The ideal road tyre would be really fast, incredibly grippy around the bends, easy to get on, puncture-proof and lightweight. Panaracer may just have made the closest thing to that perfect road tyre with the new Extreme Duro Protex.
Once up to pressure the tyre has a slightly triangular shape to it, so when rolling along in a straight line you’re riding on the ridge of the tyre, and when leaning over in the corner there’s suddenly more tyre in contact with the ground.
It’s a very subtle shape change though, and not something you can feel when you’re making the transition from straight ahead into the bends.
The Protex anti-puncture coating is a proven performer, and not only covers the main tread but is part of the whole tyre casing. All that wrapped up in a surprisingly low weight (227g, 23mm width) folding tyre that’s available in 700x23 and 700x25 sizes.