The Panaracer Fire XC Pro Kevlar Tire

[bootsiebee]

Looking at purchasing these tires... what does TPI mean? Do I need 127 TPI or 60 TPI? Is this Treads Per Inch? I generally just ride around the twin cities, leb, theo, murphy, etc...

Assistance appreciated!

[Lezgo Cycling]

Dont you work at REI pt....:crazy: ask the mechanic :D but I think your right

[Magic]

You got it close Katy. TPI is Threads per inch meaning, the higher the number the thinner and flexible the tire fabric is. I run 60 TPI on most of my tires. Here is what Sheldon Brown has to say:

Threads Per Inch of cloth. This is a common spec for tires. The higher the TPI number, the thinner and more flexible the tire fabric is. Thin-wall (high TPI) tires tend to be lighter and have lower rolling resistance, but they're more easily damaged by road hazards.

Looking at purchasing these tires... what does TPI mean? Do I need 127 TPI or 60 TPI? Is this Treads Per Inch? I generally just ride around the twin cities, leb, theo, murphy, etc...

Assistance appreciated!

[Standard]

You got it close Katy. TPI is Threads per inch meaning, the higher the number the thinner and flexible the tire fabric is. I run 60 TPI on most of my tires. Here is what Sheldon Brown has to say:

Threads Per Inch of cloth. This is a common spec for tires. The higher the TPI number, the thinner and more flexible the tire fabric is. Thin-wall (high TPI) tires tend to be lighter and have lower rolling resistance, but they're more easily damaged by road hazards.

A higher TPI doesn't always mean a more vulnerable tire. The denser the threads, the harder it is for something to puncture.

Also, a more supple tire will roll over terrain easier, which mean more traction and a better ride.

That being said, it's not a *huge* difference. The more expensive tires will also tend to have a softer or dual compound tread, which will get more traction but wear out quicker.

[dvo1]

Panaracer TIRES that HAVE 60 THREADS PER INCH COUNT ARE MANUFACTURED IN TAIWAN VS. JAPAN WHERE THE 120 TPI ARE MANUFACTURED!!!


Bad cut and paste but that's me not retyping the page.

[daviebee]

Your probably better off getting them at REI, with the discount and such may pay the same/more for shipping, etc. through the internet! I've seen these offered at pricepoint in different colors, but I believe the feedback was poor compared to REI/LBS carries.

[bootsiebee]

Dont you work at REI pt....:crazy: ask the mechanic :D but I think your right

why ask them when I have a world of mechanics at my fingertips!


Thanks for edgamacating me guys!

[bootsiebee]

Your probably better off getting them at REI, with the discount and such may pay the same/more for shipping, etc. through the internet! I've seen these offered at pricepoint in different colors, but I believe the feedback was poor compared to REI/LBS carries.

oh - didn't know REI carried them...thanks dtb.

[WKWizard]

The Fire XC's (2.1) are great tires! I think they are amongst the best all-condition tires you can get.

[Lezgo Cycling]

Your probably better off getting them at REI, with the discount and such may pay the same/more for shipping, etc. through the internet! I've seen these offered at pricepoint in different colors, but I believe the feedback was poor compared to REI/LBS carries.

+1 :banana: Support your LBS when possible (but go easy on a 14 yr old who buys a bike from big box :D )

[bootsiebee]

The Fire XC's (2.1) are great tires! I think they are amongst the best all-condition tires you can get.

...and they're pretty! :p

ok - so I've just opened myself up for ridicule, but I don't care

[daviebee]

oh - didn't know REI carried them...thanks dtb.
That's where I got mine....if not in store you can always order them online or through QBP in the shop.

[Rocky Mountain]

Do they have pink? Heard Vold was working on his dream bike.
...and they're pretty! :p

[bootsiebee]

Do they have pink? Heard Vold was working on his dream bike.

well, the red is sort of pinkish...otherwise they have blue and yellow.

btw - nice seeing you Sat @ Theo.

[Lezgo Cycling]

Do they have pink? Heard Vold was working on his dream bike.


that would match those rotors nice wouldnt it :D

[bike>>rider]

I recall there being a decent weight difference between the two types of Fire XC tires offered. If that matters to you, make sure you get the ones that are lighter. Sorry I don't remember which it is and don't have time to research but check mtbr under the product reviews and you'll likely be able to find the answer. I liked the set I had 3 yrs ago. (2.1's, the lighter version, whichever that is)

[bootsiebee]

I recall there being a decent weight difference between the two types of Fire XC tires offered. If that matters to you, make sure you get the ones that are lighter. Sorry I don't remember which it is and don't have time to research but check mtbr under the product reviews and you'll likely be able to find the answer. I liked the set I had 3 yrs ago. (2.1's, the lighter version, whichever that is)

I'm definitely all about lighter - so thanks for the input - I think it's the TPI 60's (2.1) that are lighter. I'll check it out.

[Cars-R-Coffins]

If you are looking to get some you can go to price point. I used this. I think it came to 22-23 a tire with shipping.:beer_yum: http://pricepoint.com/detail/10982-320_PANFI1_SET-3-Parts-73-Tires/Mountain/Panaracer-Fire-XC-Pro-Tire---Buy-2-%26-Save!.htm (http://pricepoint.com/detail/10982-320_PANFI1_SET-3-Parts-73-Tires/Mountain/Panaracer-Fire-XC-Pro-Tire---Buy-2-%26-Save%21.htm)

[dvo1]

I'm definitely all about lighter - so thanks for the input - I think it's the TPI 60's (2.1) that are lighter. I'll check it out.

120tpi is lighter and rolls better.

670 gram compared to 580 gram

[daviebee]

Is what I have versus the Kevlar from REI. Difference of 10 dollar per tire. From my research the ones from pricepoint, etc with such a deal are the inferior 60 TPI versus 120TPI. The above are 25 bones a piece, so basically 35$ per set for you bootsiebee. Since you want red, I would say get them from REI! I was only looking at pricepoint for the blue but feedback was poor on the 60 TPI.

http://www.rei.com/product/661240

Basically a better tire for the same price...

[DMonkey]

Panni Fire XC or the Continental Vertical Protection.
I likes the Conti V-Pro better - they higher vol. better grip and seem pretty light/tough.

Where they don't seem to shine: blacktop (wear quick & ride rough) and ice (little or no traction) - other than that, I dig 'em.

Going to give the Maxxis CrossMark's and the Ignitors a go on a bike this summer. Might even give a go at 2.3 Ignitor's front, 2.1 CrossMark rear.

[daviebee]

Panni Fire XC or the Continental Vertical Protection.
I likes the Conti V-Pro better - they higher vol. better grip and seem pretty light/tough.

Where they don't seem to shine: blacktop (wear quick & ride rough) and ice (little or no traction) - other than that, I dig 'em.

Going to give the Maxxis CrossMark's and the Ignitors a go on a bike this summer. Might even give a go at 2.3 Ignitor's front, 2.1 CrossMark rear.

I believe we discussed this before....the Continental Vertical 26" MTB Tire (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/TI402A04-Continental+Vertical+26+Mtb+Tire.aspx) is going for 20 bucks at JensonUSA and also is a very good tire for Midwest riding. We put these on one of my teammates' bikes for Afton and he said they tore it up! At the time we got the last set at REI on sale for like $12 a piece. My dream setup occurred when I used the panni on the front and the Vert on the rear. Though it says the vert is a 2.3, it is more like 2.1 (see reviews from mbtr.com for further verification).

bootsie, probably could order them from QBP too, just go into the shop and tell them you want to order from the QBP catalog. Ask about how pricing goes though, no prodeal from QBP, just standard discount applies (basically double the listed price in the book).

[DMonkey]

I believe we discussed this before....the Continental Vertical 26" MTB Tire (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/TI402A04-Continental+Vertical+26+Mtb+Tire.aspx) is going for 20 bucks at JensonUSA and also is a very good tire for Midwest riding. We put these on one of my teammates' bikes for Afton and he said they tore it up! At the time we got the last set at REI on sale for like $12 a piece. My dream setup occurred when I used the panni on the front and the Vert on the rear. Though it says the vert is a 2.3, it is more like 2.1 (see reviews from mbtr.com for further verification).

bootsie, probably could order them from QBP too, just go into the shop and tell them you want to order from the QBP catalog. Ask about how pricing goes though, no prodeal from QBP, just standard discount applies (basically double the listed price in the book).

If you look it's $20 for the wire bead, I would get the folding (read: Kevlar) tire - they are lighter.
I've found the Kevlar bead tire for around $15 to $20 on sale a few times (I actually run UST Tubeless).

It's been a while since I rode Fire XC's - used to use 'em back in the day on my Sugar. Can't remember how they hold their edge on a hard corner at speed..
I know I did not dig the Kenda Karma's that I had for a bit - they were great for a lot of things but would just break loose in a corner w/o a lot of warning and would pack up pretty easily.

[Ish]

Forget all this talk and go get the Kenda Nevegal 2.1's and be done with it.:D

Or the small block 8's if you really want light weight fast rolling tire with a small amount of sacrifice in traction.

[DMonkey]

Forget all this talk and go get the Kenda Nevegal 2.1's and be done with it.:D

Or the small block 8's if you really want light weight fast rolling tire with a small amount of sacrifice in traction.

I personally think the Small Block 8's have a very limited uses - if you ride: LRT, Road, or hard pack - then they might be for you. Any snow, mud, or loose - they suck.

Nevegal's - heard good things, never rolled them my self.

[dvo1]

I won't go down the Kenda road again sidewall punctures way to often for me.

[Magic]

The best setup I ran when I raced was Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1 up front and the same tire in the rear but in a 1.8. Great for racing, but not the best setup for trail riding. I still think these were some of the best tires made. I'v had many Conti's, nice tire, but they lie about width and I don't get much life out of the sidewalls. I run all Maxxis now.

[bootsiebee]

Thanks again for all the input guys - think I'm going with the Panaracer Fire XC Pro Kevlars - 127TPI in red. :banana:

[dave t]

Here is what Sheldon Brown has to say:

Threads Per Inch of cloth. This is a common spec for tires. The higher the TPI number, the thinner and more flexible the tire fabric is. Thin-wall (high TPI) tires tend to be lighter and have lower rolling resistance, but they're more easily damaged by road hazards.

Sheldon Brown is no longer with us. Just saw this:
http://forums.mtbr.com/announcement.php?f=50&a=81

[anythingxc]

I just got a pair and am looking forward to using them in the spring:D

[bootsiebee]

I just got a pair and am looking forward to using them in the spring:D

in what color?

[bash]

I've got the red kevlars on my Trek 8000 and put a set of black ones on my EX-9 right after I bought it last summer. I love these tires. The traction/speed combination is great.

Good deal here:

http://www.blueskycycling.com/product794_52_-Panaracer_Fire_XC_Pro_Kevlar_Tire_127_TPI.htm

[Mike P]

FYI, I've been told that the Panaracer Fire XC's with 120 TPI have the white letters on the side walls. The 60 TPI ones do not.

[DMonkey]

Just a heads up for those thinking of getting this..

Beyond Bikes had them on sale right now for $17.97

http://www.beyondbikes.com/bb/ItemMatrix.asp?GroupCode=CM%2DTIR%2Dtr2367&Matrixtype=1

[bash]

Whoa, that's cheap!!!

[Ish]

Just a heads up for those thinking of getting this..

Beyond Bikes had them on sale right now for $17.97

http://www.beyondbikes.com/bb/ItemMatrix.asp?GroupCode=CM%2DTIR%2Dtr2367&Matrixtype=1

Hey Dirk, I have a pair of those in the basement - new. You can have the pair for $25. I have enough other tires laying around that I probably won't be using them.

[Pandl]

So, Beyond Bikes is the 60 tpi for $17.47, and BlueSKy is the 127tpi for $26.98. The 127s would be lighter.

Craig, which ones are yours? What color are they? Is your deal only for Dirk?

[Ish]

Craig, which ones are yours? What color are they? Is your deal only for Dirk?

They are red. I don't know which ones they are, but can look tonight and also weigh them. I am pretty sure they are the knock off ones....which is why I got the pair for around $30 - 35 bucks if memory serves me.

No, not just for Dirk. I don't know him that well....

[Pandl]

They are red.

No, not just for Dirk. I don't know him that well....
Bummer. now, if they were yellow. i probably wouldn't care bout the tpi.

Thanks!

[bootsiebee]

Bummer. now, if they were yellow. i probably wouldn't care bout the tpi.

Thanks!


I do believe they also come in yellow! and blue! and black!

[DMonkey]

Hey Dirk, I have a pair of those in the basement - new. You can have the pair for $25. I have enough other tires laying around that I probably won't be using them.

Craig -
Thanks, but I'm actually not looking, just came across that and knew about this thread, so posted it up on here..

Bummer. now, if they were yellow. i probably wouldn't care bout the tpi.

Thanks!

Seriously - the color is that important to you? Let me guess your bike is green and you want a Packer color scheme..

[DMonkey]

I do believe they also come in yellow! and blue! and black!

You should talk to Craig, get his tires and finally order some studded ones too!

[Pandl]

Seriously - the color is that important to you? Let me guess your bike is green and you want a Packer color scheme..

Actually, the bike is black-yellow-white. Red just wouldn't fit. But, maybe I should look for some green tires, now that you mention it....

[bootsiebee]

Hey Dirk, I have a pair of those in the basement - new. You can have the pair for $25. I have enough other tires laying around that I probably won't be using them.

Hey Craig, sorry which ones are they? I may be interested in buying them from you:D!

[daviebee]

It's been a while since I rode Fire XC's - used to use 'em back in the day on my Sugar. Can't remember how they hold their edge on a hard corner at speed..
I know I did not dig the Kenda Karma's that I had for a bit - they were great for a lot of things but would just break loose in a corner w/o a lot of warning and would pack up pretty easily.

They handle like budder in a good way! I put them on at Afton and have kept them on for my winter riding at Leb. That's why I turned my Karma's into beastly studded tires!

That is a good deal on the 120tpis!

[Pandl]

Bluesky also has the 60 tpi but for $16.98...
http://www.blueskycycling.com/product2013_52_-Panaracer-Fire-XC-Pro-Kevlar-Tire-60-TPI.htm

But, some colors are $19.98...

[DMonkey]

Bluesky also has the 60 tpi but for $16.98...
http://www.blueskycycling.com/product2013_52_-Panaracer-Fire-XC-Pro-Kevlar-Tire-60-TPI.htm

But, some colors are $19.98...

Yeah - now it comes down to shipping cost!

[Standard]

Or, you could support your LBS which (hopefully) supports MORC..

just a thought ;)

[Ish]

Hey Craig, sorry which ones are they? I may be interested in buying them from you:D!



OK. I checked. They are red, 60tpi. one weighs 620 gm the other 650 gm. I also found a used pair of the 128 tpi ones - red. They are pretty close to new. They weigh 590gm each. You can have all 4 for $25 cash. No shipping!

Just let me know.

[DMonkey]

Or, you could support your LBS which (hopefully) supports MORC..

just a thought ;)

Yeah - if they actually carry the product your looking for and at more than 50% more the cost..

I agree, but there is a limit..

[Magic]

Craig,
I'll take the used pair of old ones. If no one else is in line for them. PM me and we'll set up a time to get the deal done. Thanks.

OK. I checked. They are red, 60tpi. one weighs 620 gm the other 650 gm. I also found a used pair of the 128 tpi ones - red. They are pretty close to new. They weigh 590gm each. You can have all 4 for $25 cash. No shipping!

Just let me know.

[Magic]

I agree with you Dirk, I have your back on this one.

Yeah - if they actually carry the product your looking for and at more than 50% more the cost..

I agree, but there is a limit..

[bootsiebee]

OK. I checked. They are red, 60tpi. one weighs 620 gm the other 650 gm. I also found a used pair of the 128 tpi ones - red. They are pretty close to new. They weigh 590gm each. You can have all 4 for $25 cash. No shipping!

Just let me know.

Hey Craig - the pm has been sent!

[Ish]

Craig,
I'll take the used pair of old ones. If no one else is in line for them. PM me and we'll set up a time to get the deal done. Thanks.

Sorry Magician....they went with the new ones. What were you going to use them for anyway? Let me know, I think I have another pair of used ones laying around that have seen a fair amount of use. Or I have a pair of IRC Mythos you can have - very little use. Those things couldn't hold grip in the corner if my life depended on it.

[Magic]

No problem Crash, I was going to use them for racing tires on the Tracer. That way I could take off the 2.35 Maxxis I have on and save a little weight. But it's not like I do a lot of racing anyways. So no biggie.

Sorry Magician....they went with the new ones. What were you going to use them for anyway? Let me know, I think I have another pair of used ones laying around that have seen a fair amount of use. Or I have a pair of IRC Mythos you can have - very little use. Those things couldn't hold grip in the corner if my life depended on it.

[HardRocker]

Sorry Magician....they went with the new ones. What were you going to use them for anyway? Let me know, I think I have another pair of used ones laying around that have seen a fair amount of use. Or I have a pair of IRC Mythos you can have - very little use. Those things couldn't hold grip in the corner if my life depended on it.

Just how many tires do you HAVE exactly?! Any more Fires layin around?

[bootsiebee]

Hey Crash! Thanks again for the tires! Hope you enjoyed your ride last night! Was weird being in the Leb parking lot w/no intention to ride.

Hmmm... now I need to learn how to change a tire... yes it's sad... I don't know how...YET.

[Magic]

Just get yourself some nice tire levers and go to town on your tires. If John Lundel can do it, I know you can.;)

Hey Crash! Thanks again for the tires! Hope you enjoyed your ride last night! Was weird being in the Leb parking lot w/no intention to ride.

Hmmm... now I need to learn how to change a tire... yes it's sad... I don't know how...YET.

[Ish]

If John Lundel can do it, I know you can.;)

But can you do it with style? :etard:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7da11b3127cce83de147d667a00000016108AauW7hy3ctD