Alternatives to Panaracer Paselas
11-02-15, 12:04 PM
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Those Continentals look pretty nice and are $34 at Ribble. But like IT said, only in 25 width.
If you want a Pasela higher quality alternative with with more volume, say 28, 32, 35, are you down to the Compass or Riv tires, or am I missing something?
[edit] I probably should have reiterated, with a tan sidewall.
If you want a Pasela higher quality alternative with with more volume, say 28, 32, 35, are you down to the Compass or Riv tires, or am I missing something?
[edit] I probably should have reiterated, with a tan sidewall.
11-02-15, 12:07 PM
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Beat me to it.
I saw them in Austin at NAHBS and was hooked.
I'm almost down to where I need to actually buy tires.
Those will be it, for clinchers.
I saw them in Austin at NAHBS and was hooked.
I'm almost down to where I need to actually buy tires.
Those will be it, for clinchers.
11-02-15, 12:13 PM
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Those are very different tires for different purposes. If you commute at night through a rainy (non-ice/snow) winter and you want a compromise tire that doesn't cost too much (so the flats, tears etc that happen riding all winter don't break the bank), doesn't flat too often, handles OK and OK in the wet and is available in all sizes so you can ride the biggest that fits on your bike, the Paselas aren't a bad tire at all. Compromise, yes, Good compromise? A lot of us think so.
Ben
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11-02-15, 12:36 PM
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Panaracers don't flat often for you? That has not been my experience. The ribmos/t-servs are another matter...those are tough.
My gripe about Panaracers is that they really don't do anything well (other than look the part); they flat the same as Veloflex, if not worse, while not offering much road feel/performance.
For my money the best compromise tire is the GP 4 seasons. YMMV
My gripe about Panaracers is that they really don't do anything well (other than look the part); they flat the same as Veloflex, if not worse, while not offering much road feel/performance.
For my money the best compromise tire is the GP 4 seasons. YMMV
11-02-15, 12:49 PM
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Panaracers don't flat often for you? That has not been my experience. The ribmos/t-servs are another matter...those are tough.
My gripe about Panaracers is that they really don't do anything well (other than look the part); they flat the same as Veloflex, if not worse, while not offering much road feel/performance.
For my money the best compromise tire is the GP 4 seasons. YMMV
My gripe about Panaracers is that they really don't do anything well (other than look the part); they flat the same as Veloflex, if not worse, while not offering much road feel/performance.
For my money the best compromise tire is the GP 4 seasons. YMMV
Ben
Last edited by 79pmooney; 11-02-15 at 12:53 PM.
11-02-15, 01:01 PM
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Compass has very nice tires, but you might find them pricey:
https://www.compasscycle.com/product...ts/tires/700c/
Still, they should tick the other checkboxes: performance and C&V look.
https://www.compasscycle.com/product...ts/tires/700c/
Still, they should tick the other checkboxes: performance and C&V look.
One point made in the OP was that the Paselas "don't seem to roll as nice as the Conti's". Based on Jan Heine's tire testing work that seems to show quantitatively that low pressure wider tires in general roll better than high pressure skinnier tires, I think that the "seem to" in that sentence often has more to do with perception than reality (although I can't really comment on whether the Contis are faster or slower than Paselas since I haven't used Paselas). When I switched to 32 mm Compass tires from my 23/25 mm Contis they certainly "seemed" slower because they were so cushy and comfortable. However, in coast down tests with my usual riding partners I am now actually faster than I used to be. Also, they are much more sure-footed when descending and cornering on roads full of hairpin turns. My point is that we perceive a hard riding tire to be faster, but our perceptions may be wrong.
11-02-15, 01:07 PM
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11-02-15, 01:08 PM
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Another vote for Compass tires.
One point made in the OP was that the Paselas "don't seem to roll as nice as the Conti's". Based on Jan Heine's tire testing work that seems to show quantitatively that low pressure wider tires in general roll better than high pressure skinnier tires, I think that the "seem to" in that sentence often has more to do with perception than reality (although I can't really comment on whether the Contis are faster or slower than Paselas since I haven't used Paselas). When I switched to 32 mm Compass tires from my 23/25 mm Contis they certainly "seemed" slower because they were so cushy and comfortable. However, in coast down tests with my usual riding partners I am now actually faster than I used to be. Also, they are much more sure-footed when descending and cornering on roads full of hairpin turns. My point is that we perceive a hard riding tire to be faster, but our perceptions may be wrong.
One point made in the OP was that the Paselas "don't seem to roll as nice as the Conti's". Based on Jan Heine's tire testing work that seems to show quantitatively that low pressure wider tires in general roll better than high pressure skinnier tires, I think that the "seem to" in that sentence often has more to do with perception than reality (although I can't really comment on whether the Contis are faster or slower than Paselas since I haven't used Paselas). When I switched to 32 mm Compass tires from my 23/25 mm Contis they certainly "seemed" slower because they were so cushy and comfortable. However, in coast down tests with my usual riding partners I am now actually faster than I used to be. Also, they are much more sure-footed when descending and cornering on roads full of hairpin turns. My point is that we perceive a hard riding tire to be faster, but our perceptions may be wrong.
11-02-15, 01:12 PM
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A buddy of mine has those on his 70's Falcon. They look the part and he likes the ride. It's cool that Continental is again making tires in that amber skinwall that used to be their trademark. I'm considering a pair for my go-fast Bianchi when these Paselas wear out.
Or Grand Bois Cerfs, can't decide.
Or Grand Bois Cerfs, can't decide.
11-02-15, 02:05 PM
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For what it's worth, Compass tires are made by Panaracer. I do realize that there are different models which probably ride differently.
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11-02-15, 02:29 PM
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I'm 'flat' out 'tired' of Paselas. Not worth discussing further other than was frustrated.
Have seen the Conti GP Classic at an LBS. Good looking but have not yet tried.
Have seen the Conti GP Classic at an LBS. Good looking but have not yet tried.
11-02-15, 02:48 PM
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Panaracer also makes these Fairweather tires in natural rubber:
Fairweather Traveler Tire, 700x28c, Black - Tires, Tubes & Rim Tape - Components
They ride nice, but I don't have a lot of miles in them yet. I think they are a little lighter than Paselas: 240g for the Fairweather vs. 280g for the Pasela 28 PT folding. Not sure the TPI.
Fairweather Traveler Tire, 700x28c, Black - Tires, Tubes & Rim Tape - Components
They ride nice, but I don't have a lot of miles in them yet. I think they are a little lighter than Paselas: 240g for the Fairweather vs. 280g for the Pasela 28 PT folding. Not sure the TPI.
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11-02-15, 02:58 PM
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Paselas are terrible. However, I prefer Panaracer TourGuard Plus over Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires in EVERY size I've ever used (622-38, 622-35, 622-40). My favorite tyres are Contis. Strangely Conti doesn't do a 622-35 like the others for touring tyres. Only 'cross in that size.
Panaracer Tourguard Plus tires are higher quality and have a better ride than the Schwalbe Marathon AND M Plus tires (even comparing belted to non-belted). I still prefer Contis but it's not because of quality or ride. Have Contis on the car.
Paselas have a poor reputation in the tandem community. They really aren't tandem rated though lots of people use them. Very thin sidewall prone to constant posts about sidewall failures. I don't really understand the point of the Pasela other than on paper they are light. Love Panaracer tires just not Paselas, and that's from a devoted Conti guy.
Panaracer Tourguard Plus tires are higher quality and have a better ride than the Schwalbe Marathon AND M Plus tires (even comparing belted to non-belted). I still prefer Contis but it's not because of quality or ride. Have Contis on the car.
Paselas have a poor reputation in the tandem community. They really aren't tandem rated though lots of people use them. Very thin sidewall prone to constant posts about sidewall failures. I don't really understand the point of the Pasela other than on paper they are light. Love Panaracer tires just not Paselas, and that's from a devoted Conti guy.
11-02-15, 03:00 PM
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Compass had some problems with their specs. They weren't seating properly. May have cleared out all the problem inventory by now.
11-02-15, 03:30 PM
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I ordered a set of Soma Supple Vitesse for my Hollands.
Happy to report on these to the board.
In the meantime, I'm sticking with Compass and Veloflex.
Nothing but quality. imho
@op I've tried Panaracer Gravel Kings and I sure like those better than any Pasela I have ridden.
They out handle a lot of straight road tires I have ridden over the years and they seem quite durable.
Just something to think about.
Happy to report on these to the board.
In the meantime, I'm sticking with Compass and Veloflex.
Nothing but quality. imho
@op I've tried Panaracer Gravel Kings and I sure like those better than any Pasela I have ridden.
They out handle a lot of straight road tires I have ridden over the years and they seem quite durable.
Just something to think about.
Last edited by gomango; 11-02-15 at 03:42 PM.
11-02-15, 03:35 PM
#41
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I have a set of Michelin Dynamic Classics, 700c x 23 on my Falcon... not enough miles to make a judgement yet, but they look the part.
Have you considered Gatorskins? They have the tan sidewall kinda and IMO are smooth rolling, if a bit heavy. I'd go one side smaller, as they tend to run larger
than their stated size.
Have you considered Gatorskins? They have the tan sidewall kinda and IMO are smooth rolling, if a bit heavy. I'd go one side smaller, as they tend to run larger
than their stated size.
11-02-15, 03:52 PM
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11-02-15, 04:18 PM
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Someone mentioned them earlier, but anyone have any experience with Clement Strada LGG's? I've been considering a pair, but am interested in how they compare to many of the other options listed in this thread (Paselas, Grand Prix Classics, Veloflex, Vittoria, etc.)
11-02-15, 04:43 PM
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I'm curious to hear how well the Soma tires work on the road - they're an attractive option on paper. The Conti GP Classics are a good tire (they're on the bike I rode earlier today in fact). I wouldn't rank them with Veloflex in terms of handling/feel, but they're leagues ahead of Pasaelas. I have a set of Paselas on a 27" wheeled bike and would only consider them for that size as options are more limited.
On 23mm rims, one (~2yr old?) Conti Classic measures 28mm, a fresh Classic measures 27.5mm.
Compass tires are great in my experience, though I've only ever run one set in 650b x 38mm, so a bit of an orange when comparing to skinnier 700c apples.
I was able to tear the sidewall on the Conti Classics in some large gravel pretty quickly (within a few hundred feet), but I went into that situation knowing I was pushing it with those tires. Just a word of caution to anyone considering them for use in gravel. They do as well as you could expect for a 25mm in med/fine gravel.
On 23mm rims, one (~2yr old?) Conti Classic measures 28mm, a fresh Classic measures 27.5mm.
Compass tires are great in my experience, though I've only ever run one set in 650b x 38mm, so a bit of an orange when comparing to skinnier 700c apples.
I was able to tear the sidewall on the Conti Classics in some large gravel pretty quickly (within a few hundred feet), but I went into that situation knowing I was pushing it with those tires. Just a word of caution to anyone considering them for use in gravel. They do as well as you could expect for a 25mm in med/fine gravel.
Last edited by Sir_Name; 11-02-15 at 04:59 PM.
11-02-15, 04:48 PM
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At least with 650B, the issues were more due to rims than the tires: https://janheine.wordpress.com/2012/...th-deep-wells/
Since that blog post in 2012, Grand Bois has redesigned their rim for better tire seating, and there are new alternatives that work really well.
Unfortunately, several common rims for wider tires, including the Velocity Synergy, several Velo-Orange models, and the no-longer-available Grand Bois, have overly deep wells. This makes mounting tires difficult. The sole advantage is that the tires come off the rim easily.
On their 650B rims, Synergy tried to “fix” the problem of poorly seating tires by increasing the overall rim diameter. In my experience, this has made things worse, because now the hook is in the wrong place. There is nothing to locate the tire: The well still is too deep, so the tire cannot sit on the well bed. And the hook is too high, so the tire cannot sit underneath the hook.
On their 650B rims, Synergy tried to “fix” the problem of poorly seating tires by increasing the overall rim diameter. In my experience, this has made things worse, because now the hook is in the wrong place. There is nothing to locate the tire: The well still is too deep, so the tire cannot sit on the well bed. And the hook is too high, so the tire cannot sit underneath the hook.
11-02-15, 04:52 PM
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Veloflex master twin pack, even with shipping they're still a great price.
Veloflex Master Folding Twinpack (2), TYRES ROAD/TRI/TRACK FOLDING
Veloflex Master Folding Twinpack (2), TYRES ROAD/TRI/TRACK FOLDING
11-02-15, 05:13 PM
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Veloflex Masters in 25 mm are very nice tires. Fast. They are more like a 23mm in size. I just took off the rear with almost 2000 miles on it. No flats. Tons of night riding. I just wish it had more volume.
Compass EL and Challenge PR are the only competitors in a classic tan side walled tire. I prefer Vittoria EVO but also use Continental GP 4000 si suffering the lack of comfort and crappy sidewalls accepting the speed..
Compass EL and Challenge PR are the only competitors in a classic tan side walled tire. I prefer Vittoria EVO but also use Continental GP 4000 si suffering the lack of comfort and crappy sidewalls accepting the speed..
11-02-15, 05:14 PM
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Veloflex master twin pack, even with shipping they're still a great price.
Veloflex Master Folding Twinpack (2), TYRES ROAD/TRI/TRACK FOLDING
Veloflex Master Folding Twinpack (2), TYRES ROAD/TRI/TRACK FOLDING
Great value and performance though.
11-02-15, 05:23 PM
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Paselas are terrible. However, I prefer Panaracer TourGuard Plus over Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires in EVERY size I've ever used (622-38, 622-35, 622-40). My favorite tyres are Contis. Strangely Conti doesn't do a 622-35 like the others for touring tyres. Only 'cross in that size.
Panaracer Tourguard Plus tires are higher quality and have a better ride than the Schwalbe Marathon AND M Plus tires (even comparing belted to non-belted). I still prefer Contis but it's not because of quality or ride. Have Contis on the car.
Paselas have a poor reputation in the tandem community. They really aren't tandem rated though lots of people use them. Very thin sidewall prone to constant posts about sidewall failures. I don't really understand the point of the Pasela other than on paper they are light. Love Panaracer tires just not Paselas, and that's from a devoted Conti guy.
Panaracer Tourguard Plus tires are higher quality and have a better ride than the Schwalbe Marathon AND M Plus tires (even comparing belted to non-belted). I still prefer Contis but it's not because of quality or ride. Have Contis on the car.
Paselas have a poor reputation in the tandem community. They really aren't tandem rated though lots of people use them. Very thin sidewall prone to constant posts about sidewall failures. I don't really understand the point of the Pasela other than on paper they are light. Love Panaracer tires just not Paselas, and that's from a devoted Conti guy.
I like the Panaracer T-serv and Ribmos as commuter tires...but the Pasela is crap IME.