Hi jags,
I have not used this tire, but the 650B version is highly regarded by my friends who use that wheel size and I would probably choose a GB Lierre if I converted Sherpa to 650B (same physical diameter as my 26x2.0 Duremes; mark my words, 650B
is coming in the next year or so...all makers are gearing up for this size).
Basically, this is the 26" version of the legendary Grand Bois Hetre with a Panaracer tread pattern. Put another way, it is a Pasela baked with a bit more care and that is reflected in the increased cost. I found the 650B tires mounted-up nicely on the(ir) rims, and were remarkably straight and true (especially compared to my rigid Schwalbe Duremes). Panaracer
do make the Compass and Grand Bois tires for Compass Bikes.
Jan says...
Panaracer’s Pasela uses the same mold as the Compass 26? tires, but the Compass tire uses a different casing construction. The result is lower rolling resistance and a more comfortable ride. The tread rubber is different, too, offering better grip. Finally, the tread may be a little thinner, while still offering long life. The Compass tires use a folding Kevlar bead....While the Pasela is a budget tire that offers very good performance for the money, the Compass is a high-end tire optimized for performance and comfort.
Jan adds...
...no manufacturer was producing fast, supple, wide tires for 26? rims. So we worked with Panaracer to develop the Compass 26? tires. The new tires use existing tire molds, and they are made with the highest-quality casings and materials, like the Grand Bois tires....While the Pasela is a budget tire that offers very good performance for the money, the Compass is a high-end tire optimized for performance and comfort.
Here is a bit more info on the Grand Bois from Jan Heine's blog:
http://janheine.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/compass-tires-in-26-x-1-75/The one caution I would offer is to keep in mind the sidewalls are likely to be about as durable as those on Panselas, which some people have found to be a weak point for rougher use. For pavement, they should be fine.
For those interested in Jan's tire comparisons and rolling-resistance tests, here are some related links:
PDF Summary of roll-down tests:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=heine%20the%20performance%20of%20tires&source=web&cd=2&sqi=2&ved=0CGAQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bikequarterly.com%2Fimages%2FBQ64TireTest.pdf&ei=ALOrTu_bGarTiAKf_LmACw&usg=AFQjCNF-3CY6_XEBdQ4Y7Uuzw_AspdvJrghttp://janheine.wordpress.com/2010/10/18/science-and-bicycles-1-tires-and-pressure/http://janheine.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/the-downsides-of-wide-tires/http://velochimp.com/2006/11/rolling-resistance/And, of course, this thread here on our Forum:
http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=3798.msg16360#msg16360Hope this helps.
Best,
Dan.
