Road Bike Tire Test: Panaracer Agilest TLR 28
Contents and Test Summary
- Introduction
- Manufacturer Specifications
- Size, Weight, Thickness
- Rolling Resistance: 13.3 Watts
- Puncture Resistance: 40 Points
- Static Wet Grip: 67 Points
- Conclusion: 3.5 / 5 Recommended
- Comments
- Panaracer Agilest TLR 28
(100% is best)
The Agilest series is a new range of road bike tires from Panaracer that replaces their "Evo 4" range. The Agilest series consists of 3 tube-type tires (all-round, durable, and light), a tubular tire (all-round), and an all-round tubeless-ready tire. This is a test of the 28 mm version of the tubeless-ready Agilest TLR, which probably is the preferred size as the movement towards bigger road bike tires continues.
We're not all that familiar with Panaracer's older road bike tires, but we tested the Evo 3 range in 2018 and found them to be average performers with an emphasis on puncture resistance. The Agilest range should be a good step up over the Evo 3 range as it's been designed from the ground up with the latest casing materials and tread compounds from Panaracer.
The Panaracer Agilest TLR comes with a tubeless-ready and hookless compatible AX-Alpha Cord (Advanced Extra Alpha Cord) casing of an unknown TPI. On the inside of the tire, we find an additional "Air Proof Layer" that runs from bead to bead and should help keep the air in when using this tire in tubeless form.
Although most other "all-round" road bike tires come with an additional layer of anti-puncture material under the tread, there is none on the Agilest TLR, which helps keep the weight down. Luckily, our puncture test results show the casing material is stronger than what's used on most other tires, and the total puncture resistance is similar to other tubeless-ready tires in the same class.
The compound is Panaracer's new "ZSG AGILE Compound" that, together with the casing, should provide a "grippy low rolling resistance supple ride".
The Agilest TLR is available in the 25-622, 28-622, and 30-622 sizes. Something to keep in mind is that all sizes have been adjusted to comply with the 2020 ETRTO standards. That means the tires are a bit smaller than the tires of the past. Our 28-622 sample measured smaller than 28 mm on our 17.8 mm rim, and we expect the other sizes to be relatively small as well.
Manufacturer Specifications
| Manufacturer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Panaracer |
| Model | Agilest TLR |
| Year | 2023 |
| Tire Type | Tubeless |
| Supplied By | Bought in store |
| New or Used | New |
| Mileage | 0 km |
| Price Range | High |
| Buy At | |
| Manufacturer part number | RF728TR-AG-B |
| EAN | 4931253025174 |
| TPI | - |
| Compound | ZSG Agile |
| Bead | Folding |
| ETRTO | 28-622 |
| Size Inch | 28" |
| Specified Width (mm) | 28 |
| Specified Weight | 250 grams |
| Max Air Pressure (psi) | 95 |
| Made In | Pro Data |
| Available Sizes |
25-622 (700x25c) 28-622 (700x28c) 30-622 (700x30c) |
Panaracer Agilest TLR 28 Test Results
Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
| Size, Weight and Thickness Measurements | |
|---|---|
| Specified Weight | 250 grams |
| Measured Weight | 235 grams |
| System Adjusted Weight (tire + valve + rim seal) |
255 grams |
| Measured Width | 28 mm (un-round) |
| Measured Height | 24 mm (un-round) |
| Total Tire Thickness Center | 1.8 mm |
| Total Tire Thickness Sidewall | Pro Data |
| Unmounted Casing Width | 72 mm |
| Unmounted Tread Width | Pro Data |
| Tread Cover (Tread / Casing Ratio) | Pro Data |
| All size measurements are taken at an air pressure of 100 psi / 6.9 bars on a 17.8 mm inner width rim. | |
Rolling Resistance Test Results
| Rolling Resistance Test Results | |
|---|---|
| Inner Tube | None (20 ml sealant) |
| Measured Width | 28 mm (un-round) |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 132 psi/9.1 bar 25-27 = 120 psi/8.3 bar 28-29 = 108 psi/7.4 barUltra High Air Pressure (108 psi / 7.4 bar) |
Pro Data |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 110 psi/7.6bar 25-27 = 100 psi/6.9 bar 28-29 = 90 psi/6.2 barExtra High Air Pressure (90 psi / 6.2 bar) |
Pro Data |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 88 psi/6.1 bar 25-27 = 80 psi/5.5 bar 28-29 = 72 psi/5.0 barHigh Air Pressure (72 psi /5.0 bar) |
13.3 Watts CRR: 0.00399 |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 66 psi/4.6 bar 25-27 = 60 psi/4.1 bar 28-29 = 54 psi/3.7 barMedium Air Pressure (54 psi / 3.7 bar) |
Pro Data |
| The Road Bike section is a multi tire size section, air pressures have been adjusted to the measured casing width. All numbers are for a single tire at a speed of 29 km/h / 18 mph and a load of 42.5 kg / 94 lbs. Use the formula: RR (Watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load. |
|
Puncture Resistance Test Results
| Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better) | |
|---|---|
| Total Puncture Score Tread | 40 Points |
| Total Puncture Score Sidewall | Pro Data |
| Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle | Pro Data |
| Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle | Pro Data |
| Tread Total Tire Thickness | 1.8 mm |
| Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle | Pro Data |
| Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle | Pro Data |
| Sidewall Total Tire Thickness | Pro Data |
Static Grip Test Results
| Static Grip Test Results | |
|---|---|
| Wet Grip Average | 67 Points |
| Wet Grip Center | Pro Data |
| Wet Grip Edge | Pro Data |
| Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100 Road bike grip test rim width = 19.0 mm |
|
Conclusion
- Panaracer Agilest TLR 28
(100% is best)
The Panaracer Agilest TLR is an average performer in our tests, with average performance in the rolling and puncture resistance tests. The strong points are the low weight and strong sidewalls that hold air well. The main weaknesses are the low total thickness of the tire at the center of the tire and a lower wet grip score when the tire is on the edge of the tread.
We're a bit surprised by the wet grip test results as we don't often see full slick tires scoring lower in our wet grip edge test than the wet grip center test. We're not sure yet what's going on there, but as the tread itself is more than wide enough, we suspect it might result from the tread getting thinner towards the edge of the tire.
RATING:
3.5
/ 5
TEST VERDICT:
Recommended