Panaracer Smoke Classic

its TINY. low volume, small section width.. besides that its a decent tire. fast, decent traction. i got rid of my smoke/dart combo because they were just too tiny.

how about IRC mythos?

tomsmoto said:

its TINY. low volume, small section width.. besides that its a decent tire. fast, decent traction. i got rid of my smoke/dart combo because they were just too tiny.

how about IRC mythos?

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Price point has a 2pk of IRC Mythos for $25.00!

As for the Smoke, I have been happy with the Smoke/Dart combo on my '96 Stumpy M2 Comp, though at times seemed a little slow,(Though it may be the fact I don't get to ride much, and when I did, my buddies were on F.S. bikes and I was lagging a bit)

I also have the Mythos XC F/R combo. Mostly used around town, but when ridden on the trail seemed to be as good of traction as the Smoke/Dart combo. The one thing I never did was play with the psi in the Smoke/Dart.

I am currently trying to decide what tires to run on my newly acquired Epic. First time I've used low profile tires. They seem ok so far though.

Good luck deciding!
Chris

I liked these tires for midwest rooty riding. They're cheap enough, give them a shot. I think I bought mine for under $40 for the pair a few years ago.

tomsmoto said:

its TINY. low volume, small section width.. besides that its a decent tire. fast, decent traction. i got rid of my smoke/dart combo because they were just too tiny.

how about IRC mythos?

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Tiny? It comes in a 2.1 width which, for me, is plenty wide.

I wouldn't run the Smoke on the front (go with the Dart). It feels like it wants to keep tracking straight into the turn. The Smoke has a squarish profile.

I use the Mythos on my 29er. They are OK tires but the rear has a low lug height so they don't do too well in loose soil and it wears out quicker.

Tiny in casing though. So you end up needing a lot more air pressure to support your load, and thus they don't absorb impacts as well. Instead of rolling over roots like you would with a Nevegal, you bounce off them.

AndyP. said:

What do you think of this tire? I ride on rocky/rooty eastcoast singletrack. My Specialized Resolution rear tire has been shredded and I need a new rear tire. I want a lot of grip to get up hills, but need something with sidewalls which can withstand the rocks. I know the Smoke is an oldie but goody, but I've never used Panaracers. If not the Smoke, what else is a low cost, solid performer? Thanks for your help, Andy

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IRC Trailbears may be your ticket.

Pricepoint also list the 2.25 IRC Mibro for $19.98 - great trail tyre!

My bike came with WTB Motoraptors. They’re a little heavy, and they have a lot of rolling resistance. I’m not quite sure why they put them on an XC bike, but I’ve never used a tire that got such great traction in most every conditon I could throw at them, even snow. I still use them in the winter and early spring when conditions are sloppy. I think I saw them on Jenson and/or outside outfitters for around $20.

MikeDee said:

Tiny? It comes in a 2.1 width which, for me, is plenty wide.

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i only run 2.1's. its all i need. smoke/darts in 2.1 arent 2.1, they're tiny.

its more like a 1.8.