Based on the same concept as the XC Pro, the FR 2.4 is made to work front and rear, and in all conditions. The Fire FR 2.4 performs as a XC Freeride tire or a light use DH tire.
Submitted by
knowpedder
a Downhiller
from Socal Date Reviewed: January 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Prospect
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
good traction in all terrains
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
kenda, maxxis...
Bike Setup:
06 Ruckus Trail 1.0 saint cranks, E-13 guard, Hayes HFX Mag's with twin 8" rotors
Bottom Line:
when i got the tire it was closer to a 2.6, rubbed on my frame, but i cut off the corners of the outside lugs and it fits at about 2.5 wide, and it rolls better through the turns now...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bikegeekjames
a Weekend Warrior
from SLC, UT United States Date Reviewed: December 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Porkupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
Highlander Bike
Strengths:
I love the side knobs. I was a major Maxxis lover forever, and decided to branch out for once. I love how its a 2.4" Just bigger than a 2.35", but not as porky as a 2.5" A really good niche. These rode really well and had aggressive tread which i really like. They really excelled in technical, rocky downhill sections. They are a great price for the weight as well.
Weaknesses:
They worked fine in everything here in Utah, except sandy mud. They clogged up a bit, but to be honest it wasn't a real problem. No TRUE weakness' here.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis HighRoller, Minion DH
Bike Setup:
Chumba Evo, 6" front and rear. Marzocchi, Fox, X-9, Juicy 7s, WTB LaserDisc FR rims, Thomson goodies.
Bottom Line:
Panaracer makes some great tires for the money, and i've been converted
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gpschutt
a Downhiller
from Hood River, OR, USA Date Reviewed: November 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Post Canyon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
traded
Strengths:
Awesome wet conditions/ mud tire. Sheds the gunk well. Long-wearing. Billed as a 2.4", rides more like a 2.5" Climbs well.
Weaknesses:
Very slow in soft/ dusty conditions. Hard compound doesn't hook up well on hard surfaces with loose material on top (ie hardpacked gravel road.) Heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda nevegal, maxxis minion
Bike Setup:
Nomad, Super-D set up w/ Mavix EX rims (wide)
Bottom Line:
After riding these all winter last year, I thought they were a great all-around tire. Once things dried out, I realized they can be slow. Still, their ability to dig into soft, wet soil is incredible, owing to the relatively hard rubber compound. Being able to rail corners in partially frozen, saturated or otherwise gummy soil is impressive. If you ride where it's dry or more solid rock, go with the nevegals or the minions if you have the scratch.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Duende
a Weekend Warrior
from Eastern Sierra Date Reviewed: October 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mammoth Mountain Bike Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Came with the bike
Strengths:
Great tire for rocks and loose conditions. True 2.4 width. Durable, is showing minor wear after one season of heavy use. Handles everything it encounters, not as heavy as a lot of 2.5 tires I see at the MTB park. Use it only on the front, I don't have enough clearance on the rear. Runs tubeless like a champ. Need to refresh the sealant every 2-3 months in our dry climate.
Weaknesses:
Throws up a lot of gravel because of the big knobs, this decreases over time as the tire wears. Make sure you wear eye protection. Don't know if it works in mud, it is really dry around here. Heavy, but the ride on the gondola makes that less of a problem. When I ride XC it feels like a motocross tire and it is slower than a XC tire (duh). When the bike park closed for the season, it came off and was replaced with a Conti Vert Pro for winter XC riding.
This is the widest and heaviest tire I've ever rode. But it has proven itself over and over again on the trails of Mammoth Mtn. It is a great FR/AM for loose and rocky trails. Great control in the corners. Confident handling. Not a XC race tire. Durable, competent.
I was so impressed, that I bought a pair of the 2.3s (100gm lighter than a 2.4)for $16 each, online at Performance, for a bike I am building up for my wife. This is my new favorite MTB park front tire.
When this tire wears out I will replace it, if they are still available.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andre
a Cross Country Rider
from Park City, Utah Date Reviewed: October 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Going straight this tire eats everything up, great traction, super stable feeling
I really really gave these tires a chance, more than I probably should have. Truth is, in my opnion, they are a very specialized tire and too much meat for any XC rider, and good for only certain AM type riders in certain places with certain terriain. Out here in the Utah mountains and desert, i am taking them off...
I used them for about 2-3 months as a front tire only on my XC bike that I ride quite a bit of AM with, and little did I know what I was missing by using it. It might / would probably be a killer rear tire for traction and with added rear weight would probably hold a lot better. But they are too big to fit into my rear chainstays so I could not run as a rear even though I have two of them.
My first night out on them I was really psyched because they are a very confidence inspiring tire that just eats it up (rightly so because they are so big and the lugs are huge). They also look killer, almost like something off a dirt bike, probably the "best looking" tire I've had on a bike. I nailed a super hard trail/downhill section on first try that I hadn't been able to get since it washed out badly. But that was on only one trail, one that sees quite a bit of moisture (ie not dry or sandy) and this trail has killer moist dirt hardpack traction.
And that is my conclusion, on certain trails (no loose or dried sand and/or rock) it is great... But then I started using it as I ride this bike, on a huge variety of terrain mostly because the terrian around here varies so much (full mountains to desert in 10 miles or less). And again they feel badass because ofthe big lugs. But I noticed my lines got sloppier and I started relying on the tire more than skill. And because its so far and badass it can roll over everything... But on certain trails, it would slide out SOOO easily.. Agian anything with loose dirt or rocks, dry and sandy for the most part..
So I finally decided to remount my WTB moto raptor 2.4s and --little did I know what I was missing-- by having them on. They Raptors mostly just corner so much better, you can lean over in all terrain and not feel like you are going to lose it and/or predictable slide out versus just flatout eating it! My conclusion is the lugs on the side are just too damn big and tall. I considered even maybe shaving down the side lugs to something rounder and more like the WTBs to see if this helps. Or taking a razor to the big fat side lugs to see if that will give some flexibility and more cornering/less slip out ability. I actually think both of these would help.
I actually did not mind the big weight of these for climbing and XC even though even for me they are too much. But that is a matter of preference...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: August 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Sub Rock Sedona
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$22.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Hooks up . High volume.
Weaknesses:
Thin sidewall offset by weight for size.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Kinetics, Nevegal
Bike Setup:
XLT, Minute 3, Terros
Bottom Line:
Most trails I am on are dry dusty and loaded with rocks. I needed a big front tire that had bite and would hold a corner without loosing all its shoulder tread prematurely. This worked perfect for that. I recently was up north and decided to put one on the rear as well. It was a good choice for the day. It rained all day. At times there was 6in of water running down the trail "Sunset Flagstaff" Roots, Rock, Reggae and Rain and they never slipped once.
Not fastest rolling lightest thing but if you need a good all purpose All Mountain tire check it out.
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Submitted by
Landon
a Downhiller
from Cody, WY, USA Date Reviewed: July 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Absaroka Bikes in Cody
Strengths:
Tire tracks great. This is the best handling tire i have ever used.
Weaknesses:
Tight fit on rim, hard to change flats.
Bike Setup:
Trek Session 77
Bottom Line:
I will keep buying this tire. It handles great. I used this tire at Winter Park during Crankworks this July, and it handled the trail great. This tire is great for freeride and DH.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RideEverything
a
from Whistler, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: June 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Rides exceptionaly well in ALL conditions. The tires corner like they are on rails!
Weaknesses:
I am not a gram counter but the tires are a little on the heavy side and they don't roll very fast.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC Pro and Rampage, WTB TimberWolf and Dissent, Nokian NBX 2.1
Bike Setup:
Turner 6Pack - DHX 5, Marzocchi Z150 ETA, Mavic 321 rims, top end Race Face and Sram drivetrain and components.
Bottom Line:
These tires kill it in all conditions. As a pedalling freerider, these tires did well in everything I put them through. The tires live up to Panaracer's write up. And they can definitely do duty as a light downhill tire. These tires even rail when it is slippery wet! They even have a great footprint for loose rocky decsents, they have no problem holding a line! They are a little on the expensive side.
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Submitted by
J
a Cross Country Rider
from Seacoast NH Date Reviewed: March 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
The Ripper
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Indestructible; Great traction; Slow-wearing; Great rear tire
Weaknesses:
Heavy; Fit EXTREMELY tightly on Mavic 719s; Poor front tire
Bike Setup:
On-One Inbred Rigid SS
Bottom Line:
I run this as a rear tire on my Rhynolite for aggressive XC riding in New England. Rock, roots, mud, more rocks... This tire has been fantastic on the SS. I originally started out with the tire front and rear, but it doesn't track very well in corners on the front. I found it washed out way too frequently for my tastes. On the rear, however, this tire is a beast! The straight line traction I get blows my mind. Spinning out when climbing is pretty easy to do on a SS, but this tire grips like crazy. And as crazy as it sounds, I think the weight helps when SSing - it's harder to spin out, and wants to keep rolling when you need it to. I've put a year and a half of riding on the tire, and it's just getting about time to replace it. Oh - in that whole time I've never gotten a flat running 25 - 35 psi.
Summary: Awesome rear, not so hot on the front. Buy this tire if you need powerful traction in the rear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blaine
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe, Az Date Reviewed: September 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
National Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Great traction, float, compound, and construction. Also, great weight for the size, and wears pretty well on pavement for such a luggy tire (not reccomended for street riding, so if you do alot of riding on pavement, find something else).
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Fire XC pro (front), Fire DH Pro (rear).
Bike Setup:
2005 Liquid 25 running FR pro in the front and DH pro in the rear.
Bottom Line:
These are not for typical XC riding, so do not buy them if that is your style. I took my XC pro down Telegraph pass here in Az and shredded it; lugs torn off, no control, and no fun (nothing against the tire, just too much for it). This tire ate up that trail. I have not torn a lug yet, and have not had problems with washing out that others have (nothing I can blame on the tire, I was riding home from a bar...). I did notice quite an increase in resistance when I mounted this tire, but the stability while descending more than made up for it...and 2 rides later I was used to it anyway. I tend to ride in the rocks, hit some DH west of here, and do some XC riding up in Sedona. This tire has handled all of that with no problems, and I feel much more comfortable running the extra width through rock gardens. For my size (200 lb) and style of riding (all around, but hard on components) it fits the bill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BCPOWDR
a
from Sandy, Utah Date Reviewed: July 14, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Internet
Strengths:
Traction, Ride going down
Weaknesses:
Weak Sidewalls, Heavy for XC
Similar Products Used:
Conti Vertical Pros 2.35, Kenda Nevegel 2.35
Bike Setup:
Ventana X-5, Marzochi, Fox RP3, XT and XTR, Spinergy Wheelset
Bottom Line:
I like this tire for its traction,ride and looks. I had no problems in dry to damp areas, from gravel to hardpack, roots, etc. Never used it in alot of mud. Great tire for single track downhill sections. I weigh 185lb and inflated tire to about 40psi. What I didnt like was the wieght as far as cross country riding is concerned, which is mainly what I ride. Just put on some Kenda Nevegels and at my LBS scale showed a difference of 1.2LBS for the set. Thats alot of spinning weight if your a cross Country Rider. Also I noticed when changing the tires over the side wall was about to go. It had a slice on the outside and was starting to peal away from the casing. The threads on the inside were also giving way. Not sure how it happened, but if do to construction 6 months is pretty poor life expectency. Never had any other tire only last 6 months. The knobbies were in still in great shape. Regardless of the casing problem, I probably would not buy again due to the wieght for my type of riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Kahului, HI Date Reviewed: June 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Great Tread and Volume
Weaknesses:
Generally Heavy but that is to be expected from such a large tire. It is also quite loud. Can't imagine running this on pavement for any length of time.
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Instinct, Reba RL race fork
Bottom Line:
I just wanted to post and say that it fits front and rear on my Rocky with the Reba. Had to move the disk brake zip tie on the front but plenty of room on the back. Not sure how it will handle mud. I got this cause I am big rider, 240lbs and ride volcanic gravel and loose soil or sand. Was running smaller tires and having to use really low presure. Going to try this out at 35 will update after a couple weeks of riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff E.
a
from Laguna Niguel Date Reviewed: May 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
I like lots
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Lite for the size, very long life
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
high roller, minion, wtb
Bike Setup:
5-spot
Bottom Line:
These tires are lite, roll pretty fast, great traction, the traction seems to get better after a few weeks of riding, no real probs w/ washing out, you just cant run really high air pressure , great tire...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thescot
a Weekend Warrior
from Nevada City, Ca, US Date Reviewed: December 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
No. 5,6,7, OHV sugarpine
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
cambrian egghead bike shop
Strengths:
for an all mountain bike works well, where there is dirt to bite mostly. a good leaner @ 37psi (me at 180 lb.). good exploratory and transitional seasoner, otherwise weirwolfs or brief combo when traveling. on a stiff single pivot works like cleats.
Weaknesses:
just be careful of that "cleat" width, clears my heckler in back, but i use it for front primarily.
Similar Products Used:
mutano's, other wtb's, hutchinson's, pana's dh 2.3, fire 2.1
Bike Setup:
heckler, o6' nixon with firm spring- good match with tire for pushin' gravel, goat herds. kevlar no problem with dt 4.1d rim
Bottom Line:
considering your body english, weight, and psi runnings, and riding environ, it all differs. i can say they have teeth. pele'! as for quality, must have been a good day at the factory- same for all tire co's really.i bought a pair and ripped through 'hole-in-the-ground trail' (already messed up by mtbikers). friend stole one but still fine, eventhough i like to run similar treads for equal behavior and "walk-up".
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: December 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Timberview
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
Looks cool.
Weaknesses:
Washes out left and right
Similar Products Used:
WTB MotoRaptor, Fire XC Pro
Bike Setup:
Titus Quasi-Moto
Bottom Line:
This tire sucks. I credit my last ER trip (and torn rotator cuff) to this tire. I washed out on me after launching off a water bar at about 30 mph. Ouch. Since my surgery and recovery, every time I have ridden this tire has slipped and washed out in turns. I'm taking it off and trashing my brand new spare. That's how bad it is! Back to the MotoRaptor, which never failed me.
Maybe it's just bad on the types of trails I ride (tend to be pretty hard packed and dry). But I never had a problem with the Fire XC Pro on my XC bike on the exact same trails.
It would only fit as a front tire on my bike. Maybe as a back tire it's better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LanTHrusteR
a
from Moscow, Russia Date Reviewed: July 5, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
diameter, surface grip
Weaknesses:
Low later strength. After a year of usage the tire walls dissected by no other reason but overloading. (mine were made in Taiwain). The corner most pins have fissured from the tire surface.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda, Maxxis, they did never dissect
Bottom Line:
diameter, surface grip
Low later strength. After a year of usage back tire walls dissected by no other reason but overloading. (mine were made in Taiwan). The corner most pins have fissured from the tire surface. I never actually saw this happen on any other tire. I bet the walls are too thin for this diameter, that’s why it is so light.
Avoid hard cornering or side jumping on this tire or it might be destroyed, watch closely for technological string cord patterns melted in the walls of your tire. The surface the FireFR is used on is essential. Looks like it is not designed for hard stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from Camarillo, CA USA Date Reviewed: June 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Romero Canyon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
handles corners and brakes awsome also about the lighttest 2.4 tire you can buy. This tire has saved me more than once in hairy almost munching situations at 35 plus MPH on single track and faster at Mammoth Mountain. Great all around tire for agressive rider. I weigh 240 and climb everthing I ride down and all my friends have been swithching over.
Weaknesses:
Kevlar bead not as stiff as other downhill specific tires.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler, Loaded.
Bottom Line:
Most aggressive cross country tire made and if you install on at least the front you can rail corners.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ricky mercado
a Downhiller
from sac,c.a.usa Date Reviewed: May 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$14.00
Purchased At:
mad cat bicycle
Strengths:
the grip is dam good!!!!
Weaknesses:
wet asphalt like all tires:)
Similar Products Used:
all
Bike Setup:
dh and fr
Bottom Line:
a good tire
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathaniel
a Downhiller
from Springfield MA USA Date Reviewed: April 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Lots
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Blue Sky Cycling Mail Order
Strengths:
Huge tire/knobs/everything Looks insane on the bike Digs like a beast in loose dirt Good control on technical sections Cheap
Weaknesses:
Weak sidewalls Doesn't fit on some bikes Doesn't hook up well on hard surfaces
Similar Products Used:
Nokian NBX 2.3 and 2.5
Bike Setup:
Kona Cowan 17" 04 frame, Dirt Jumper 3, Nokian NBX 2.5 front tire, Fire FR rear.
Bottom Line:
I got this tire for the very sweet price of $20. It was time to replace my NBX 2.3 rear, which was getting cut to smithereens after a year of riding. Most tires don't even come close to making me happy in terms of width and knob size. I was scouring the net and found the Fire FR which I knew I must have. It went on a Rhyno Lite rim without any more difficulty than a NBX 2.3 ( which is difficult enough). I Inflated to 40psi becuase I have heard of the weak sidewalls. A test ride revealed that this tire wants a lower air pressure, and the sidewalls aren't as weak as some may say. I did get to see the awesome traction at hand through loose sections, the large knobs dig deep in the gnarliest loose climbs and downhills. My NBX 2.5 sticks better to stuff, but it is nowhere near as wide and aggressive. The NBX has also lost some knobs from its brief stint at being the rear tire. Overall I reccomend this tire because of the great value and performance. Besides it looks insane on your bike.
The Kona didn't have any trouble fitting this tire in the frame, but just make sure your frame can clear a 2.8 tire because that is what this thing truly is! My chain does slap it when I'm in the 22 chainring, but its not bad. BUY IT FOR $20 FROM BLUE SKY CYCLING. Your freeride friends will have to clean themselves up after seeing it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bil fil
a Downhiller
from calgary Date Reviewed: April 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
milenium
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
eurotech cycle
Strengths:
Light, never pinches, incredible grip, looks cool, wears down very little, cheap
Weaknesses:
if you ride through mud than it will get jammed just like any other studded tire
Similar Products Used:
nokiam dh
Bike Setup:
jackflash hardcore trials
Bottom Line:
best tire ever, I would give it like 10 chilies. I do 10 ft to flats, case anything, huge lurches, anything that can kill a tire and ive never pinched or had any troubles with it ever. Best tire ever made, and cheap
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Daddy
a
from St. George, Utah Date Reviewed: March 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$24.00
Purchased At:
blueskycycling.com
Strengths:
Fat. Grips anything. Light.
Weaknesses:
Rolling resistance.
Bottom Line:
These tires are awesome. I do downhill, XC, and technical, and this tires performs well for all areas. I was very pleased on how well it gripped on rocky technical stuff (especially climbing steep rocky terrain). When i first got the tire it felt like i was riding a motorcycle--this tire is big. Bottom Line: Great tire, especially if you get it for a good price. GET IT!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J
a Cross Country Rider
from boise, Idaho USA Date Reviewed: January 31, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Resurrection Pass
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Ebay used slightly
Strengths:
Low weight, agressive tread, fatness.
Weaknesses:
Will not go on the rim without an extreme amount of coaxing. Even with a Kool stop tire jack I could barely get this thing on the rim. Not looking forward to flatting this outback somewhere. One of, if not THE worst tires I've ever dealt with in this category. Soon as I get a deal on a WTB Moto raptor I'm pitching this tire in the bin. Only because of its sizing issue mind you.
Similar Products Used:
Geax, WTB, Specialized, Kenda, Maxxis,
Bike Setup:
Fetish Fixation SS, set up for snow riding.
Bottom Line:
Good kevlar tire with one problem, won't go on the rim without Xtreme force. If at all. If it weren't for that one problem it would be a keeper. It's a true 2.4" tire unlike WTB where you can only trust their mm measurements. Great for FR, I haven't tried it in mud, indications above are it doesn't like wetness. Makes a decent offroad snow tire, but the tread is a bit too aggressive for that kind of riding. If only GEAX made a 2.4 Sedona. I would prefer the WTB MotoRaptor over this tire in general and you can get it on the rim without a kevlar bead smackdown match.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Framebreaker
a Weekend Warrior
from Lynnwood, WA Date Reviewed: November 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Jap Gulch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Supergo in Seattle
Strengths:
Great climbing hookup
Weaknesses:
Hard rubber is really slippery in the wet stuff.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Mobster, Specialized Rollers, etc
Bike Setup:
Foes Fly with Super T
Bottom Line:
Not recommended for wet roots, rocks or technical sections. Compared to Maxxis Mobsters the rubber in the Fire FR is much less sticky which leads to significantly more slip and slide particularly in the rear - this is even with low pressures 20-40 psi.
I bought the tires because of the awesomely aggressive tread pattern which does perform excellently when braking or when really torquing up inclines. However the slipperyness is really noticeable and has been lead to some very near misses and I've had to slow down in the technical stuff much more than before.
These are good tires but just not for the wet stuff. I won't buy them again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Lawrence
a Weekend Warrior
from Welly, New Zealand Date Reviewed: November 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
risky & scarey
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
beyondbikes.com
Strengths:
lovely big knobs, Dont fill with mud, lite for Freeriding.
Weaknesses:
The side wall could be a little more stiffer.
Similar Products Used:
WTB weirwolf
Bike Setup:
2004 AC Giant, DHX 5.0, Marz 66RC with a over-eager under-talented rider on board.
Bottom Line:
Very pleased with this tire. The weight of my stock FR tires were nearing 1.2kg each. The Fire FR's (kevlar)are only around 750 grams. The tires like to wander around when I'm on the road getting to the trails, But once there it a case of point and shot. The've prooved themselves in the soggy conditions and the dry and dusty. As I mentioned the sidewall could be a little stiffer. You can overcome this by maintaining a higher tire presure.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Clark
a Weekend Warrior
from York, UK Date Reviewed: October 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere dirty
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
bikedock.com
Strengths:
Supreme tread depth, width, dirt clearing ability, give your bike that moto cross look.
Weaknesses:
Little on the heavy side for XC but not really a major problem.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos II's
Bike Setup:
Marin Mount Vision, full XT, hope mini mono's, easton ea70 flat bars.
Bottom Line:
These tyres are an absolute revelation after riding with the IRC tyres i was using before. The level of traction and float they give is way beyond anything i was expecting, they're not the lightest tyres for riding XC but i think the advantage they give you far outweighs any weight issues, besides once you're moving you dont really notice it anyway. These tyres are WIDE, i'm lucky they fit my frame and forks no problem but you should make sure before buying a set that your frame will fit them. The only problem i experienced was some rubbing on my front mech, i added another spacer on the drive side of my chainset and adjusted the limit screw and it works ok now with no touching. It is very close though, just a word to the warey. Overall i'm very happy and impressed with the pair and really wont be swapping them for anything else, unless someone see's fit to import the kevlar bead version into the UK.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graham
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Canada Date Reviewed: September 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
KL
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
grips, footprint, price, weight
Weaknesses:
too big for a lot of rear stays, flimsy sidewall
Similar Products Used:
Fire XC
Bike Setup:
Norco Fireball Hardtail, XTR, Psylo Race Fork, Hayes Discs
Bottom Line:
This tire is unstoppable in technical sections at 25psi. The footprint is so big that it practically surrounds obstacles, allowing you to lay down power in almost any situation.
Buy this tire if you are a XC rider that likes to get into the slow technical stuff every once and a while.
Do not get this tire for Downhill, or fast XC ... because of the sloppy sidewall and high rolling resistance.
The tire may not fit some rear stays - I used them forst in my 01 endro FSR and they rubbed. As a solution, I clipped 2-3mm off of all the outer knobbies. On the Fireball, they barely clear my front rerailleur.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
russ
a Cross Country Rider
from Boone North Carolina Date Reviewed: September 17, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
hooks up well on most terrain, cheep
Weaknesses:
wussy side wall, more pich flats than any tire i've every owned!
Don't even think about running xc tubes with these things. The side wall is about as strong as a pubescent girl. The tread design is awesome, hooks up well, but i've had three pinch flats on the front!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Connecticut Date Reviewed: September 14, 2004
This tire is excellent for moderate freeriding/trail riding. I've been running it for a year now both F&R using Stan's tubeless at 25lbs of pressure. It's called a 2.4 but it's bigger than my 2.5 Minions--the footprint is a full quarter inch wider. It's light weight for it's size and has amazing traction. It sticks like glue in the rocky, rooty trails here in the Northeast. Most of the other tires I've tried of similar size weigh a pound or so more each. It's not a downhill tire, the casing isn't thick enough to take that kind of abuse on a regular basis. It isn't a XC tire, it's too heavy and doesn't roll fast enough. But it's a great freeride tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Palm Harbor, Florida, USA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Alafia, Razorback
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$34.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Same awesome tread pattern as the Fire XC
Weaknesses:
Nearly too wide to fit on my 04 Stumpy
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC, Ritchey ZMax 2.35
Bike Setup:
04 Stumpjumper
Bottom Line:
This isn't a typical review and I hope my experiment answers any questions as to whether or not this tire will fit on their bike. These tires are huge - they look like freaking motorcycle tires. This is my first experience with a freeride tire and I heard that you can run these at a lower pressure due to the size of the tube. I put 50psi in the front and 55psi in the rear. The front tire cleared my fork no problem but the rear tire was rubbing just a bit. I let a little air out and the rub is barely noticable. My tire is probably out of true as well!
As far as weight, I'm not one to change out every little part to save an ounce. If I wanted to do that, I'd cut back on pizza on beer. I'm sure the tubes and tires will add weight to the bike.
I'm taking these tires out for my first spin this weekend. I'll post a performance update after a few rides. I'll be taking these beauties to Tsali in a few weeks.
Cheers
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tirehound
a Cross Country Rider
from B'ham, AL Date Reviewed: August 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mtn
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$42.00
Purchased At:
Local bike shop
Strengths:
Can't beat the traction, stability, meatiness of tire.
Weaknesses:
Weight, width
Similar Products Used:
Everything
Bike Setup:
Marin
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome tire. Grips everything, goes over everything. I have the wire bead. My only problem is this rear tire is too wide for my frame and rubs too much. Will sell for $20 - for both tires. Tires only used once for five miles. Only getting rid of them 'cause they rub frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Earthpig
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise Date Reviewed: August 5, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa.com
Strengths:
beefy, bombproof, good grip on loamy, soft soils
Weaknesses:
heavy, not a good hardpack tire
Similar Products Used:
WTB MutanoRaptor 2.4, Panaracer Fire XC 2.1
Bike Setup:
Surly 1x1 w/ Surly Instigator rigid fork
Bottom Line:
I'm using this tire as my front tire on my rigid singlespeed. I bought it for its big size, cheap price, and my previous great experiences with the Fire XC pro on the dry hardpack trails around here in the summer. Bottom line? This is probably a pretty good tire for softer soil and moist (but not muddy) conditions, but it's downright horrible for dry hardpack, even aired all the way down to 25 psi. The big knobs just don't bite at all on dry hardpack, leading to serious washout issues in pretty much every corner. It's also a pretty heavy tire, but I knew that when I bought it. I'll keep it for wetter spring and winter conditions when the trails around here are softer (allowing those huge knobbies to bite into something), but I'm going back to the Mutano 2.4 for the dry summer and fall months.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston Date Reviewed: July 11, 2004
Really good tire, great grip but the best thing was the volume, it just soaks up every little rock on the trail and grips on it. Also landing off a drop feels really soft. One caution - check the size as the 2.35 Minion and swampthing's I have are no where near as big as the 2.4 Fire and it only just clears the fork, the sude lugs on it are huge.
Actually rolls nice on very hardpack which was a suprise but rolls even better on rocks and roots as it just soaks them up.
Run at 30psi with no problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Elliott
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: July 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Hawes/TRW, Javalina/ West Loops, Mormon/National
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
friend didn't want it any more
Strengths:
Big, Stable in the rocks. Light for a 2.4.
Weaknesses:
Pretty much everything else. Needed a front tire when the Mutano's wore out and was pinched for cash, picked it up cheap. Now I know why it was so damned cheap. Tried running the recommended pressure at 35 psi, only to discover wash out city! Dropped to 28 psi and it worked ok until it began delaminating (bubbling) along the side wall. I should have just stuck with WTB up front.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Mutano 2.4, Enduro 2.2, Arrow Blitz 2.25, Smoke/Dart combos in sizes up to 2.1.
I love to play in the dirt, raced BMX for 22 years, and never had wash out problems like this. Though I believe that this tire is more suited to loam and organic soils, it should NEVER have bubbled along the side walls!!! Can I give this POS ZERO chilis?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wrafe
a Weekend Warrior
from Floribama Date Reviewed: July 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Any dirt, rock & root
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Durable, grip, large profile, freakin' cool looking
Weaknesses:
None at this time
Similar Products Used:
Everything
Bike Setup:
Marin
Bottom Line:
These tires are the shyt! They hook up, they look badazz on my bike and they roll over everything the trail throws at me. I don't do much downhill, mainly XC but these tires rock. They just clear my hardtail frame, any wider and they wouldn't fit. They clearly weigh more than other tires I use but I'm not a weight weenie, it'll strengthen my legs and these tire will steer me where I want to go. Just a great, big, meaty tire. Ride hard!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Downhiller
from Reno, Nevada,USA Date Reviewed: June 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Al Downhill @ Northstar
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$29.00
Strengths:
A super tough tire. Nice and wide profile. Heavy duty sidewall strength. Great traction and really good endurance. Super inexpensive.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Roller Pro, Panaracer Fire XC, Maxxis High Roller, Intense 909, Kenda Stick E.
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain RM9 with the Shimano Saint Group, Race Face everything else.
Bottom Line:
Get these tires. I ride all sorts of conditions and these tires eat them all up. My buddy has some Maxxis 2.7 tires on his Santa Cruz and the are no wider than my panaracer 2.4's. The tread design and pattern works awesome. These tires are possibly the best tires I have ever owned. The Intense 909 was really nice, but for ONLY 29 BUCKS EACH you can't touch the Panaracers! You can get two Panaracers for less than one Intense. I reccomend these bad mothers to anyone looking to get a bullet proof tire that wont't cost an arm and a leg. You need these tires. If I could give 10 flamin dog poos, I would. Go get yourself a set, you won't regret it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis Romano
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas, NV, USA Date Reviewed: April 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Bunker Creek, UT
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
Light weight for such a large tire foot print.
Weaknesses:
Knob height on sides rubs my frame.
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Factory Downhill, Panaracer Down Hill Pro, Panaracer Fire XC Pro
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Slayer, Sun SUV wheels, Sram rockets
Bottom Line:
I have used this tire on the Las Vegas XC trails. Loose rocks, sand traps, loose over hard pack and clay. Additionally, they were tested on Gooseberry Mesa's slickrock. In every condition, they were outstanding. In sand they have cleaned sections I have never cleaned. They roll a bit slow but that is normal for square profile tires. Loose rock were no problem either. I weigh 225 pounds, ride pretty hard and these tires just perform. I will not buy them again since they are just a bit to wide for my bike. One more benefit though, I use Stans No Tubes and these tires sealed up great. If you have the frame width, buy these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Douglas
a
from Palmdale Date Reviewed: December 26, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
Great Tire! After many different tires, I've always come to the same conclusion - the 2.1 Fire XC pro is the best 2.1 out there.
But I needed a bigger, more aggresive tire for Mammoth over the summer. So I tried the FR 2.4. I tried it on the back first with a Weirwolf 2.5 on the front. Mammoth is rough, rocky, and has a lot of loose stuff. The highly acclaimed Weirwolf washed out and didn't impress me at all. I swapped them F-to-R and the Panaracer stuck like velcro up front. I can't wait to get one on the back.
Great traction, great braking, great durability. I slightly disagree about what others say about the weight - my folding version came in at 960 gms. The heaviest tire I have tried so far. But for Mammoth they were perfect.
I will be trying some Kenda Kinetics Stick-E's and some Schwalbe Fat Alberts over the winter.
Douglas
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
L.G. Fuentes III
a Downhiller
from Redondo Beach, CA Date Reviewed: December 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Del Cerro PV
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
South Bay Cycles
Strengths:
Best tire out there! No tears, great handling, grips like heck.
Weaknesses:
Does not shed mud at all. Although I might have had a bit to much air in tire for it to shed well?
Bottom Line:
I will never ever ever spend $60 for any other all-around tire. By far the best all around tire at $35 each.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris b
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: December 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Buttermilk,Buttermilk heights
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$26.00
Purchased At:
Cycle path in Portland ,OR
Strengths:
This tire is everything you love about the all around favorite the Panaracer XC pro 2.1 but more of it. Very big knobs that grip well to rocks, roots and most types of dirt. GREAT front tire. Superior grip and steering. Nice bite on cornering.
Weaknesses:
860 grams not too heavy for a big tire. Very large -the lugs are tall and the tire is wide. I could not run this tire on the rear of my 2002 Enduro. The tire would clear the chainstays but not clear the CHAIN or front derailluer.
Similar Products Used:
2.4 Moto, 2.4 Mutano , 2.3 Schwalbe King Jim Light ,Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1
Bike Setup:
I am running a Marzocchi Z1 on the front of a 2002 Specialied Enduro FSR.
Bottom Line:
One of my favorite Tires. This is the Fire XC 2.1 big brother. A larger more aggressive version of the great all around tire. This tire is a good in all the Richmond trail conditions like rocks,roots, hard pack, roots, loose soil, roots, sand, Roots and mud. Did I mention its good on roots? It a Large high volume tire so it gives better traction and cornering than most smaller tires. But becareful this tire is BIG - I could not get it to fit on my Specialized Enduro FSR rear with rubbing the Chain and Front derailleur. I got mine fron mail order for $26 but that was low Expect to pay around $30-35 for this Fine tire. People looking for a big "light freeride" tire or a perfect "trail bike" type tire this is it. Great for a 5" front fork like the Z1. I wish I could run it front and back. Good work Panaracer! Great value for great performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Tulsa, OK, USA Date Reviewed: December 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lo-Chi
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$27.00
Strengths:
Phenomenal traction. Low pressure without pinch flats, even over sharp rocks. Not as heavy as Downhill tires.
Weaknesses:
The Scorpion 2.3 rides like you're on a cloud. The FR 2.4 does not. Not a lightweight cross-country tire (860 grams).
Jamis XLT 1.0 I run the tires front and rear with about 20 psi for the best ride. Still no pinch flats!
Bottom Line:
The Fire FR 2.4 rolls a little slower than the Hutchinson
Scorpion 2.3, but it hooks up like crazy. With the combination
of the flat profile and low pressure, even the side knobs
contact the ground as the tire rolls. Cornering is also great,
probably due to the relatively stiff sidewalls. In summary,
phenomenal traction and low pressure without pinch flats!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder Date Reviewed: December 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The unrideen one
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$29.00
Strengths:
Muy Moto
Weaknesses:
Some people won't like the square profile
Similar Products Used:
* WTB Weirwolf 2.5 * Fire XC Pro 2.1 * Continental Vertical Pro 2.3 * Tioga Factory DH 2.3 * Ritchey Z-Max 2.35
Bike Setup:
* Titus Switchblade 5.7", Z1, Hayes 8" * Mavic F219 28mm rim * Panaracer Fire FR Pro 38psi, generic tube (front) * Ritchey Motovader 2.4 SC 35psi, Kenda DH tube (rear)
Bottom Line:
First Post!
I waited months for this tire to show up in the reviews; I finally got tired of waiting for a review and risked buying a set, put it on 2 weeks ago.
So far I've only used it on the front and am pleased. It weighs about the same as the Fire DH (actually a bit lighter) but is higher volume. The profile is squarer than the Fire DH, more like a Fire FR. It has really tall knobs (6mm) I replaced a Front Weirwolf 2.5 Race (lighter casing) with this tire. I spent Thanksgiving in Sedona AZ. Road Mingus Mtn, Little Horse, Templeton and all the close-in loops. I'm comfortable with square tires and this is a very good one. You have to be careful when leaned way over, but no different than the Weirwolf or any other square tire. The rolling resistance is decent and the weight not bad. Time will tell how it holds up. I'm a little wary to try it on the back because of the longish knobs, but I'll probably give it a whirl. The rubber compound is fairly hard but seems well damped.
The traction and handling are phenomenal, very similar to the weirwolf on dirt but better in loose gravel.
The one niggle I had with the Weirwolf was that it tended to bounce/chatter at inopportune times and occasionally would not track straight (sending me off berms and down embankments). The Fire FR seems better than the Weirwolf in that respect.
No flats even though I picked up a couple of goat-heads... none penetrated deep enough to cause a flat. No pinch flats either and I'm 220 lbs and do not ride slowly or avoid rocks. I did not ride it on anything moist or organic.
I really wish Panaracer would come out with an all-black Fire DH, because I want one for the back.
Bottom Line: The Fire FR is an excellent tire for trailriding slickrock, sand and loose rock... I can't wait to try it in Moab and Fruita.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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