I ran a set of Panaracers on my hardtail for MANY years. I finally had to replace them due to tread wear. I tried a couple combinations of Maxxis but never got the grip and feel. I went back to a set of Panaracers.
Now looking to upgrade my 29er with these tires (current Bontragers just clog up too much in the mud in NorCal).
Pros Great grip on various terrain
Great grip in various conditions
Good wear
Throws the mud off
Great tire that is fairly inexpensive. I was running a small block on the rear and nevegal 2.35 prior and this is definitely a better set up. More traction and more controlled with the Fire XC Pros
Pros Awesome grip especially for being only 2.1. Can easily feel what the tire is doing. When losing traction around a turn it is very controlled.
Cons Road noise. Wears quickly on pavement. Local trails are only 2 miles from my house so I usually just ride the road over but have stopped since I noticed some wear already. Now that I'm riding them only on the trail I haven't noticed any wear.
This is the best all around XC tire I have found. All serious mountain bikers have ridden this tire before. It hooks up without complaints. The hard compound means it wear slowly.
Used these tires for a season after I rode on the Dart/smoke combo for a couple seasons. These tires were hellaiously durable and gripped well even on the wet rocks and roots in New England. They are a rougher ride than many of the other tires I have ridden when not on a trail. They are alsmot as difficult to get off a rim then the Conti Mountain Kings. Only reason I do not continue to use these is that I discovered Nevagels!
Pros - Made by Panaracer
- Agreesive tread
- Look badass on a bike
- durable tire that can take some abuse
- cheap!
I would definitely recommend the Panaracer Fire XC Pro tire. Great tire for the money.
Pros These are the tires I use on my both my hard tail, and full suspension TREK bikes. The Panaracers are reasonably priced, and provide great traction and durability. As soon as the stock tires on my two bikes were replaced by the Panaracers, the traction gained going uphill on loose dirt and rocks was immediately noticeable. Additionally, these tires come in a red, yellow or blue trim, which really adds some color to my black bike.
Cons A bit hard to get on and off the rim when changing a flat, but once you are up and riding again, its well worth the struggle!
I would recommend the tires. Back in the day Panaracer Smoke and Dart were the best and the fire XC Pros are top notch. Buy 'em you'll like 'em.
Pros Tires grip and handle well in average conditions. Have been able to run lower pressure due to its anti-snakebike. One of my regular trails is VERY rocky so the anti-snake bite is a big plus. Turning, climbing and braking is awesome. You never have a doubt as to what is going on. Haven't run in heavy mud but the wet areas I've hit have not cloged the tread. Heavy suck mud will foul every tire.
Replaced my rear stock tire (wearing out) with this and after my first ride I am super stoked. Traction was great across conditions on the trail, climbed like crazy and just let me fly. I didn't notice any huge rolling resistance issues others have mentioned - but that might be apparent on smoother trails. For me, felt like a solid all around tire, price was great, and it got me flying on the trails - job well done!
Pros tire works for front or back (reverse treads), good across conditions, color options if you like.
Cons pay attention to the kind you get - no complaints for the 120 tpi.
I have used these tires on 2 of mt bikes and they are the bestyfor Floridas sand and even some of the clay trails. The tread pattern is perfect and grips very good for the trails I ride.
Pros tread pattern, last long time, light, cool colors,
Cons make sure you get the tires made in Japan! They are 120 tpi and are lighter and last longer than the cheaper tiawan 60 tpi tires. make sure you ask... Usually the 60 tpi's are $20 or below (Pricepoint), and the better 120 tpi's are $25 + (Bike nashbar carries both, Jensen)
I've gone through two pairs of this tire and I have to say I was pretty satisfied, especially when I factored in the cheap price. (~$20 per tire) It's not going to give you the BEST traction, tread life, or flat protection but it does do well in each of those categories. A good all around tire that does well on many surfaces and does so at a reasonable price.
Pros Decent traction. Slow wearing. Light tire in certain versions. Color choices.
Cons Some of the side knobs will shear on rocks. Takes a little while to figure out the correct psi to eliminate pinch flats but still allow the best traction. Some "bootleg" versions out there on the market to watch out for.
The high TPI casings are the ones to get, the ones from Japan, not Taiwan. It's been my go to tire on the XC rig for years...have tried other makes and this is the one for XC IMHO
Pros Great XC tire, great grip and rip and can stand for a good sprint to the line.
Cons Knob will shear off easily in DG and rock gardens.
You have to be careful when buying these, there are lots of OE versions with 33 tpi casings that just plain suck. Get the better 66 tpi casing and this is one of the best all around condition tires out there.
Pros Traditional knobs hook up well, good in the wet, good on roots, I can run it at 25psi with no pinch flats, pretty light for the size
Cons too many different versions out there and some of them suck
This is a good tire for anyone who is just starting to find their mojo and doesn't want to blow a lot of cash on their tires. If you want to lean into turns without hitting the controls, or ride trails with sharp obstacles, look somewhere else for a tire.
Pros Pretty good traction at a cheap price. Fairly light. OK for buff single track.
Cons Not good in technical conditions. I live in colorado Springs and this tire equals pinch flat for me. Does not do well in hard turns at fast speeds. You really loose lot of side traction.
I recommend this tire to anyone. It is a very very good value.
Pros This tire is excellent for climbing up hills in muddy conditions. I went for a ride after a full day of rain and the ground was covered in leaves, but i didn't slip once.
Great middle conditions tire with alot of features at a decent weight. Probably a very good training tire given what I noticed with the rolling resistance(consistently with three sets). The price of this tire continues to become more affordable - first set I bought were about $25/tire...last set I paid under $35 for the pair.
Pros All conditions tire, matching F/R compatible, excellent flat resistance, excellent wear resistance, fairly lightweight alot of knobbies for under 700g. Run good on rocky trails - had the best performance on slickrock at DuPont Forest(see NC trails).
Sharp looking tire, compliments your ride with the broad stripe and large logo - more tires should have a bit more bling...don't you think?!?!
Cons I'm not an expert on "rolling resistance" on a mountain bike tire...but I just recently switched to different model tires after having owned three sets of FireXC's over three years...now I think the FireXC's were a little suspect in the rolling resistance category.
This is a good normal conditions tire...but in either extreme, you might want to look elsewhere: The tight knob pattern holds mud when the tire rotation is slow(ie-climbing...when you need it to shed the most). On the other end, In dry conditions when hardpacked trail yields a little dust on top especially in the turns I've had a couple wipeouts when my front tire jacknifed at speed.
I ran a set of Panaracers on my hardtail for MANY years. I finally had to replace them due to tread wear. I tried a couple combinations of Maxxis but never got the grip and feel. I went back to a set of Panaracers.
Now looking to upgrade my 29er with these tires (current Bontragers just clog up too much in the mud in NorCal).
Pros
Great grip on various terrain
Great grip in various conditions
Good wear
Throws the mud off
Cons
| Thank | EditAvailability
Check country of manufacturer before you buy
Pros
Style / Colors / Grip
Cons
| Thank | EditNot all are manufactured in the same country nor are of the same quality
Would definitely recommend for a good all-around tire
Pros
Versatile tire on both hard pack and muddy conditions
Cons
| Thank | EditHeavy, rolling resistance is less than nevegals but still substantial
Great tire that is fairly inexpensive. I was running a small block on the rear and nevegal 2.35 prior and this is definitely a better set up. More traction and more controlled with the Fire XC Pros
Pros
Awesome grip especially for being only 2.1. Can easily feel what the tire is doing. When losing traction around a turn it is very controlled.
Cons
| Thank | EditRoad noise. Wears quickly on pavement. Local trails are only 2 miles from my house so I usually just ride the road over but have stopped since I noticed some wear already. Now that I'm riding them only on the trail I haven't noticed any wear.
This is the best all around XC tire I have found. All serious mountain bikers have ridden this tire before. It hooks up without complaints. The hard compound means it wear slowly.
Pros
Tread pattern
Directional
Hard compound
Cons
| Thank | EditThin sidewalls
Used these tires for a season after I rode on the Dart/smoke combo for a couple seasons. These tires were hellaiously durable and gripped well even on the wet rocks and roots in New England. They are a rougher ride than many of the other tires I have ridden when not on a trail. They are alsmot as difficult to get off a rim then the Conti Mountain Kings. Only reason I do not continue to use these is that I discovered Nevagels!
Pros
- Made by Panaracer
- Agreesive tread
- Look badass on a bike
- durable tire that can take some abuse
- cheap!
Cons
| Thank | Edit- heavy
- rolling resistance
I would definitely recommend the Panaracer Fire XC Pro tire. Great tire for the money.
Pros
These are the tires I use on my both my hard tail, and full suspension TREK bikes. The Panaracers are reasonably priced, and provide great traction and durability. As soon as the stock tires on my two bikes were replaced by the Panaracers, the traction gained going uphill on loose dirt and rocks was immediately noticeable. Additionally, these tires come in a red, yellow or blue trim, which really adds some color to my black bike.
Cons
| Thank | EditA bit hard to get on and off the rim when changing a flat, but once you are up and riding again, its well worth the struggle!
Best all around tire, used in all conditions.
Pros
Everything. Great price, lightweight, durable.
Cons
| Thank | EditNot in 29er yet??
I would recommend the tires. Back in the day Panaracer Smoke and Dart were the best and the fire XC Pros are top notch. Buy 'em you'll like 'em.
Pros
Tires grip and handle well in average conditions. Have been able to run lower pressure due to its anti-snakebike. One of my regular trails is VERY rocky so the anti-snake bite is a big plus. Turning, climbing and braking is awesome. You never have a doubt as to what is going on. Haven't run in heavy mud but the wet areas I've hit have not cloged the tread. Heavy suck mud will foul every tire.
Cons
| Thank | EditHaven't found any yet.
Cheap and confidence inspiring.
Pros
Great all terrain tire. Aggressive tread pattern never fails to find grip.
Cons
| Thank | EditHeavy and rolls like a monster truck on tarmac sections of trail or in the parkinglot on the way to the trail head.
Replaced my rear stock tire (wearing out) with this and after my first ride I am super stoked. Traction was great across conditions on the trail, climbed like crazy and just let me fly. I didn't notice any huge rolling resistance issues others have mentioned - but that might be apparent on smoother trails. For me, felt like a solid all around tire, price was great, and it got me flying on the trails - job well done!
Pros
tire works for front or back (reverse treads), good across conditions, color options if you like.
Cons
| Thank | Editpay attention to the kind you get - no complaints for the 120 tpi.
Great overall tire, I have been riding on these for over 200 miles and they have worked out great.
Pros
Color choices, price, quality of material
Cons
| Thank | EditIt is hard to find the right PSI on the tires
This is the best all-around value tire there is. It's not the best at anything but is good at everything. Lasts well, especially for the price.
Pros
Versatile
Super Value
Cons
| Thank | EditRolling resistance can't compete with some more expensive tires.
I have used these tires on 2 of mt bikes and they are the bestyfor Floridas sand and even some of the clay trails. The tread pattern is perfect and grips very good for the trails I ride.
Pros
tread pattern, last long time, light, cool colors,
Cons
| Thank | Editmake sure you get the tires made in Japan! They are 120 tpi and are lighter and last longer than the cheaper tiawan 60 tpi tires. make sure you ask... Usually the 60 tpi's are $20 or below (Pricepoint), and the better 120 tpi's are $25 + (Bike nashbar carries both, Jensen)
I've gone through two pairs of this tire and I have to say I was pretty satisfied, especially when I factored in the cheap price. (~$20 per tire) It's not going to give you the BEST traction, tread life, or flat protection but it does do well in each of those categories. A good all around tire that does well on many surfaces and does so at a reasonable price.
Pros
Decent traction. Slow wearing. Light tire in certain versions. Color choices.
Cons
| Thank | EditSome of the side knobs will shear on rocks. Takes a little while to figure out the correct psi to eliminate pinch flats but still allow the best traction. Some "bootleg" versions out there on the market to watch out for.
The high TPI casings are the ones to get, the ones from Japan, not Taiwan. It's been my go to tire on the XC rig for years...have tried other makes and this is the one for XC IMHO
Pros
Great XC tire, great grip and rip and can stand for a good sprint to the line.
Cons
| Thank | EditKnob will shear off easily in DG and rock gardens.
You have to be careful when buying these, there are lots of OE versions with 33 tpi casings that just plain suck. Get the better 66 tpi casing and this is one of the best all around condition tires out there.
Pros
Traditional knobs hook up well, good in the wet, good on roots, I can run it at 25psi with no pinch flats, pretty light for the size
Cons
| Thank | Edittoo many different versions out there and some of them suck
This is a good tire for anyone who is just starting to find their mojo and doesn't want to blow a lot of cash on their tires. If you want to lean into turns without hitting the controls, or ride trails with sharp obstacles, look somewhere else for a tire.
Pros
Pretty good traction at a cheap price. Fairly light. OK for buff single track.
Cons
| Thank | EditNot good in technical conditions. I live in colorado Springs and this tire equals pinch flat for me. Does not do well in hard turns at fast speeds. You really loose lot of side traction.
I recommend this tire to anyone. It is a very very good value.
Pros
This tire is excellent for climbing up hills in muddy conditions. I went for a ride after a full day of rain and the ground was covered in leaves, but i didn't slip once.
Cons
| Thank | Editnothing
Great middle conditions tire with alot of features at a decent weight. Probably a very good training tire given what I noticed with the rolling resistance(consistently with three sets). The price of this tire continues to become more affordable - first set I bought were about $25/tire...last set I paid under $35 for the pair.
Pros
All conditions tire, matching F/R compatible, excellent flat resistance, excellent wear resistance, fairly lightweight alot of knobbies for under 700g. Run good on rocky trails - had the best performance on slickrock at DuPont Forest(see NC trails).
Sharp looking tire, compliments your ride with the broad stripe and large logo - more tires should have a bit more bling...don't you think?!?!
Cons
| Thank | EditI'm not an expert on "rolling resistance" on a mountain bike tire...but I just recently switched to different model tires after having owned three sets of FireXC's over three years...now I think the FireXC's were a little suspect in the rolling resistance category.
This is a good normal conditions tire...but in either extreme, you might want to look elsewhere: The tight knob pattern holds mud when the tire rotation is slow(ie-climbing...when you need it to shed the most). On the other end, In dry conditions when hardpacked trail yields a little dust on top especially in the turns I've had a couple wipeouts when my front tire jacknifed at speed.