It’s 1990. You hadn’t heard of Tony Blair yet, Top of the Pops was still, umm, Top of the Pops and the Raleigh Activator was Britain’s best selling bike.
If your bike had sus forks fitted they would’ve been Manitou 2’s or some other 60mm elastomer job. Tyre choice was a simple affair: Panaracer Dart on the front and a Smoke on the back. You put your luminous lid on and job done - off you went on some unmarked trail in your distinctly unsuitable clothing.
Well they're back. The Panaracers that is. Safe to say the rest won't be missed. The difference with the Panaracers was that they actually worked, making the rest of the tyres in the period look distinctly average.
Compared with today’s tyres, the new Dart and the Smoke look a bit thin, but they still grip admirably under most conditions. Not just because Panaracer has given them some new rubber compounds either. Aggressive treads were the future and the Smoke and the Dart were there first. Whilst they're perfect for those looking for a dose of nostalgia, they also still give plenty of performance.
UPDATE:
We've received quite a bit of interest in getting these two items together. No suprise there. But in response we're doing a deal when you buy the Smoke and the Dart tyres together. Buy them at the same time and we'll throw in a couple of tubes to get you rolling...
