struggling to avoid wipe outs.
Put on the Smoke/Dart combo and it's like you are glued to the trail. You can ride on the sides of these tires and in ruts. Well, mountain biking is about riding on trails and, for me, not falling or wiping out, so I like them even if they make me ride slower because of the rolling resistance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
geddes geddes
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, Ga
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$19.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar | | Strengths: | Grips like a champ, and you cant beat the price for Kevlar! Better warn the guys behind you when you give them a face full of mud. | | Weaknesses: | none so far ! | | Similar Products Used: | IRC, Bontrager -AC Jones | | Bike Setup: | Trek Fuel 90, Dart / Smoke (40psi) | | Bottom Line: | I wish I had switched sooner ! You cant compare the feeling of riding with control vs. out of control in wet conditions. I have never had a problem getting hooked up with a line over wet roots. These tires shead mud like a dog in the summer heat. I ride in all kinds of conditions but I havent met one yet on the East side where these tires didnt get the job done. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Poway
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Twin Peaks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$16.00 | | Purchased At: | Preformance Bicycle | | Strengths: | Great Traction
Holds a line
Cleans itself well | | Weaknesses: | ??? | | Similar Products Used: | First MTB | | Bike Setup: | Giant DS2 | | Bottom Line: | Great tire for the riding i do. holds a line on a downhill. sticks like glue on a climb. i cant get teh thing to break traction. the smoke/dart combo is great. would wanna give it 10 chillis for value. 10 for overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Red Kites
a Weekend Warrior
from Oxford
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Afan Argoed trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Corners well enough for a knobbly on blacktop, very good traction on wet grass when climbing steep inclines. | | Weaknesses: | Surprisingly little grip in the mud, locks up with mud quickly and stays that way. | | Similar Products Used: | Hutchinson Aligators, IRC Mythos xc, Specialized Roll-x, Panaracer fire xc, all sorts of road tyres... | | Bike Setup: | Rockhopper, standard kit except for a selection of wheels, tyres and pedals to suit conditions. | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the Smoke and Dart combo, purchased recently at my LBS.
I've only ridden them once so far, on trails across the very sticky Chilterns mud (chalk + moss + rain) and wet roots, leaves and deep thick mud pools. Plenty of stony off-camber singletrack too.
The result? FEAR, my friend!
This is how it breaks down. The rear (Smoke) never had enough traction in sticky stuff, and over the rooty/rocky stuff. Suffered an unenviable loss of traction until I let half the air out, at which point what it gained in traction, it lost in handling.
However, as a wet grass tyre on firm to soft, but not sticky, ground, it was excellent, and having shed all the mud on a brief blacktop section, it locked in well to a steep field climb, with absolutely no slippage.
Front (Dart) felt from the off like a very good excuse for personal injury insurance.
It locked up with mud within the first 100 meters of the trail, and even before I hit the tricky singletrack section where my old and worn Roll-x's had proved a bit lacking, I was stopping to let air out, think, drink and regain my composure.
Come the singletrack, however..... I was wishing I had left the Roll-x on or, better still, switched to my last remaining set of Aligators! The thing was all over the place, it would alternately fight against the camber and slip on rocky bits (naturally), leaving me needing to scrub off speed to feel safe. Even at lower speeds, I still missed my ideal line choice several times as I simply didn't trust the feel of this tyre.
In it's defence, I'll say that it does hold well under braking, and if I wanted to ride cross camber on , say wet grass, I know that I could with this tyre.
I know I've only given the tyres one outing, and in some tricky conditions at that, but they are advertised as 'all conditions tyres', and they have so far proved disappointing.
I will persevere, however, and I'll write a follow-up if and when I discover a combination of pressures and surfaces that they work well with. If anyone knows of a good combination, could they mail me at nick_rawle@hotmail.com.
Value wise, £25 for 2 tyres isn't bad, but it's not such a great deal if you end up not using them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Downhiller
from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Strengths: | Awesome grip, good puncture resistance, consistent feel, predictable breakaway at the limit | | Weaknesses: | wear on hardpack and paved surfaces is a little excessive | | Similar Products Used: | Dart front, Smoke/Dart SC 2.25 | | Bike Setup: | Hardtail, bombers. | | Bottom Line: | I've used these tyres on and off since about 1994, and I must say it was a pain when they went away the first time...
I used the smoke and dart combo for downhilling, trials, and general thrashing for many years and have never been disappointed. In the meantime I've also run various tyres from IRC, specialized, tioga, maxxis, intense and others.
I must say, also, that as the smoke and dart go, the massive "SC" soft compound \downhill version (rated at 2.25", actually much bigger) that was available in the mid 90's is far and away the best riding tyre I have ever used, with phenomenal grip in dry hardpack,powder,loose surfaces, rocky surfaces, even mud, geat bump absorbtion, reasonable mud clearing ability...They did however wear very quickly, cost a premium over the normal versions and weighed a tonne, but if I could find a new set I'd use them again in a flash. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CrazyCarl
a Cross Country Rider
from Davis, CA
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Hole-in-the-ground | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | 17 | | Strengths: | Inexpensive, lightweight, great traction, good climbing | | Weaknesses: | Haven't seen any yet | | Similar Products Used: | Velociraptors, Mosquito Lites | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Mountain ETSx-70 | | Bottom Line: | Great tire, I haven't had the problem of knobbies breaking off, like other people have noted. The climbing traction is excellent, cornering also. The only thing I have noticed is they tend to slip on wet rocks/roots, but all tires do that. Basically I've noticed that the Smoke/Dart combo really bites in on technical downhills and skids very little. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | performance | | Strengths: | Tranfers all your power output to the ground. corners very well. Price is right.
This tire ROCKS. | | Weaknesses: | The front tire (Dart) is not my choice in front tires. Try something better. | | Similar Products Used: | Velociraptors. Mythos. | | Bike Setup: | Stumpy fsr comp. | | Bottom Line: | I have used many tires and have always come back to the kevlar Smokes as my #1 rear tire. I am now done with all the rest. This one works for me where others have been not up to the task. I like the Velociraptors but chose the Smokes as my tire of choice. The hills here are very steep, rocky, sandstone and clay. This tire performs well in my area. I ride mostly (98%) dirt/offroad so keep in mind that I don't give a hoot about street performance. No kickstand or reflectors. GET IT!
Get up and ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CrazyHorse
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, Virgnia
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Patapsco, MD | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | PerformanceBike | | Strengths: | Excellent Traction
Corners Well
Prefect for East Coast MTB | | Weaknesses: | Punctures Easily
Rolling Resistance | | Similar Products Used: | IRC | | Bike Setup: | KHS built up | | Bottom Line: | I'm always amazed at the performance of this tire. Uphill with trails of mud are no problem with this tire. It just grips so well it will not let you down. The knobby sides provides more surface area and exceptional cornering. I use them in the front and rear to keep things balanced. The trade off is lots of rolling resistance but you get used to it. My only complaint is the large amount of punctures I get. You may want to coat it with some slime before installation. Either way, its an excellent tire for the east coast and gets lots of chilis from me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia, USA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fountainhead | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Various | | Strengths: | Lots of grip.
Good price.
Last pretty well | | Weaknesses: | Side walls don't seem to last.
Not the lightest tire.... | | Bike Setup: | 96 Kona. Mix of XT & XTR. A lot of parts still original. | | Bottom Line: | I've been using these since I bought the bike. I must have 1000's of miles on these tires - several replacements.
Had a bad summer of punctures last year and I've had a couple blow out.
I'm 220lbs so I'm pretty hard on the tires (and the rest of the bike) - the side walls seem to give out before the tread is too far gone.
Cornering can be a little sketchy in loose dry stuff, but you get used to the feel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sen
a Cross Country Rider
from Leeds, UK
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | To date...MBR trail in Coed-y-Brenin | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$15.00 | | Purchased At: | Halfords and Wiggle | | Strengths: | Braking, traction, cornering. Excellent tyre for the UK. Good puncture resilience. | | Weaknesses: | Recommended Dart tyre is rubbish on the front. Difficult to get hold of. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Heckler with all the right stuff, barring inadequate Hope XC4 brakes | | Bottom Line: | I bought my first pair of Panaracer Lights back in the very early 90s and I was amazed by their suitability to muddy UK trails in the winter. Nowadays, I ride the winter with a thin version up front and a fat one on the back and it makes my bike look like the bee's knees. Ridden fairly flat, these tyres are amazing and they frequently perform better than both my brakes and legs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Suwanee, GA
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ag Center | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | keep the cornering smooth, climb like crazy, paddle through mud, everything!
| | Weaknesses: | none! | | Similar Products Used: | wtb velociraptors, irc backcountry (came with bike and sucked) | | Bike Setup: | fisher sugar 3+ | | Bottom Line: | i love these tires. i bought some when i was using my brothers bike to replace the velociraptors (which i also like a lot). these were on sale and are very similar to the raptors. the climb great.. they keep me from sliding, the hold edges, the clean out well. i can't think of anything bad about them. i'm not a weight weenie so i can't complain about them being heavy. like them so much i replaced the IRC backcountry tires that came on my new sugar 3+ (i hated those tires after 2 rides) with a smoke/dart combo. couldn't be happier.
anybody want some irc backcountries? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Confidence inspiring.
Hold a line and maintain their grip in dry/loose conditions. | | Weaknesses: | Not for the road - but hey, it's a mountain bike tire so that's not really a weakness! | | Similar Products Used: | Michelin, Hutchinson. | | Bottom Line: | There are not many products out there that will make you a better cyclist. A good set of tires will. For me, the Smoke/Dart combo (the Dart is the front-specific tire that goes with the Smoke which is a rear tire) is that set of tires.
After being betrayed (2 wrecks and a flat in 2 rides) by a pair of Hutchinson Pythons which were very skittish and didn't seem to hold a line, I put a Smoke/Dart combo on my bike. Man, what a difference. The first ride out I could tell they were connecting much better and holding a line where the Pythons had been washing out. In fact, that first ride out I rode the same basic loop that I'd ridden a day earlier (the trail conditions where exactly the same) with the Pythons and was able to clean several sections that I hadn't been able to with the Pythons. The Smoke/Dart hooked up so much better in the dry/loose trail conditions without the constant washouts that seemed to plague the Pythons. With the Smoke/Dart it's simply a matter of pointing the front tire and pedaling - as long as you can do those two things the Smoke and Dart will do the rest. I haven't found any conditions that they can't handle - except for maybe ice, but heck who wants to ride on that anyway? ;-)
Finally, I'm a firm believer in using a product as it is intended to be used. This tire is an off-road mountain bike tire. If you're looking for a tire to use on the road and on the trail, this probably isn't that tire. I'd recommend semi-slicks for that purpose.
Bottom Line: 5 flaming chilis - the Smoke/Dart combo rocks!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russ sweet ride
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All those I ride now | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo/Cambria/Pricepoint | | Strengths: | Grips almost everything. This tyre will outperform you. | | Weaknesses: | Not a weakness, part of the deal, but large protruding knobs made from soft rubber compound get decapitated easily, especially on the road. Tyre does get overwhelmed with sticky muds (fine clayey silty mud only) - still grabs just gets heavy.
| | Similar Products Used: | Specialised ground control, WTB Velociraptor, IRC Mythos XC ? | | Bike Setup: | Waterford 2400, X-Fly, XTR, Phil Wood, Chris King, Mavic 517, Easton, Thompson, Syncros | | Bottom Line: | The centre knobs on this tyre will keep you rolling up the hill if you have the strength to turn the cranks. The boxed profile with the sharp ears off the side of the tyre will bite a line across a slippery side-sloped trail even when braking. Braking on this tyre on a steeeeep down is enlightening - wet rocks, roots, loose rubble, and general singletrack debris just roll by. The tyre is slow (loud and flexible on the road) but sure footed. Don't use it to ride simple stuff quickly, use it on tuff stuff that pushes your limits. YOU DO NOT NEED TO SKID WITH THIS TYRE - EVER! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shane Gouldthread
a Cross Country Rider
from Weedville PA USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | fawnskin,resivoir,clawndite | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$15.00 | | Purchased At: | frankford bike | | Strengths: | great traction, not to heavy, strong side walls, nice tread pattern.... | | Weaknesses: | seem to have more rollin res. on paved roads. wish i would have heard of these sooner. | | Similar Products Used: | ect........... | | Bike Setup: | trek, manitou, XT, smokes..... | | Bottom Line: | ive used those old school specialized for a while then heard of these WOW!!!! much better. up here its all hills n big hills. mostly 1-2 miles long n very tec. ridin them. n when it rains n we ride these do wonders... just a great tire... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kc
a Cross Country Rider
from St.Louis Misouri US
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Strengths: | thick tread in center and on edges | | Weaknesses: | fast wear on pavement | | Similar Products Used: | IRC MYTHOS XC | | Bike Setup: | SMOKE CLASSIC IS ONLY ON IN THE BACK | | Bottom Line: | Great amount of traction-ON TRAILS! dont ride it every wear on pavement even if you dont skid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Martin
a
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$14.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Equipment Co-op in Canada. The best store on Earth!! | | Strengths: | Boom! It's all there for you! Give this tire any terrain and it will put it to shame. It rocks any other tire out there. Just when you think you are going to fall, the smoke pulls you back. Outstanding | | Weaknesses: | Not the fastest tire for pavement, but if you are riding XC that that should be no problem. | | Bottom Line: | The Smoke and Dart combo is the best out there. I have tried so many other tires that I have a tire pile in my garage. Buy the Smoke and Dart and you will not be dissapointed. Cornering, climing, and speed on any surface is amazing. The Best all round tire avaliable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richie B
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hartshorne Woods | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Very good in most terrain, grips great but... | | Weaknesses: | no traction in mud, gets packed too easily, but still the best rear tire I ever had, don't ride on the street, my current smoke is bald, the dart has almost new tread... | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, don't remember the name was years ago | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Super V | | Bottom Line: | Right now i am looking for another tire to put on the rear of my bike, but from what I hear, the tires i have been riding for almost five years are still one of the best on the market. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Weekend Warrior
from Strafford, New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$21.00 | | Purchased At: | nashbar | | Strengths: | grip, weight | | Weaknesses: | stay off pavement if you want it to last | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher hard tail, Manitou magnum, stx rc v-brakes, kore lite 3 stem and bar, panarace dart and smoke tires | | Bottom Line: | this tire flat out rocks. I try to get it stuck but this tire just goes anywhere, mud is no match, loose rocks, pine needles and soft dirt are all embarrased by this tire. Also very light with kevlar bead. Loud and slow on pavement but wasn't designed for that. Along with its counter part the "Dart" its hard to find a better all round trail tire setup. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shan
a Cross Country Rider
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | multiple purchases | | Strengths: | Grips like no other tire around. Self Cleaning tread design.
Ideal for muddy, wet, slippery conditions. | | Weaknesses: | Well not really a weakness. It has a high rolling resistance. So if you're a speed demon or racer not a good choice. Unless your in the soupy mud. | | Similar Products Used: | Panracer XC Pro, Bontrager Revolt Super X | | Bike Setup: | 00 Klein Mantra XTR... | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding this tire for 10 years now. I first purchased it back in 1992ish and rode it for years. I have ridden this tire in Northern Michigan's Muck, New Mexico's cactus strewn sand, Colorado's high alts, and most recently Maryland’s never ending mud:{.
It is best when combined with the Panracer Dart..its front wheel mate. Lets face it...the tire has been around for a decade and is still on the shelves. Stores still stock it because it is still in demand....and it’s still in demand because Panracer hit the mark with the tread design more then 10 years ago.
This tire is so stable in the most unstable conditions it will shock you. I cheated and tried some other tires...but I came running back to my trusty ole Dart/Smoke combo. It corners like its on rails and "IF" it does loose traction it’s not for long.
As others have stated it does wear out on pavement...it is designed for the mud. In ten years I've only blown out the side on one SMOKE and that tire was at least 4 or 5 years old and well abused. For the racers, this is a good mud tire but will lose you the race in dry conditions. It is a slow roller. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steven
a Weekend Warrior
from aliso veijo
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$16.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Great grip under any condition. This thing corner and brakes with the best | | Weaknesses: | Wears quiclky- specially on the street. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great tire. It does every thing well. I would definetly recommend it everyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft Lauderdale, FL
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$15.00 | | Strengths: | Traction is great. Where my back tire use to spin up lose hills this one sticks | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | WTB motoraptor | | Bike Setup: | GT i drive 2 | | Bottom Line: | This tire kicks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack Skinner
a
from Jacksonville, FL
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | from friend | | Strengths: | good grip in muddy conditions, Tougher than almost any other tires I've ridden. | | Weaknesses: | Dont ride them on road, they can come apart on you. They also hum like your riding a 4x4 with super swampers. | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager jones ac | | Bike Setup: | Trek Fuel 90 | | Bottom Line: | These are serious mud tires! The knobs will break off if you are using them on hardpack. Save them for a rainy day when everybody else stays home. You will fly through thick stuff like nobody's business. They handle sweet if you use them in the right conditions. I give them a good rating because the trails always seem to be under wet conditions here. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Loon Lake Loop & Hole-in-the-Ground | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Gift from Friend | | Strengths: | Holds air and stays on the rim. | | Weaknesses: | Knobbies break off easily, exposing casing threads | | Similar Products Used: | Panaracer Smoke and Dart (front tire), WTB, Specialized, Hutchinson, Michelin, many more | | Bike Setup: | Mountain Tandem, no suspension | | Bottom Line: | Do not use this tire for hard pack and rocky conditions. More than ten (10) knobbies from the sides have broken off and another 5 - 10 off the top. Most of which have exposed the side and top casing threads.
All this came after one 24-mile ride on Sierra Nevada mountain dirt roads with lots of granite rocks. Combined riders' weight was under 300 pounds.
I think this tire would be best for wet grassy conditions where there's not as much side-torque on the knobbies.
I recommend the WTB and many Specialized tires in the affordable range. Michelin makes great tires too, however, they're more expensive. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Harry
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland, OH
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | snowshoe area | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$24.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Plenty o traction. Really light for a 2.1 mudder (I've got the "classic" model with Kevlar bead which is substantially lighter than the cheaper wire bead model that several reviewers seem to have). Surprisingly low rolling resistance on hard stuff. Knobs hold up well. | | Weaknesses: | Light weight partly due to super thin sidewalls that can be pierced (happened to me once--noticed the bubble before blowing out). | | Similar Products Used: | Most of the affordable standards | | Bike Setup: | 98 moab cromo | | Bottom Line: | I bought another after the sidewall problem and haven't had another negative incident so I'm willing to chalk up the incident as a fluke. Like the looks too much to extinguish a chili. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don Stephens
a Cross Country Rider
from York, Pa
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | wissahicken | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Durable, puncture resistant, along with the dart in the front it does not wash out at high speeds. Cheap. Good traction for the most part except for hard and slippery surfaces. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy. Clunky on roads and hardpack. | | Similar Products Used: | Velociraptors, other tires on demos and friend's bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Old Rockhopper, soon to be replaced with a builtup Klein Adept. | | Bottom Line: | A few years ago Mountain Bike Mag did a article on Clydesdales and recommended parts for riders of increased mass. I started using the smoke and the dart at their recommendation. I used to pinch flat constantly, however two changes made that a rarity for me now. The first is always adding air before a ride with a floor pump (duh), and the second is using these heavy, non-compliant, tractor like tires. I ridden better tires, but they became unmemorable secondary to fast wear and/or constant flatting. The exception is the velociraptors which wear quickly but are excellent spring weather east coast tires. I plan on mounting this tires on my new baby for I do not like to walk out of the woods. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Weekend Warrior
from golden
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Slickrock | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Unbelieble traction over all surfaces. | | Weaknesses: | Rolling resistance of a concrete block on hard pack or road
surfaces. | | Similar Products Used: | Ritchey Z-Max, Specialized Ground Control, Team Control,
etc. | | Bike Setup: | Merlin MTB w/ Shimano XT, Gripshift & Marzocchi Z-5. | | Bottom Line: | These Smokes help me climb up loose surface like they were
made of stick-um. The sharp edges really dig in. However,
the edges don't last too long on Slickrock trail as the
tremendous traction and 30% grades do the best to wear down
the rubber. Withouth the edges, or when the tire's worn
down, the traction decreases commensurately. The rubber
compound is very hard and lasts a fair long time, long
before the edges can maintain their sharp claws. Just love
these.
Does anyone know where I can buy more of these? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grant NICHOLSON
a Weekend Warrior
from Stoke on Trent
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cannock Chase | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$15.00 | | Purchased At: | Longstaffs | | Strengths: | Stong, thick rubber. Grippy. 2.1 look hard as nails. Last well. Cheap.Puncture resistant at various tyre pressures. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy. Skin coloured side walls. | | Similar Products Used: | Wildgrippers.Tioga factory XC. Velociraptors. | | Bike Setup: | Saracen frame. Mazzocchi Z3 fork. Mavic x618 wheels.Formula B4 disk. Club Roost bars. Drivetrain mix of mid-range Shimano (all to be upgraded if it ever brakes, I've tried) | | Bottom Line: | Good budget tyre. Not for the lightweight XC bikes. Good for clumsey not smooth riders like myself. I will buy them again with the Panracer Dart upfront. Feel heavy and slow on the road (I have to use the road to get to my local trails) but they are not designed for that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Regan Cooze-Setter
a
from Porirua, Wellington, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rimutaka Incline | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Pins Cycles | | Strengths: | Awesome on muddy track conditions and in gravel. I am not so fond of it in grassy conditions as it wants to help the back end tear loose from the track (my bike notorious for this and I don't know why) | | Weaknesses: | none that I have found yet | | Similar Products Used: | Smoke ii | | Bike Setup: | 1998 Mongoose Dx 6.7.
| | Bottom Line: | Recommended for a good all round tyre. Doesn't wear too quickly on ashphalt | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Grill
a Cross Country Rider
from Sumner, Wa USA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Victor Falls | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$9.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Toughness and puncher resistance | | Weaknesses: | Weak Sidwalls | | Similar Products Used: | WTB | | Bike Setup: | K2 Amimal, Proflex Beast | | Bottom Line: | I have worn out 4 or 5 sets of these tires in the last 2 years. At $9.00 on sale at Performance Bike there isn't a better tire for the money. I have a set or Fire XC Pro tires on my bike right now, and will be switching back to the Smoke/Dart combo when it get muddy. The hook and climb with the best of them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mauka Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Rancho Santa Margarita
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$19.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech | | Strengths: | Climbs Great, Corners very well, True all conditions tire. | | Weaknesses: | Rolling resistance is only average. | | Similar Products Used: | I tried them all, but went back with what works best. | | Bike Setup: | Schiwinn Homegrown 4Banger All Mountain with a few upgrades and Schiwinn Homegrown HT. | | Bottom Line: | This tire just does its job. You can trust it in any conditions and it wont disappoint. I only use it as a rear with a Geax Sedona 225 in the front the the combo works well for the area and type of riding I do. I cant really say how well it does in the mud, because we really dont get much of it here in Orange County. If your tired of these so called specially tires that dont work, get your hands on these classics. If you're a trail rider like myself and need a tire that you can count on these are for you. However, cross country riders stay away, especially if you like to ride these dumb semi-slicks that are useless. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian W Keske
a Weekend Warrior
from Cleveland, Ohio USA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Great grip for as long as it lasted. | | Weaknesses: | Sidewall blew after only approx. 8 rides, taking with it two tubes (another after I realized the problem). | | Similar Products Used: | WTB VelociRaptors, Tioga Pshyco (OEM on my bike). | | Bike Setup: | A beautifull black '98 Fisher Paragon, updated to newer specs (both new XT derailuers, forks, XT V-brakes, Sella Marco Rolls seat, yadda yadda yadda). | | Bottom Line: | I'm tempted to re-install the WTB's again, (although the WTB's are only 1.9's as opposed to the Smoke/Dart 2.1 profile). Sidewall blew after only a couple rides. Granted, I was running 60lb of air (specified max for 'road use'), but sheesh, I was only riding around the dirt roads and grassy terrain of the local auto racing road course when she blew; hardly tough off-road riding at the time. I've just ordered another from Nasbar for $13 as I like the Dart up front. I Will give it another try and watch the pressure, but man, I can run the WTB's up to 80lb's regardless of riding conditions. We'll see. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Myke Chlebowski
a Racer
from Nazareth, Pa
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Grips up everything. First time I have ever ridden these tires were on a Cannondale Hard tail and it went straight up wet rocks covered in moss. They are also not too expensive. | | Weaknesses: | Wire bead tends to strip after a few flats. Kevlar holds up better. | | Similar Products Used: | Tioga factory X-C | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakar Comp., XT componants, Hayes disks, Manitou Mars front and Fox Vanilla Rear | | Bottom Line: | I have a few Smoke/Dart spares and it seems that the Kevlar beeds hold up like crazy! I run the Smoke/Dart combo and have no complaints. I have ridden Tioga Factory, Mythos, Pirrahna Pros and Fires in a variety of combos but have found that Smoke/Dart gave me the most control. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dimitrios Tagkalis
a Weekend Warrior
from Greece
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | The tire performs very very poorly anywere else but hard pack and again very specific type. Otherwise it is heavy makes noise and vibrates. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cody
a Racer
from Carlisle PA
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | An empty one | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | grips, Grips, GRIPS | | Weaknesses: | a little more rolling resistance, but it's worth it for the awesome performance | | Similar Products Used: | Tioga factory X-C (POS)
others I don't care to mention | | Bottom Line: | These tires are really great. I have had them on two bikes and I race with them. I've seen guys with semi-slicks and other tires slipping and bailing all over the climbs in different races, and I've only bailed because I suck, this tire rocks. If you are the type of person who worries about weight then get in shape, these tires are the best.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clint Matthews
a Cross Country Rider
from Cumming, Georgia, USA
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | I'll ride anywhere that ain't under water! | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Usually cheap, hooks up well in the soft and OK on the hard stuff. I use one on the rear. | | Weaknesses: | Don't even think of using one on the front. Tall side knobs which are great on the rear push too bad on tghe front. | | Similar Products Used: | I've used a lot of tires. | | Bike Setup: | Hoo Koo E Koo, Z3 Lite, risers & 12 X 34 cluster. | | Bottom Line: | The best combination I have ever found for attack everything riding is the smoke on the rear and an Onza 2.1 racing Porc on the front. In Georgia you find all kinds of ground from red clay clue to slick rock. This combination has always worked well for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin D.
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, FL
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Grips.
Not terrain specific. | | Weaknesses: |
None. | | Bike Setup: |
Raleigh M-80 with Rock Shox - Dart/Smoke combo | | Bottom Line: | This tire rides well and grips wonderfully. I ride in sand, mud, roots and grass and this tires has never failed me. I am really surprised at how long the nobbies last too. A great tire for the $$$. 4 Chiles only because I know there has to be better out there but, as usual, for a price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Berkeley Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Berkeley
Date Reviewed: December 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Single Tingle | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Very Grippy in the loose stuff and rough terrain | | Weaknesses: |
none yet | | Similar Products Used: |
Veloc, Jones, tyranno | | Bike Setup: |
Bont Race Lite, Judy XC aluminum cart, mustangs | | Bottom Line: | I hadn't used this tire in years but picked one up the other day and was impressed. As grippy as the Velociraptor but quieter and w/ less resistance. Really held in the loose stuff, the mire, and steeps. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Honnc
a Weekend Warrior
from Phila., PA
Date Reviewed: November 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
The one I'm riding | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Great traction; as far as weight and rolling resistance go, I'll worry about those when I get my own weight down and my fitness level up. | | Weaknesses: |
None so far. | | Similar Products Used: |
Velociraptor, Mythos, Primal Raptor | | Bike Setup: |
'99 G. F. Paragon | | Bottom Line: | Great tire-while the Mythos was pretty darn good and the Velociraptor was decent, this tire BITES! (if u know what I mean). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Last guys Crazy!
a Cross-Country Rider
from Arkansas
Date Reviewed: November 2, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Climbs Great, corners better!
Light.
Always hooks up.
Cheap for a Kevlar tire. | | Weaknesses: |
Wears fast and rocks tear the knobbies off.
But I have not seen a tire that doesnt loose knobbies in the rocks. | | Similar Products Used: |
Everything! | | Bike Setup: |
Moots
Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | The last guy is crazy! I weigh 230# and run 65# in the rear tire and have never had a blowout.
I run a Dart in front and keep it at 50#
These tires are great for the money.
I have not found a better tire for climbing.
I have at times ran 75# in mine with no problems.
Ignore the last poster. This tire rules.
Happy trails. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Landon
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tahoe
Date Reviewed: October 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mr. Toads Wild Ride | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
Did not even have a chance to ride the Smoke | | Weaknesses: |
The side walls belw out with 40 psi, and no rider on the bike!!!! | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized Hardrock R | | Bike Setup: |
Mongoose Son of Newman, Judy XC, XTR Group. | | Bottom Line: | This tire was recominded by a friend. What a loser!! I aired up the first one I bought (to 45 psi) and it blew out on the side wall as I put my shoes on. Whent back the the shop picked up a second aired it up to 40 psi and it blew out on the side wall as I was putting the back wheel on the bike. This is the poorest showing of bike parts I have ever seen. I have been riding for over 10 years and never have I seen two brand new tires blow out with out even a rider on the bike. I am a 200 lb hard riding X-country rider who would have gotten hurt on the trail with this type of blow out!! Will NEVER by these tires again. If you need a tire try Specialized. If I could give it a minus on the rating I would. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Dean
a Racer
from Austin TX
Date Reviewed: October 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
City Park | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
traction | | Weaknesses: |
Since I first used this tire in '92 they have made an effort to make them lighter. They used to weigh660 now 570 grams. The bad news is they wear faster than they used to | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized Ritchey | | Bike Setup: |
'98 M2 | | Bottom Line: | Don't mind those guys saying these suck(they must have mounted them on a YZ250) This tire has awesime traction. All the way till their slick. Best all around tire!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Eckardt
a Cross-Country Rider
from Huntington, IN
Date Reviewed: August 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Franke Park | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Good design
Light weight
Durable | | Weaknesses: |
Packs up in mud | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized-Tioga-Ritchey | | Bike Setup: |
Giant ATX AL1.75 frame-RS Q21R shock-LX/XT | | Bottom Line: | Call me old fashioned, but these are still the best general-purpose tires made. Not great in mud or extreme hardpack, but excellent on everything else in between (which is how my trails are most of the time). Not excessive rolling resistance either. The Kevlar's are pretty light, too. Don't mess with perfection! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron H
a Cross-Country Rider
from Somerville, NJ
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
not bad on hard pack. | | Weaknesses: |
suck in the rocks. alot of the stuff that I ride is rocky, I have torn treads right off the tire. I loss traction on rocky tech sections. wears faster that ever. | | Similar Products Used: |
michelin, specialized, onza, kenda, the list goes on for tires. | | Bottom Line: | would not recommend to an enemy. will not purchase again. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ozzie
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Awesome traction and durability. | | Weaknesses: |
None. | | Similar Products Used: |
No name brand motocross-type tires. | | Bike Setup: |
98' Gary Fisher Joshua XO, Rock Shox Judy T2 Front, Rock Shox Deluxe Rear, Bontrager Wheels, Shimano LX/XT Groupo. | | Bottom Line: | Best tire I've had. Super traction, even in muddy conditions. Totally Recommended for climbers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TK
a Weekend Warrior
from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Bottom Line: | This tire is awesome. Great grip, superior traction, good ride. Very durable, and the price is right, even on the light kevlars. I'm sold on this rear tread........... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cole Eslinger
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
powerful little gripper, fine cornering, good mud riding (doesn't clog as much as my previous velociraptor), excellent price | | Weaknesses: |
high rolling resistance | | Similar Products Used: |
velociraptors, wildgrippers, tyranno's | | Bike Setup: |
specialized rockhopper, judy SL's | | Bottom Line: | I find this shock as good as a performer as the velociraptors I loved. Only difference is these are cheaper and they don't blow sidewall every month.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gus
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cheyenne, WY
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Headquarters Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Everything | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
Maxxis
Schwinn Moab XC | | Bike Setup: |
Mongoose IBOC
Mag 21 front shock | | Bottom Line: | This tire kicks butt. I have ridden it in Mississippi Mud, California Hills, Wyoming and Montana mountains, Kentucky Clay, and the slickrock of Moab. I have used it since 93 front and back and have finally wore them down to nothing. Am anxious to see if the Dart will be a better front tire. No wash out at all and for a 6'1 220 lb agressive rider, thats important. Glad to see Panaracer is back making the Smoke. It KICKS ASS!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick Wullaert
a Cross-Country Rider
from De Klinge, Belgium
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
La Roche, Belgium | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Grip | | Weaknesses: |
None really... | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized, WTB Velociraptor, Tioga | | Bike Setup: |
Aeroline | | Bottom Line: | Excellent tire ! One of the best I've ever used, although a tad heavier than some. Excellent cornering abilities ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stinger
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: May 4, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Good grip on hard pack, Not too bad on the road. | | Weaknesses: |
Tread wears really fast. | | Similar Products Used: |
Lots. | | Bike Setup: |
I run a mongoose with kenda on the front, this on the back, duallie. | | Bottom Line: | A good-cheap tyre for the recreational rider who does not push them selves to the limit. 3 burning horses cause compared with whats on the market, thier CR*P! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a pair of wire bead tires from mountain equipment co-op for $13.50(cdn)and they rocked. They last a long time, are cheap, light for a wire bead, and have awesome traction. I'm going out to get myself a pair of kevlar ones. Five chilis! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a cross-country rider
from Tennessee
Date Reviewed: February 28, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the scoop; if you're gonna go mountain bike ridin', the kevlar smoke/dart combo is the bomb. They rule, others drool. Period. I hope Panaracer never stops selling these treads. 5 chilis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al
a cross-country rider
from college station, tx
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Nothing has more traction or less predictability than the original Smokes. I use mine exclusively for mud whomping, and then the lack of cornering feel doesn't matter that much because when you crash you just go splash anyway. Other tires are better for serious riding, but none are more fun. Five flamers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a cross-country rider
from Traverse City MI
Date Reviewed: February 21, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the 2.1 kevlar smoke for the rear. Now the tire has some downsides 600g and rolls kinda slow. I only use it in the spring time, when the snow melts and the trails are pretty sloppy this tire rips it up. Tons of traction in every situation. I had one of these a few years ago when they were really popular and its still awesome. However for hardcore X-country riding there are a lot better tires, when the trails turn sloppy there nothing that can bring back more childhood memories than throwing on a smoke and rippin some sh*t up. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trusty Terry
a cross-country rider
from stow , ohio
Date Reviewed: December 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding Smoke & Dart tires for six years now. These tires are the best all around ,off road tires you can buy. When your riding, your tires are what connect you to the ground. I trust these tires with my life. The Smoke & Dart tires always get me where im going. I wont go mountain bikin without them. Thank God for these tires, and the trails I ride on. The highest rating, five chilli peppers ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank M.
a racer
from Scappoose, Or.
Date Reviewed: December 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
What a wonderful experience. I just rode with the Dart/Smoke combination after having different tires for the last 3 years. I have forgotten how well they stick. I rode the old Smokes and never spun out regardless of what I was climbing. When they wore out I couldn't find anymore and have been searching for a rear tire that works as well as the Smoke. No such luck. If it doesn't stick it doesn't matter how light it is. I would rather have something that worked better than any other tire that I have tried than to have the latest light tire that doesn't work worth a darn. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a cross-country rider
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: December 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just went to the Panaracer site. 570gm for the Smoke is alot lighter then I remember. New technology, or my bad memory. Maybe I'll try them again. They deserve an upgrade to 4 peppers cause they Smoke :) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a cross-country rider
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: December 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I remember reading MBA in 92? they raved about the smoke. I bought them at Slough's and they rocked! they blew away the Specialized extremes, and Farmer john's I was using as a rear tire, and the stock timbuckto's that came stock on my DB Apex. Back then they were the ONLY choice. I just remember that they would hookup better then any tire I used. They looked cool too. Today we have so many choices on tires. for pure traction, these are one of the best I've tried, to bad they are so heavy and slow. I'll give them 3 chilis now for their tractor qualities, but when they first came out, they ruled. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Malcolm Robinson
a cross-country rider
from Blairgowrie, Perthshire, Scotland
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
What like folks, Greeting's from Scotland.
I have to agree with the general opinion.....These tires are fantastic, however ive never used the cobination, just the Smoke Classic on the rear and front
( you get amazing traction while cornering )They lasted me for ages. Dose the use of the Dart make much diference? Also can anyone tell me if the Kevlar are worth that money?
Check this site out for a laugh, you will see the abrevations P.O.S. frequntly!!
Dont go if you own a Treck, Klein or a Fisher...you may be ofended.
http://www.fortunecity.com/olympia/underwood/92/index.htm | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T.J. Fuell
a racer
from Utah
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased the Panaracer Smoke and Smoke Dart 2.2 tires and rode them for 6 months on the job. (Bike Trek High Adventure Boy Scout Camp Staff, and race on weekends)They have excellent traction and great cornering abilities. But I haven't found a rim yet strong enough to handle my riding. Any suggestions? e-mail me at tjfuell@hotmail.com
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a cross-country rider
from England
Date Reviewed: October 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i bought these tires just before a big race. On the morning of the race it started to rain heavily, and needless to say the track was very very slippery. When i went round the track to inspect it before I began my front tyre was every where (Continental Cross Country) but my smoke was glued to the ground. Okay they are awful on the road but then they are not meant for the road. These are superb tyres and they are very cheap, what could be better. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kendog
a cross-country rider
from Frederick, MD
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm writing this to offset the clowns that said these tires were no good. I want to ask Kazum how the tire can spin on everything, but the tall knobs slow you down because they sink into the ground too much. It can't do both now can it?For my review, I think they are outstanding tires especially for the price. You get a them with wire beads for $15 each. I've ridden several different types of tire in the last couple years and these are the best. I have 2.1's and put the pressure at about 40 psi. They take the bumps very well and stick when I need them to. The cornering is very predictable. Climbing could be a little better for the rear, but the soil here is very rocky and loose and I haven't found anything that will stick better. So, if you are looking for a good solid tire at a reasonable price, this is it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kazum
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
When I read MTBR reviews, I read the low scores first. That way, I can cut to the chase and find out what the down side to a product is. My guess then is your now reading this review to find out why to not buy this tire, and here it is:(by the way, I am comming off of a Specialized Team Master)1. Traction: Poor. I could spin them anywhere, even places I've never spun before. With every stoke of the pedals, I could feel the tire slip a little. The result is the power transfer was poor, and I rode slow.2. Rolling resistance: Extremely bad. With it's tall knobs, this tire digs into anything. On simple fireroad type trails, I was riding over 1.5 mph slower! When I crossed anything soft, especially sand, the back of the bike slowed down like I put the brakes on.3. Overall performance: Well, after 1 ride I threw it away. I rode my usual loop, and my overall speed was 1.7 MPH slower than my slowest time in 2 years.On second thought, I got such a great workout with this piece of junk that I felt like I added 1,000 vertical to my ride. I'm glad I was alone, my compadres would have smoked me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Tauscher
a cross-country rider
from Vienna/Austria/Europe
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am using Panaracer SMOKE Lite 1.9 K on three different bikes (Front- or Full-Suspension since 1993) on the rear wheel and on every bike they produce perfect performance on any surface.Especially the extreme light weight is an outstanding property. The only problem I can see is a fast ware and the high price (maybe only in Austria). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Wu
a cross-country rider
from Hsin Chu, Taiwan
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This tire can be use as either a front or rear tire. Climbes up just about anything you can find. Braking traction and cornering traction are very good. Rolling resistance is high on hardpack. The knobs started to chip off after about 2 months of use. Same thing happen to my teammate. I would have given it four stars if it lasted as longas the Dart. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wild Bill
a cross-country rider
from Sun Diego
Date Reviewed: July 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just purchased Smoke 2 Kevlar (rear) and Dart wire bead front. Decided to install Smoke BACKWARDS for better gripping (seems obvious -- am I missing something?), and it rocks! Only two rides so far and already smokin' stuff I was wussing out on before. Oh, and the Dart was 8 bucks; Smoke just 12 at Performance! Let's go!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gritz
a racer
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Kurt, I have noticed that if they are on with the lugs pulling in the wrong direction, the squirlly fact rises exponentially. This is due to the fact that the lugs then channel debris into the center of the contact area rather than away from of it. Also I only ride the smoke on the rear, and yes, I have ridden many other brands of tire (WTB, Specialized, Continental, and IRC) and this one still comes out on top! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kurt
a cross-country rider
from Boston
Date Reviewed: July 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
You guys are insane. Has anyone ever ridden any different tires so that they know how bad these suck? They roll all over the place - no matter what the pressure. They climb like crap. They have no control. I just bought a set of Tyranno Raptors and they destroy the Smoke. PS- I have tried both the Classic and the Magic with the same poor results. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raphael
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver, BC Canada
Date Reviewed: July 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The best tire ever. Period. I tried my first Smoke in 92, and they are simply the best. Thanks Panaracer for bring a good faithful tire. I think Onza's Porcupine tire worked well with smoke. and yes, it's a great front tire as well.When I first got them, they were on both ends. That was a time before direction specific tires. every one has an opinion in which the tire should be placed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gritz
a racer
from Denver Colorado
Date Reviewed: June 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ye gods, what a smokin’ tire (pardon the pun) I just replaced my rear Specialized Dirt Master Comp. with a Smoke. Like Mr.Eckardt I too rode the old heavy dart/smoke combo till I couldn’t find them anymore. But alas they live! I had forgotton how well this tire hooks up on anything I stick it on. It seems to have a wee bit more rolling resistance, but it’ll climb a tree; I’ll take that in trade. I would also be curious to see a 1.9 smoke, and what it would weigh.For the money, for the ride, and for that invisible velcro they have managed to put on it, 5 mega chillis! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stefan Eckardt
a cross-country rider
from Indiana
Date Reviewed: June 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I started out riding the Smoke/Dart combination back in 1991 and ran em' clear through 1995. After that I couldn't find a dealer that sold any, so I switched. I tried Ritchey, Specialized and Tioga tires but nothing could replace my old buddies. As soon as I heard they were bringing the Smoke/Dart back, I went out and got a set. These are the best all-around tires in existence. They corner well and climb great. The are also very durable! I just wish they would resurrect the 1.9 Kevlar Smoke. That would be excellent!! Like the old saying goes, if it aint broke, don't fix it. Gotta give the Smoke/Dart 5 flaming hot chilies, naturally. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a racer
from FL
Date Reviewed: June 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ever try putting a smoke on the front???
It works in the front and the rear never washes out it may get a little loose thought.
THE SMOKE IS THE BEST FRONT TIRE I HAVE EVER HAD!!!
The pefect tire for the sand and the mud.
I haven't really tired it on the rocks thought. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hau
a cross-country rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: May 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
rather noisy on the way out to the trail head and back, must be the tread pattern, it does what the guys at Panaracer say, and no problems. 5 chillis
50 words eh? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a cross-country rider
from Stockton, CA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I busted the fork on my hardtail (ritchy WCS omegabite and z-max) so I've been borrowing B's piece of shit Trek with the SMOKES and we go out and climb levees and shit... STEEP levees, soft dirt, muddy, gravelly, sandy, rutted, did I mention STEEP... hey, I'm no great rider - but I can climb ANYTHING with these tires! AH HA HA HA HA HA HA!
Rolling resistance, Shmolling resistance... THESE TIRES ARE THE BOMB! I'm getting mine as soon as I get the cash. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a cross-country rider
from Stockton CA
Date Reviewed: May 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well I just rode my 8 year old Trek today that has the old steel bead Smokes front & rear. Let me tell you my old rigid 32 lb Trek (with really slack geometery...) throughly out climbed & out cornered my brand new C-dale full suspension (that has sorry ass IRC mythos on it) On really steep gravely climbs the mythos would spin no matter what & the smokes just would hook up no matter where your weight was....cornering was the same...smokes stuck & mythos slid..... Now the kicker the smokes are 8 years old & have probably 6-700 miles on them...the Mythos are new with only 200 miles on them & are already worn out!!!! I just ordered my smoke/dart kevlar combo today...mythos are history...cant wait to try out the new kevlar version with full tread!!!!!! I am so glad Panaracer brought these back!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy
a cross-country rider
from Nothern Michigan
Date Reviewed: April 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
For the all around trial rider it is very hard to beat the smoke classic kevlar. The only thing that it lacks at is rolling resistance but who cares it hooks up and that is all that matters. I do wish the would bring back the lite version though. And no tire looks meaner than a blackwalled smoke. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a weekend warrior
from Apex, North Carolina
Date Reviewed: March 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Smoke tire absolutely rocks in the mud...I was always having problems climbing with my old light recreational tires (a.k.a. worthless tires) even with my butt hanging over the rear tire. No problems with climbing now, even when I am standing up and just chugging up a hill. Also sheds mud great (even red, sticky clay) after you get through it - although anybody behind you may be a little upset with the mud shrapnel. For the money, simply the best mud tire around... | | Overall Rating: |
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