Panaracer Race A & L Evo 3 Road Bicycle Tire - Long Term Review

This review of my Panaracer Race A & L Evo 4 road bike tire is a follow-up of my first road tires, the entry-level Continental Ultra Sport II tires. After my somehow disappointing experiences with the Ultra Sport II tires, I was looking for a better replacement tires. During my research, I discovered the brand Panaracer, a name which I've never heard of.

Panaracer History

The company started in 1952 as National Tire Co., Ltd., a bicycle tire factory in Osaka, Japan. It started to export to the USA in 1969 and established the brand Panaracer in 1979. Panaracer develops all its tires in Japan, and produce over 90% of them in its own Japanese factory. For me, made in Japan, for me still an indication of quality.

Review of the Panaracer Race A & Race L Evo 3, foldable tire, 700x25c

Overview

According to the homepage, Panaracer makes three different Evo 3 foldable tubed tires

- Race D Evo 3, 250g/tire

- Race A Evo 3, 240g/tire

- Race L Evo 3, 240g/tire

all based on my tire size of 700x25c.

Construction

All three Evo3 tires are made of the same material and are constructed the same way. The only difference results in the use of the 'ProTite Belt', Panaracer's name of their puncture protection. With fewer protections, the tire weights less, the 'D' offers the highest protection and is therefore the heaviest.

Review of the Panaracer Race A & Race L Evo 3, foldable tire, 700x25c

Due to limited availability, I bought two different tires,

- Race A as a heavier rear tire

- Race L as the lighter front tire

Both tires performed so similarly that I've tested them together.

Price

They were around 50% pricier than my previous Continental Ultra Sport II tires @ NT$799/€20.05/US$22.75 per tire.

Montage

It was more challenging than anticipated; I needed all three tire levers to get the tires over the rim. However, the tire quickly settled into place without any need for pushing or squeezing to fit correctly. I couldn't locate a direction indicator on the tire. I consistently ride the tires at the recommended 10 bars as indicated on the tire wall.

Ride Quality

Whether in dry or wet conditions, the ride quality was impeccable! I never lost traction on wet surfaces, even in heavy rain, including road markings and manhole covers. They performed more smoothly than the Continentals and remained very stable at high speeds. These tires boosted my confidence significantly; I took corners faster and rode in a more aerodynamic position compared to my previous tires. Just don't mention it to my wife.

Wear & Puncture Protection

During the 3,500 km lifespan, I experienced just one puncture (on the rear), which is remarkable for Taiwanese roads. When I replaced the inner tube, I had to use the same three tire levers as when I initially mounted the tires. A snug fit suggests the tire's quality to me and reassures me that it will remain securely on the rim.

After the inner webbing could be seen from the outside (see picture) I've decided to replace the tire. I did not stick with new Panaracers but, unfortunately, followed the hype surrounding the Vittoria Corsa G+ tires (see my review @ https://gerhardwanninger.wixsite.com/mysite/post/vittoria-corsa-g-folding-tire-1st-generation-experience).

The wear of the Panaracers was o.k. But near the end of their lifetime, the grip became a little 'soapy', had a very sluggish feedback of the road surface. This was not dangerous but during faster downhill rides clearly noticeable.

Verdict

I rode the Panaracer A and Panaracer L for only around 3.500 km on different surfaces, roads, and weather conditions. They felt great and gave me a lot of confidence. The cornering speed improved, and I discovered myself riding more aggressively (again, don't tell my wife!). The mounting was hard but had not to be performed too often due to its good protection. The wear was noticeable, as seen in the pictures.

Conclusion

Panasonic EVO3s are great tires and offer great performance and high quality at a reasonable price. I would definitely buy them again.

UPDATE (2020/10/22):

I was riding my bike equipped with a folding Panaracer Race L Evo 3 at about 40 km/h when the front tire suddenly burst with a loud noise! Luckily, the flat tire protected my alloy rims, allowing me to bring my racing bike to a safe stop.

Panaracer EVO3 L folding 700x25C, busted at around 40km/h!

Having never encountered a rear tire explosion before, I checked the tire initially. To my astonishment, the tire had burst right in the middle! Despite always carrying three spare tubes, I couldn't continue the ride. Fortunately, it happened near my home and I walked for about 30 minutes in light rain to a nearby dealer. Due to Coronavirus, Continental was experiencing back-order issues for the 25mm tires in Taiwan. So, I purchased a 700 x 23C Grand Prix 5000, which I mounted in front of the shop.

I am approaching my 60s, I've never (!) had a blown bike tire, neither on my front nor on the rear. As a result, I stayed away from any other tire than the Continental GP5000s which are 'handmade in Germany'.

Advice

Each tire has a different characteristic like every rider is different in nature. Bicycle tries are an important piece of safety, nothing else connects us cyclists with the road. 

1. After mounting the tires they should be checked regularly visually for defects. In case of doubts, a local bike professional should be consulted.

2. The tire pressure should be checked regularly, I check them before every ride. Manufacturer print the recommended air pressure on the tire wall. Inner tubes might lose some air over time but too low pressure within a short time might be an indication of a defective inner tube.

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. Ride responsibly, defensively, and safe! It is senseless to gain some seconds but spend weeks recovering in a hospital and/or at home! You, your body, your parents, your family, and your friends will surely appreciate your precautions during a bike ride.

#panaracerevo3 #panaracerevo4 #continentalGP5000 #continental #tire

I've owned these tires, mounted, and rode them by myself. I paid for the saddle; I am n o t endorsed by anyone. Subscribers or followers are more than welcome!. Ride carefully, Gerhard