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Written by Alan Starrett
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Wednesday, 03 January 2007 |
 | | Fire XC Pro 29er |
I was totally geeked when a team member hipped me to this. The message boards are hotting up talking about the recent announcement that Panaracer will be making a 29'er version of the legendary Fire XC Pro for component maker IRD. I have exclusively run Fire XC Pro's on my 26" wheel bikes for years. I know, I know, opinions are like some body part or another and everybody has one, but for me the Fire XC Pro is my all time favorite tire. I am a "set it and forget it" kind of guy so for me the Fire XC Pro is the best do everything tire I have ever used.
Since cyclocross season ended (sob!) I have been back on a SS Carver for some off-season fun riding. This affords me the opportunity to change things up and try different components, something I would never do mid-season.
So, thanks to our friends at Panaracer I have had the opportunity to test some of the new 2.35 Rampage tires. 29" front, 26" rear of course. I really like these tires for certain types of riding and terrain but I am still thinking ahead to race season when I plan to be piloting a new Salsa Mamasita. I am left wondering what will be my go to all conditions 29'er tire? I want a 29'er Fire XC Pro!
Well, IRD must have tapped into my brain somehow becuase they have contracted Panaracer to produce an IRD branded 29'er Fire XC Pro. We don't have details but based on their previous arrangement to produce the IRD CrossFire 700x32 cyclocross tire last year, I would expect it to be the same high quality Japanese produced tire as the original 26" Fire XC Pro.
Bikeman has already been on the horn to make sure we get a supply as soon as they are available. Current ETA is sometime late February or early March. As soon as we know, you will know. |
; "Fire XC Pro 29er")
