Technique

On test: Vredestein Black Panther

Details

Parent Category: Technique

Category: Vredestein

Published on Wednesday, 10 November 2010 06:57

Written by Luca Salvatelli

 
A great tire, smooth and secure on average funds

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The Vredestein Black Panther is not new in 2011, but just in 2011 is updated with new measures that make it even more versatile. In fact, next to the classical measure 26x2.00 joins the measure26x2.20, also available in three different options: traditional, tubeless and tubeless ready. The traditional version, the one being tested, has a 120 TPI nylon casing and tread with TriComp technology, which allows a two-compound tread, harder and smoother in the center, softer and with more grip on the sides . The tread is equipped with puncture protection, which is integrated in the tread. The pieces are arranged in a dense central line, to improve the smoothness and distance with raised sides to enhance traction and cornering grip. The recommended inflation pressure is between 2.5 and 4.5 bar. The declared weight is 550 grams and we found we have 540, traditional version 26x2.00.

The road test

The installation of the Vredestein Black Panther is easy and poses no problem. The weight is verified as being more than good and competitive with other competitors. Just the weight Vredestein points out that its system of tracking measures, carried out with the tire mounted on the rim and inflated, leading to a larger surface area compared to competitors who say the size according to the project and not the actual use. This leads to a greater extent than the declared weight, but weighs even less if you make comparisons with actual measurements. However the weight of the Black Panther, if not a record, is certainly not excessive. We tested the tire at different pressures and different funds. The maximum pressure and, in general, at pressures above 3.5bar you get a tire very smooth and fast, on the dense network of central blocks. As long as the fund is compact and hard pressure of 3.5bar provides excellent traction and good grip in corners. By the end you have to slow down at lower pressures, 2.5bar, where the behavior of the Black Panther is pretty good. Drops the smoothness, which is still very high in proportion to other competitors, but improves traction and cornering grip. Even with leaves and grass, not very high, the grip remains good. We are always in the presence of a tire as smooth and fast and that the grip is the consequence, good for the class, but not comparable to other more specific funds for very slow and muddy. Excellent behavior in the rain, but always for the soil to remain compact or smooth. Funds in the mud or very loose, however, loses strength, remains manageable, but not competitive, it fails to take hold in the soil and does not eject the mud plugs. In fact, this product is specifically for hard surfaces and medium-sized state with loose surface, and under such conditions is expressed at the top of its category. The real advantage of the Black Panther is the wide range of applications, it is not very fast on hard, but it's fast, looks best on surfaces with loose surface and the base hard, defends well on funds raised and loosened, it is acceptable with the wet and in crisis with only the most sticky mud. In the end a good tire for Cross Country, especially without a flaw, just make out where the best. The ideal inflation pressure is around 2.5/3bar, which provides excellent grip on all types of fund, in turn, without being penalized in the funds clearly very hard and compact. Excellent resistance to side cuts and punctures, as we saw on trails rich in sharp rocks, and the good life as the low consumption recorded during the long test. Finally a tire ideal for those who do not look only on the weight of the product, but also other aspects such as reliability, durability, overall performance on a wide range of soils, all of which is the Vredestein Black Panther successful and competitive. The Black Panther can be found on line at about 30 Euros, a competitive and honest price. The list price, however, is about 48 Euro, even in this case a price aligned to the competition.

Positive aspects
Reliability
Duration
Cut resistance
Grip and scorrevoleza funds on average
A wide range of situations in which competitive

Negative aspects
None

Read more:
Vredestein Apollo
Website: www.vredestein.nl