The RiBMo PT tyre (that’s Ride Bike More, in case you’re wondering) is an offering from Panaracer.
Part of the Japanese firm’s Urban line-up, its broad, 25c profile (one billed as ‘All Contact’) and claims for puncture resistance three times greater than rivals of a similar weight made it a natural choice for the RCUK Winter Bike.
With 200 miles completed on the RiBMo PT, we can offer an early summary.
Claims for exceptional puncture resistance proved valid. We tested them almost exclusively on rough country lanes, many coated in debris washed on to the surface by the recent heavy weather, and they survived without the faintest suggestion of a puncture.
An inspection of the rubber showed that the RiBMo PTs had shrugged off the worst that winter roads could throw at them. They proved equally durable at 80psi and the 100psi we consider the desirable maximum for the season. We’re confident they’ll survive the winter without breach.
The counter weight to robustness in a tyre is often a lack of suppleness, and rigor mortis seemed to have taken hold in the RiBMo PTs as we rolled out for our maiden voyage, undoubtedly a consequence of the 27tpi carcass. Unsurprisingly, they felt stiffer at the higher pressure at which we tried them, and at the lower pressure exhibited a balloon-like quality, which, while comfortable, did little for performance. At the higher pressure, they rolled effectively, but with none of the plushness of softer rubber.
Grip-levels were good, and at their best in corners, where perhaps the vaunted ‘All Contact’ tread profile came into play. On short, steep hills, however, conquered by out-of-the-saddle efforts made in the big ring, they were less impressive. The rear wheel slipped on damp and even drying road surfaces.
To conclude, we wouldn’t recommend the RiBMo PT for long-range efforts, but to be fair to Panaracer, they haven’t bracketed this tyre for such use. Taken at their word, and deployed on ‘urban’ missions, it’s likely to prove a reliable companion for a winter’s commuting. Our search for a tyre for the RCUK Winter Bike, however, does not end here.
The Panaracer RiBMo PT tyre is available in five sizes, from 23c to 35c, and costs £34.99.
