[matt719]

I've been reading reviews left and right and I think this tire is a good match for me. I ride mostly on singletrack trails in the central Massachusetts area, specifically Delaney if anyone has heard of it. It is mostly dry conditions with plenty of roots and rocks. Climbing is important to me. I have a Cannondale hardtail so weight is one of the reasons for getting these tires. Right now I have a 2.0 Specialized Pro in the rear and a 1.95 Tiogra XC in the front. These tires aren't horrible for what I do but they are very very heavy but the only other tires I have compared them to are the stock 1.9 Continentals which were WAY too thin for me. I'm looking at the 2.1 version... My only concern is that it won't fit on my back because when my rear rim is out of true, the tire sometimes rubs. I'm getting a new wheelset so I think I'll be ok.

So what does anyone with these tires think? I've read most of the reviews on this site but I was hoping to get a more personalized response. Thank you.

 

[dgangi]

Just tried them today...

I've been reading reviews left and right and I think this tire is a good match for me. I ride mostly on singletrack trails in the central Massachusetts area, specifically Delaney if anyone has heard of it. It is mostly dry conditions with plenty of roots and rocks. Climbing is important to me. I have a Cannondale hardtail so weight is one of the reasons for getting these tires. Right now I have a 2.0 Specialized Pro in the rear and a 1.95 Tiogra XC in the front. These tires aren't horrible for what I do but they are very very heavy but the only other tires I have compared them to are the stock 1.9 Continentals which were WAY too thin for me. I'm looking at the 2.1 version... My only concern is that it won't fit on my back because when my rear rim is out of true, the tire sometimes rubs. I'm getting a new wheelset so I think I'll be ok.

So what does anyone with these tires think? I've read most of the reviews on this site but I was hoping to get a more personalized response. Thank you.

Funny you should ask...

I just slapped a brand new set of the Panaracer Fire XC 2.1's on my NRS today and took them for a 3-hour spin. I live in the Arizona desert, so my riding terrain is much different than yours (lots of hardpack, some loose gravel, and TONS of rocks). My previous tires were Hutchinson Python Gold Elite's. I got the Panaracers on sale and thought I would give them a try.

Pros and cons about the Panaracers thus far:

Pro - good grip front and rear, relatively lightweight, looks pretty cool, climbed well, tracked well in both hardpack and reasonably loose stuff, rolled pretty well (not much rolling resistance)

Con - the front tire loses its grip all at once (versus sliding around to let you know you are at the breaking point), a little skinny for a 2.1 tire.

The verdict is still out as to whether or not these are better tires than my old Pythons. I think the Pythons roll faster and corner better on the hardpack than the Panaracers, but the Panaracers grip better in the loose stuff and definitely seem to be a better "all-around" tire. I will probaby put the Pythons back for my next race but keep the Panaracers on for general purpose riding.

Thx...Doug

 

[Fuelish]

Con - the front tire loses its grip all at once (versus sliding around to let you know you are at the breaking point)

LOL....I totally agree, seems to be some perverse Panaracer "trademark" or somethin' ....dates all the way back to the old Smokes (even b4 they introduced the Darts for front use). Grip was tenacious up to "the point of no return", and then they let go all at once in a very big way...heh. Just something ya have to get used to - I run Fire XC's and love them (they're far superior to the crap that came on my bike when new - they gave plenty "warning" b4 totally letting go, but it happened at ridiculously lowered speeds......I'll run the risk with the Panaracers anyday )

 

[Rollin' On]

Tire choice

The new issue of Mountain Bike Action has a review of 40 all-around XC tires, including the Fire XC Pro.

Check it out... it sure expanded my own list of good all-around tires beyond the two or three I knew about. Also, there's useful info in the article and reviews about tire design particulars like knob height, ramping, tire weight and much else I didn't know. Best $4 I've spent in a long time.

 

[lawhoo]

I personally think these are the best tires out there for a multitude of conditions. I ride mainly on the east coast in everything from rooty, rocky, muddy steep trails to rolling hard singletrack to sandy pine forest fire roads. I have never washed out in a corner or lost traction on a climb due to the fault of the Fire XCs (and I run the back tire the same way as the front for less rolling resistance). I bought them at the same time as my friend, who now rides in Montana. Same praise from him. I've been through Psychos, Mythos, Specialized, you name it. Give them a try and you will very likely not be sorry.

 

[Darrell]

They are great all around tires. They tend to slip some on rocks and roots, but what tires don't. I have to agree with the other responses about breaking loose. I have busted my arse a few times when the front lets go. They don't give any warning, such as sliding or such. When they break loose, they go all at once. They are still a great tire. You can play with the pressure and I haven't had any pinch flats. They wear pretty good too, but make sure you get the ones that are "made in Japan". The Taiwanese brand is not the same tire. Happy trails!!!!

 

[OldFartYearRound]

I'm running the UST version of these exact tires for over a month now and never experienced any unpredictable break aways. Fairly high PSI, too. 155 lb rider. Hated the Pythons, ditto the IRC Serac (darn near IMPOSSIBLE to mount) and Mythos's.

I just slapped a brand new set of the Panaracer Fire XC 2.1's on my NRS today and took them for a 3-hour spin. I live in the Arizona desert, so my riding terrain is much different than yours (lots of hardpack, some loose gravel, and TONS of rocks). My previous tires were Hutchinson Python Gold Elite's. I got the Panaracers on sale and thought I would give them a try.

Pros and cons about the Panaracers thus far:

Pro - good grip front and rear, relatively lightweight, looks pretty cool, climbed well, tracked well in both hardpack and reasonably loose stuff, rolled pretty well (not much rolling resistance)

Con - the front tire loses its grip all at once (versus sliding around to let you know you are at the breaking point), a little skinny for a 2.1 tire.

The verdict is still out as to whether or not these are better tires than my old Pythons. I think the Pythons roll faster and corner better on the hardpack than the Panaracers, but the Panaracers grip better in the loose stuff and definitely seem to be a better "all-around" tire. I will probaby put the Pythons back for my next race but keep the Panaracers on for general purpose riding.

Thx...Doug[/QUOTE]