Panaracer Crossblaster folding tyre

The Crossblaster is Panracer’s race specific tyre, designed more towards performance than durability and puncture resistance. The feathery 280g weight is very competitive for a cross clincher whilst offering a good mud shedding, block design tread, good for UK conditions.

Mounting the tyre I could certainly feel it was lightweight, verging more towards the studded condom end of the rubber scale. With the weather we have had over the last few weeks I have been using my cross bike a lot more, rather than risk the icy roads on my road bike. Using these tyres on and off road I have had an above average number of punctures, as I would expect for such a thin tyre. However, Panaracer’s ‘Anti-Rebound Rubber Strip (ARB)’ claiming to reduce pinch flats by 40%, seems to work as advertised. Preventing my tube going on the occasion’s roots caught me out and hit the rim. Even so I would not recommend them for anyone other than a racer and just keep them for race day

If you do race 'cross though, the combination of light weight, durability, and most importantly grip makes the Crossblaster an ideal tyre choice spot-on for those whose budget doesn't stretch to having various sets of condition-specific tyres.

The tread is a simple square block pattern, which I found a good all rounder. The blocks are spaced enough to shed mud but still offer good grip and when fitted on the front, corner extremely well. Being quite a low profile, the blocks also roll well on smooth and hardpack surfaces. Wear too, seems to be good, after a few weeks use even with the rear ridden on a flat for 1.5hrs (don’t ask!).

Verdict

Overall I would be quick to recommend these tyres to a racer who isn’t going to have a tyre set for every condition and just wants a good lightweight race tyre. For others, Panracer’s CinderX with a similar tread but thicker body would be more suitable.