Originally Posted by
Road Fan
I suspect Jan also had to be in a position to fund some prototyping, build a pilot run, write some magazine articles, sell some to his fans, et cetera. The "channel" is this case is very different from those of the Dunlops and Continentals of the world. I'd assume that once Jan had created a market, as evidence by the imitators that now exist, Panaracer decided, "this product line might have some legs!"
What's interesting is that the process is almost completely spelled out over the run of Vintage Bicycle Quarterly/Bicycle Quarterly.
Starting from the first tire testing with cotton tubulars rolling extremely well, to testing Grand Bois tires and working to get "custom" widths as well as the failure of one or two models, Panceti models, to Weigle shaving ultra-high end mountain bike tires, to the visits to FMB, visiting the Panaracer factory, releasing Compass tires, and so forth.
I suspect there may have also been a gentlemen's agreement about the timing of production of high-end 650b tires. IIRC it seemed to end around the time the Cannondale Slate was released as that was one of the first if not first major production bikes with 650b slicks. Other manufacturers have now entered the market as well. WTB, whoever is doing Teravail, Schwalbe and maybe 1 or 2 others I am missing. Even Vee has a 650b slick. But as noted, the market is still very small. I ride with 100s of different cyclists every month and I have yet to see anyone else on a fat-tired 650b road bike in the Atlanta area. Based on what I see on Instagram, they're out there just not very many at all.
Another IIRC; none of the Rivendell tires tested very well. They were average performers with an above average price. Which is fitting I suppose.