Panaracer Race D Evo 4 - Introduction

Experiences

During my bike life I had the pleasure to ride on several tires on my road racing bike. My experiences with four (!) Continental Ultra Sport II folding tires (700x25) were very in terms of quality and durability very disappointing. I've decided to upgraded to the more expensive

Panaracer Race A Evo3 & Race L Evo3, a significant improvement. To jump on the train of innovation used the Vittoria Corsa G+ (1st generation) tires, made with the wonder material Graphene. But their quality control left, for me, much to be desired.

Replacement

I've searched for a replacement of the Corsa G+ and came across an improved version of my beloved Panaracer Race Evo3 tires, which is, who might guessed, named the Evo4. According to the Panaracer's own homepage, the 'ZSG Advanced Compound was developed for lower rolling resistance while retaining superior grip, and further improvements now deliver 10% lower rolling resistance and 20% higher grip compared to the Race Evo3 series'.

For me the quality, the price and the little sticker 'made in Japan' attracted me to this tire.

History

On of my favorite movies of all time is 'Lost in Translation' with Bill Murray as aging actor Bob Harris. He is experiencing the fascinating country Japan through big eyes but does not quite understand the commercials he is acting or modelling in, does not quite catch the 'excitement' of Pachinko, a Japanese pinball game, or the 'fascination' for Cosplay etc.

'Lost in Translation' is what I felt when I've read the Panaracer homepage about their own history. 'Formed in 1952, Panaracer began manufacturing rubber products for a variety of commercial and consumer applications. Since then, we began to exclusively manufacture bicycle tires so we could carefully focus on producing the finest tires available today.'

Other sources read 'The company started in 1948, in 1978 they started to exclusively manufacture bicycle tires' (http://velobase.com/ViewBrand.aspx?BrandID=781b63f6-5aaf-4b7c-a290-78b9904cefa1&From=T).

Weight

Panaracer offers the EVO4s in two different specs:

- RACE D EVO4, 700x25c, 240g

- RACE A EVO4, 700x25c, 230g

Due to the rough roads in Taiwan I've decided to go for the heavier Race D Evo4. The higher weight is caused by '3D Casing and ProTite Belt for excellent protection against a wide range of puncture causes.' The weight on my kitchen scale of 239 grams did beat the manufacturer's own specification by 1 (one) gram. I hope this is not illegal tuning and hopefully I will ride faster...

One Gram below the official Weight - hopefully no Reason of illegal Advantage

Price

Here in Taiwan not every bike products came in/with original packing, mine did not have any card, hanger etc. Former Formosa is a bike manufacturing center and many goods intended for manufacturing can be find for sale on the market. I got my brand new 'pure' (without label, without packing) Panaracer Race D Evo 4 for NT$880 or US$28.10 or €25.53.

Montage

I expect the tires to be as difficult to mount as the EVO 3s. As mentioned I needed 3 (!) tire levers to mount the EVO3s and the new ones should be the same. But today I've mounted the tire and I only used two lever - this make me believe that the bead is a different design than the former ones.

Montage went smooth as Butter in the Sun - two Levers were enough...

Experience

I mounted the tire but have no riding experience. The quality seems great, the stickers on the side reflect (a little) and the yellow letters remind me to the colors of a German manufacturer of bike tires.

2019/9/10

Update

Last Saturday, 2019/9/7, I wanted to test the RACE D EVO4 on the rear wheel on a tour to the seaside. On my way I've noticed many bikers and followed them. Not much later I've discovered that I've slipped into the 「環大臺北自行車挑戰 」or Greater Taipei Bike Challenge. I took the chance and followed a nearly 200 km over hills and along the seaside on the Northern part of Taiwan.

The tire performed flawlessly, I've seen many riders and service cars repairing flats on their rear wheel - but not me. The outer lanes of the seaside roads are full of sharp stones and other debris. It is a new tire and has been ridden around 300 kms in three days. I did have not any problem, just riding and forgetting about them. The stick nice on the road which is normal, the real test will be in the future.

I still have on older tire on the front and after comparing both during the ride I realized that I should change the front tire. The rear wheel runs over road markings quite smooth while the front let my stainless bottles (in socks) rattle in the stainless bottle cage quite noticeable.

A new Tire - Shining like a new Diamond

A Word of Caution

Always ride with a helmet and in a way that you are in control of the bike not the other way around. It is senseless to gain some seconds but spend weeks to recover in a hospital and at home! 

Ride responsible, defensively and safe! You, your body, your parents, family and friends will surely appreciate your precautions during a bike ride.

#PanaracerRaceDEvo4, #PanaracerEvo4

Disclaimer: I am not endorsed by anyone. The products of my reviews, introductions etc. are paid by myself. Interested subscribers and/or followers in cycling are more than welcome!

Gerhard