Panaracer CG XC 2.1, 26″ (645g, true 2.1″ width) and CG XC 2.25, 29″ (755g, true 2.25″ width)
This is a very interesting tire, with a few design choices that will require a lot of rethinking about how tires work. It took me a little while (and a lot of miles) to really wrap my mind around how this tread design actually does what it does.
But all in all, the CG XC tread is a very, very good dry-condition XC tire, and an excellent rear all-mountain tire. The centerline of the tire rolls very fast in a straight line on hardpack—as well as a Maxxis Crossmark. However, unlike the Maxxis Crossmark, the CG logo-ing actually contributes something to the design and really serves to give some nice, rigid square edges that give nice bite both under braking and while climbing looser or rockier terrain.
The most interesting thing about this tread design is that the long, thin centerline knobs contribute really well while climbing and descending off-camber rocks. They deform and grab very well, and really enhance the tire’s performance; they aren’t merely some cute design choice.
There is a nice, fairly large transition knob that offers clean transfer from straight line to corner, and a very robust and oversized cornering knob. The transition and cornering knobs work in concert very well and are spaced perfectly to shed dirt, rather than being so tightly packed together that they clog up with dirt while spinning. There is also a nice V between the cornering knob and transition knob that allows the cornering knob to bite aggressively into dirt.
This tire is very round, so it takes a very aggressive and angulated riding style to fully access the corner knobs. But, man, those things bite and zip you right into a carver turn. It’s an incredible feeling, especially when you remember that this is an XC / Trail tire, not a DH tread.
On narrower 19-20mm wide rims (tested on a Mavic xm819 19mm wide, 450g rim), the tire rode well, but it required very high lean angles to fully engage the corner knobs. On a wider 22-23mm rim (tested on a WTB TCS AM Race 23mm width 470g rim), the profile squared off a little more, and more consistently accessed the corner knobs.
All in all, this is a really nice XC and trail bike tire for anyone who wants a bit more grip, braking, and cornering without much sacrifice in rolling resistance (compared to, say, a Crossmark). I would recommend it as a front or rear tire on a XC bike (29er hardtail, 2-4″ travel), as well as a trail bike (~5″ travel). I also really liked this tire for 4x, dirt jumps, etc.
Finally, I would recommend the CG XC as the rear tire on an all-mountain bike (6-7″ travel) if you are looking for an efficient and fast rolling tire that still can deliver braking and cornering at a high rate of speed. It paired very nicely with the CG AllCondition 2.35 on the front of my all mountain bike.
I use th CG AC in front, and I have to say I am loving it!
Can you compare to the Hans Dampf in 29″? Looking to make a switch from my 2.4 Ardent in front, as the release of traction is quite unpredicable when it goes.
the hans dampf is much more square than the CG XC. the hans damf is very similar to a nevegal. The CG XC is more like a much more aggressive Maxxis Crossmark.
hope that helps?
Do you know the weight of the UST version of the AC AM 2.35? Panaracer havent published a weight on their site. Claimed weight for non-UST is 750gm.
hi yoshi,
I know the claimed CG AC weight was 750 and came in right on target. The UST tire is 800g claimed, but i have not seen a pair personally to verify.
thanks!
In my country hard to find Kenda Nevagal so. Panaracer CG AM and XC are my choice
I put 2.35 AC AM as front and XC 2.1 for rear on my KHS XCT 556 trail bike
It great feeling ?
Any word on whether there are plans to expand the wheel size options in this line? I’m totally loving my CG XC on my Yelli Screamy and would try an AC AM next if it were an option. Just got my wife onto a RM Altitude and am pretty much stuck with Nobby Nic on her ride. Too bad Panaracer hasn’t brought any of this line into the 650b realm yet.
hey michael! glad you are digging the tires.
as far as i know, panaracer has yet to enter the 650b realm. I really look forward to the AM tread being offered myself. thus far the WTB beeline/vigilante or hutchinson toro have been my go-to 650b tires.
cheers man!