WoodsterSS

Panaracer Fire XC PRO comes in a $17 60 TPI made in Taiwan version and a $27 127 TPI made in Japan version. Other than the TPI and thus 100g of weight, are there other differences? My concern is that the high TPI will not stand up to rough rocky riding--is that valid? Thanks.

No Mojo

I’m running the 60 TPI on very rocky trails with no problems, however I haven’t tried the 127 TPI so I can’t say how they compare.

FlatFender

I also run the cheap ones, I love them!

ed 

2 sets of cheapo's on 2 different bikes. No flats, no sidewall rips, no problems.

MudPie

I'm a bit of a tire snob, and only run the Japan 127TPI version. A couple of my ride buddies ride the 60 TPI version. We ride identical trails and conditions. In all honesty, I haven't seen a difference. Although, one time, a 60 TPI blew out a sidewall. Not enough data points to draw any negative conclusions about the 60 TPI.

Also, Panaracer has/had a disclaimer about the Taiwan 60 TPI tire on their website. It seems like they were trying to distance themselves from the 60 TPI version, saying they were made for OEM and not supposed to be marketed as a replacement. It almost sounded like the Japan and Taiwan divisions of Panaracer were feuding over the tires.

metabike

Courtesy of Performance Bicycle:

"High Thread Counts

o Use high thread counts for fast riding and racing.
o A TPI of over 100, making a more supple tire.
o Have a thinner sidewall, and usually weigh less.
o Tighter casing is more puncture resistant, and also usually cost more.
o Available in adjustable resistance models.

Low Thread Counts

o Use low thread counts tires for a thick durable tire that is less expensive for training and long miles
o At thicker tire that is usually more resistant to cuts.
o Have a thicker sidewall, and on the heavier side.
o Less than 100 TPI"

Llama77

If you are ju8st a casual rider, would the 60 tpi be fine? do I really want or need the higher tpi?

rydaddy

I have used both. I recently bought the Japanese version and they roll a lot quicker. Other than that, they are both good tires in my opinion (especially for the price).

zlr101

That is some very good info i plan on getting a set in a week or 2 looks like i am going for the 127tpi unless they 60tpi are alot cheaper.

Llama77

10 bucks per tire.

TnDiamondback

I replaced a pair of cheapo Duro Rocky Wolf with a pair of red 127 TPI and had my first pinch flat, have to run them at a little higher psi, I like mine just fine, look killer on my gray FELT.