What is the ultimate clincher tire? Is it pure performance or absolute durability in the field? Well, maybe both. With a combination of engineering and rider testing, the Panaracer lab has come up with a balance and offers up the Race D EVO3. The third iteration of the Race D bends the perception of how much pure performance you can squeeze out of a tire design that is focused on durability. You get a mileage cruncher compound in an overall supple tire package. And it's not magic, it's Panaracer's design and work ethic.

Similar to the race-ready Race A, the Race D features Panaracer's proprietary All Contact profile. This refers to the actual shape of the tread that is laid on the casing. Unlike most tires, it's not round. The center of the tire features a a slight angle that descends down to the end of the tread where it meets the sidewall. The concept is simple, when the tire rolls over to a lean angle, you get complete contact or in this case All Contact. The angled tread on each side creates a point in the center of the tire for minimal rolling resistance. This angled tread design is not unique, it has been used in the performance motorcycling world for many years.

With the Race D Panaracer chooses a slightly more dense compound than with the Race A. While we have felt barely a difference in compounds, the longevity is noticeable. You can expect many miles out of this fresh compound which rides and feels like race rubber.

As far as durability is concerned, the Panaracer ProTight belt is what keeps these tires from flatting. Normally, we try and keep personal insights with our product descriptions quiet, but the durability and sheer lack-of-flats puts the Race D is at the tops of the pops. ProTight is a soft woven belt which offers the ultimate protection by keeping road debris from penetrating the supple casing. And what's more remarkable than the protection, is the ProTight belt is so pliant and finley woven, it has virtually no negative effect on ride quality.

Regardless of what you may have heard, ride quality of a tire is always dependent on the casing. The Race D features Panaracer's supple AX casing. The casing's composition features soft and flexible fibers that are strong enough for durability and handle high tire pressures, but still conform to varied and uneven surfaces. This flexibility and suppleness results in maximized grip, comfort and a certain surefooted feel in corners.