What's the difference between T-Servs and Paselas?
#1
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What's the difference between T-Servs and Paselas?
I haven't been able to find much in the way of specifics...best I can tell is, the T-Serv is a bit heavier duty? How does the ride quality compare, and how much do I need to worry about the Pasela's sidewalls falling apart like I read about everywhere?
#2
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I have a set of Paselas that I've had for around 5 years, their sidewalls are intact.
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#3
Fat Guy on a Little Bike


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The t-Serv feels ok on a commuter bike where your expectations should be low. They're quite flat resistant and are priced reasonably. They're good at what they're designed to be.
The Pasela is, to me, a one size fits none tire; they don't ride well enough for that to recommend them, and they're awful on flat resistance, so they really aren't suitable for commuting. There's actually no tire that I dislike more, and if they didn't have a gum wall, I doubt many would buy them. There are so many tires that feel better than the Pasela and have similar, or better flat protection.
I should mention that the Pasela TG doesn't feel any better than the tserv without offering equal protection.
I have had Pasela side wall failures - I truly hate them.
YMMV
The Pasela is, to me, a one size fits none tire; they don't ride well enough for that to recommend them, and they're awful on flat resistance, so they really aren't suitable for commuting. There's actually no tire that I dislike more, and if they didn't have a gum wall, I doubt many would buy them. There are so many tires that feel better than the Pasela and have similar, or better flat protection.
I should mention that the Pasela TG doesn't feel any better than the tserv without offering equal protection.
I have had Pasela side wall failures - I truly hate them.
YMMV
Last edited by KonAaron Snake; 02-23-16 at 10:47 PM.
#4
Hunh. I have Pasela TG's on, let me see....five bikes. One set of 27", three 25's and a 28. Never had a flat or sidewall failure on, well, any of them. And they get ridden. A lot.
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#6
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#7
verktyg
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I have tan sidewall Pasela TGs on "many" of my bikes: 26 x 1.50, 700c x 23, 700c x 25, 700c x 28, 700c x 32 and 27 x 1 1/8.
I've been riding Pasela TGs for 10 years and never had any sidewall problems with them. They ride very smoothly, have good traction wet or dry with very few punctures.
My favorite "performance" tires are the Continental Gran Prix (GP 3000?) 700c x 23 style that were discontinued back about 6-7 years ago. They were supposed to have been ridden by some Pro teams???
I bought 24 of them for ~$12 each on a clearance sale about 2010. The ride and handling is superb but... THEY DO HAVE very fragile sidewalls and even with a strip under the treads they puncture a lot more than Pasela TGs.
The absolute worst riding "performance" tires I've ever tried are these discontinued Continental 700c x 23 Duraskin+K tires. They have Gatorskin style sidewalls but feel like solid rubber.
To each his own but I can't recall ever having to replace a Pasela tire but I've gone through most of the Continental Grand Prixs due to sidewall cuts. Maybe it's where and how I ride???
BTW I run 95-100 psi in my 700c x 23 tires.
verktyg

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Last edited by verktyg; 02-24-16 at 12:43 AM.
#8
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i've only had one set of blackwalls, and they continue to ride just fine.
#9
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I've been doing most of my riding on Pasela-tired bikes for the past three years, and have had no flats or any other mishaps. They are all 28mm TG folding tires in 700c and 27". Routes included the rutted strade bianche in Tuscany and the bone-jarring cobblestones in Flanders. I keep them at the prescribed 105 psi, as I'm a big guy.
#10
verktyg
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ADDENDUM .... Paselas - sont-ils morts?
It looks like Panaracer may have discontinued the Pasela and Pasela TG tires???
When I went to their new website the Pasela TG link takes me to the new Pasela ProTite page.
"Excellent urban or touring tire with 400D Lite Extra casing cord for a supple and responsive ride and ProTite puncture protection." (wonderful "Jinglish" description)...
Pasela TG ? Panaracer Bicycle Tires
It doesn't mention whether they come with tan sidewalls or just black???
Looks like I may have to stock up on some Paselas?
verktyg
Chas.
When I went to their new website the Pasela TG link takes me to the new Pasela ProTite page.
"Excellent urban or touring tire with 400D Lite Extra casing cord for a supple and responsive ride and ProTite puncture protection." (wonderful "Jinglish" description)...
Pasela TG ? Panaracer Bicycle Tires
It doesn't mention whether they come with tan sidewalls or just black???
Looks like I may have to stock up on some Paselas?

verktyg

Chas.
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#11
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I had a sidewall failure on a basic Pasela, a 32-630 size. It was not road damage. An edge on the rim, created where the weld was badly finished, gradually ground through it. I also had a good number of flats, since they were the unarmored version.
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#12
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The t-Serv feels ok on a commuter bike where your expectations should be low. They're quite flat resistant and are priced reasonably. They're good at what they're designed to be.
The Pasela is, to me, a one size fits none tire; they don't ride well enough for that to recommend them, and they're awful on flat resistance, so they really aren't suitable for commuting. There's actually no tire that I dislike more, and if they didn't have a gum wall, I doubt many would buy them. There are so many tires that feel better than the Pasela and have similar, or better flat protection.
I should mention that the Pasela TG doesn't feel any better than the tserv without offering equal protection.
I have had Pasela side wall failures - I truly hate them.
YMMV
The Pasela is, to me, a one size fits none tire; they don't ride well enough for that to recommend them, and they're awful on flat resistance, so they really aren't suitable for commuting. There's actually no tire that I dislike more, and if they didn't have a gum wall, I doubt many would buy them. There are so many tires that feel better than the Pasela and have similar, or better flat protection.
I should mention that the Pasela TG doesn't feel any better than the tserv without offering equal protection.
I have had Pasela side wall failures - I truly hate them.
YMMV
Pretty much my experience, but I ride with folks that swear by them for spring rides.
I have a set of TG 32s on my Merckx cross bike, which gets ridden through the winter.
That doesn't mean I like them much. I have them here until they wear out, which will hopefully be soon.
Slow and dead feeling. Imho
#13
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#14
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The t-Serv feels ok on a commuter bike where your expectations should be low. They're quite flat resistant and are priced reasonably. They're good at what they're designed to be.
The Pasela is, to me, a one size fits none tire; they don't ride well enough for that to recommend them, and they're awful on flat resistance, so they really aren't suitable for commuting. There's actually no tire that I dislike more, and if they didn't have a gum wall, I doubt many would buy them. There are so many tires that feel better than the Pasela and have similar, or better flat protection.
I should mention that the Pasela TG doesn't feel any better than the tserv without offering equal protection.
I have had Pasela side wall failures - I truly hate them.
YMMV
The Pasela is, to me, a one size fits none tire; they don't ride well enough for that to recommend them, and they're awful on flat resistance, so they really aren't suitable for commuting. There's actually no tire that I dislike more, and if they didn't have a gum wall, I doubt many would buy them. There are so many tires that feel better than the Pasela and have similar, or better flat protection.
I should mention that the Pasela TG doesn't feel any better than the tserv without offering equal protection.
I have had Pasela side wall failures - I truly hate them.
YMMV
#15
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Pasela TGs are now called PTs. I have had excellent wear and flat resistance with my Pasela PTs in 700x32 and 28. I've never had a sidewall failure. That said, they aren't the nicest rolling tires and seem to have a lot of rolling resistance. A much better rolling and riding alternative is the panaracer Gravel Kings with the smooth tread. These are the nicest rolling 28s that I've ever used, measure a true 28mm wide on Open Pro rims, and are very light for such a wide tire. They are only available in all black.
#16
Fat Guy on a Little Bike


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I'm heavy and philly streets can be rough; I also ride in gravel a good bit.
Last edited by KonAaron Snake; 02-24-16 at 06:23 AM.
#17
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The folding version is a bit lighter and I find them easier to mount and dismount than wire bead tires. I like them. The sidewalls have not failed nor exploded yet but I keep them close to the ground in case they do. With any luck I'll wear out the tread before the sidewalls go all to Ellen Gone.
#18
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I'm neutral on the paselas. I like them OK but I have 2 sets but I doubt I'll buy any more of them. They're good tires but I think there are better tires out there.
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#20
meh

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I believe the T-Servs are heavier duty, I've put mine through some crazy hard riding (ie gravel centuries) and never had an issue. My Paselas will never see anything but typical road conditions, since I won't take that bike on any crazy rides.
#21
meh

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I was just working on my daughter's summer commuter, she has a blue T-Serv from 2010, still in good condition. I have no idea how many miles, she doesn't track her mileage.
Last edited by Hypno Toad; 02-24-16 at 02:43 PM.
#22
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I wrote a long thing, but then I thought... you don't need that much info. Let's just say 80% of my bikes run Paselas from the most basic, non folding, non TourGuard versions to their new folding, PT version and they've been nothing but enjoyable for me. Probably some of the most satisfyingly average, and reliable tires I run and even on my abused, heavily loaded sound bike there hasn't been a single hint of sidewall failure... so yeah, ymmv.
In my experience proper inflation and keeping my eyes on the road for hazards has done more to protect from flats than any tire with exotic flat protection I've ever purchased. In fact, I've had the most insane glass cuts and punctures on the more protected and slow tires I've owned.
I think personal 'luck' plays the biggest part with flat protection =)
In my experience proper inflation and keeping my eyes on the road for hazards has done more to protect from flats than any tire with exotic flat protection I've ever purchased. In fact, I've had the most insane glass cuts and punctures on the more protected and slow tires I've owned.
I think personal 'luck' plays the biggest part with flat protection =)
#24
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I consider Paselas to be a compromise also. If I have a bike that I know I won't have concern bout rolling resistance or road feel, I would definitely consider using them. If I'm just putting something on to flip, I'd go cheap and get Kenda's. If I want something for a frequent rider, I'll upgrade to something better. If I am concerned about rough terrain, I probably won't ride there.
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#25
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