Panaracer Race D Evo 4 tyre review

The ‘D’ in the Panaracer Race D Evo 4 title stands for Duro, denoting a greater level of durability and protection than the company’s ‘Race A’ all-round, and ‘Race C’ classic Evo 4 tyres.

Panaracer says it’s even more grippy than its rubbery ancestor too, while still being fast.

If grip and cornering confidence is your main selection criteria for a winter road tyre, the Race D Evo 4 is an impressive option. However, it lacks the volume and comfort of some rivals.

Panaracer Race D Evo 4 tyre specification and details

Panaracer offers the Race D Evo 4 clincher tyre in 700 x 25c and 700 x 28c sizes.

It’s designed with a folding bead, and comes in all-black and tan-wall options.

Claimed weights are 240g for the 25c version and 260g for this 28c tyre. My test 28c tyres weighed in slightly heavier at 272g.

The 3D (Double Dipped Duro) casing is reinforced with Panaracer’s ProTite puncture-proof layer, which sits below the ZSG (Zero Slip Grip) Advanced Compound.

The Japanese company claims the improved ZSG compound increases grip by around 20 per cent over previous examples of the compound, and lowers rolling resistance by 10 per cent.

The only tyre pressure advice provided is a recommended maximum of 110psi.

Panaracer Race D Evo 4 tyre performance

The Panaracer Race D Evo 4 tyres felt smaller than other road bike tyres with the same stated width from the moment I took them out of the box.

They’re simple to reshape though, and popped onto my test rims with an average amount of effort.

Aboard those wheels with a 20mm internal width, they inflated to 28.3mm wide and 25mm tall – a testament to the slightly smaller sizing.

Unlike most similar tyres, Panaracer’s All Contact Tread Shape gives the Evo 4s a shallow, slightly conical profile, rather than a more common rounded shape.

Panaracer says this new shape is the result of re-engineering to better suit modern, wider rims.

It certainly produces a generously wide tread, with a definite ridge where the sidewall begins.

There’s also a distinct central band, which is slightly less tacky than the tyre’s shoulders. The shoulders are so tacky when new that they leave a slight sticky residue on your fingers.

With no recommended minimum inflation pressure, I chose 75psi, which felt good taking into account my 74kg weight.

On the road, the Race D Evo 4 seemed to roll as quickly as the best equivalent wintry 28mm rubber I’ve ridden with.

That said, its relatively small air volume demands a slightly higher pressure to be run for the same system weight. Lower pressures in tyres with a smaller volume increase the risk of pinch punctures, caused by impacts, which can more easily deflect the tyre until it squeezes the inner tube against the rim.

This leaves a little comfort on the table when I compare it to higher-volume 28c tyres, such as Michelin’s Pro 4 Endurance and Continental’s Gatorskin.

Where the Panaracers really shine is for cornering grip.

The tread profile – with the tackier compound on the shoulders – encourages you to lean the bike over with confidence when cornering. When you do, the tyres grip like Velcro in a washing basket.

When new, they’re so grippy that grains of sand and grit temporarily coat the surface as it spins, but I found this effect wore off after an hour or so once the tyre had been ‘worn in’.

So far, the Panaracers have kept every would-be deflator at bay, and bear no wounds from many miles of rough rural road rambling. The early indications are that longer-term durability could be good.

Panaracer Race D Evo 4 tyre bottom line

Panaracer’s Race D Evo 4 tyres aren’t necessarily a mainstream choice, but are worthy of consideration, because they compete very well with well-known and regarded alternatives.

At £39.99, they offer reasonably priced winter performance – impressing especially for grip. They'll suit riders who want cornering confidence, durability and decent levels of speed.

The price you’re paying here is the relatively small volume, which has a knock-on effect on comfort. This will be relevant to many riders battling through tough winter conditions.