Panaracer Cinder

By Replicator
Panaracer is a name that has been around the mountain bike scene for quite a while. If the Cinder tire is any indication of the product they continually produce, then it'll be just one more reason for Panaracer's longevity. Read on to find out!
The first thing you'll notice when looking at the Cinder are the aggressively spaced knobs. On closer inspection you'll see that the knobs themselves have two levels. The highest point of the is made of a softer rubber that flexes under torque 'giving' a little bit when needed. The lower, more dense section of the knob provides stability to propel you and your bike over rooty sections and rock gardens.

The Panaracer Cinders shine in the soft loamy sections of trail. You can feel the tires biting into the ground, especially on the corners. There are definitely lighter tires on the market, but what the Cinders lack in svelteness they make up for in toughness. I started off with the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure, but quickly found that I could run almost 10 psi lower than the minimum spec. Of course I only did this in super slick conditions when traction was minimal, and I tried not to blast through rock gardens... a difficult feat in Spider Lake! Nevertheless, I am pleased to report there were no pinch flats and no wearing on the sidewalls of the tires.
As for how fast the Cinders rolled along the trail, due to their relative high weight they were a little slow to accelerate. However, once up to speed the weight was a non issue. Though I did find that when the trails are hard packed the aggressive tread was a hindrance.
So if you are looking for a new set of tires for your trail bike, the Panaracer Cinders are certainly worth your consideration. With a 'do anything and everything' attitude these tires can get you through virtually every condition. Oh year, and since the tread is non-directional you can switch the tread pattern to extend their life!

O9Man's $0.02:
I have ridden the Cinder's more popular sibling the Fire XC Pros for years and also enjoyed them as a 'do anything ad everything' tire. Unfortunately I struggled with them on wet rocks and roots. Sure, sure... what is good on wet rocks and roots? Not much! However, I found the Fire XC Pros particularly bad, and I've got the scars on my knees from impacts with stems during spin outs to prove it!

I was pleased with the Cinders as I found them to be a more robust version of the Fire XC Pros. The larger knobs with the dual compound did make for improved traction on the wet business, especially coupled with a lower than normal tire pressure. Being a bit of a bloke at times my lines weren't aren't always just right. The large knobs made for some noisy fish tails! Loud elastic snaps were frequent as the tires made incidental contact on the edge of rocks or roots. Loud enough to startle the rider and their company! Noisy or not, there was some lateral slipping when your line was off through the rocky and rooty business and the tire knobs were snapped around.

The added rolling resistance due to the robust nature of the Cinders was made up for cornering in the dirt. I don't know if they would be my first choice for a race, but they ride very nicely on my all mountain ride.

Specs:
- 26" x 2.25"
- The Panaracer Cinders come in folding and wire bead. (We tested the folding bead.)
- 760 g for folding bead and 810 g for wire
- They are not tubeless ready.

Where to get them:
Available at Sportwheels!
$49.99 each for folding bead and $34.99 for wire bead.

Posted by O9man at August 5, 2008 11:05 PM

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