OneSided
Panda Racer Extraordinare
So, I have seen and heard lots of proponents and detractors regarding "Darkside" tires. My experience had always been with people/riders while passionate about our sport were slightly less focused on performance and more concerned with mileage. The impression I was left with was one of frugality at the expense of cornering abilty.
This year at the BRG it seemed like the ratio of CT to MT was higher than ever before and I was seemingly always following a Darksider on our group rides through the tarmac (often twisty) surrounding the BRP. While it was still not a convincing performance.....I was intrigued.
After Saturday's group ride I wanted a little more twisties action, so I headed out of camp. Along the way I asked if anyone wanted to take a quick ride with me. As it was, Kendoo joined me for a quick ride that included the Blue Ridge Parkway to Hwy 215 N(AKA...TWISTIES!). During the ride I rode at 8-9/10 of my riding ability and never pulled a gap from Ken....I was shocked! He was running a Darkside rear and I believe a MC rear on front(double dark)....this can't be.....a Darksider that rides aggressively!?!? I shared my astonishment around the campfire that evening and was regaled with multiple stories of firsthand experience with the Darkside.
Presented with this evidence of grip and handling along with the multiple testimonials I absorbed I can not refuse myself the firsthand knowledge of how a CT performs. So....my next rear tire will be non-motorcycle in nature and I can't wait! So for all you fence riders out there...I say give it a shot....seems like there are plenty of guys out there that will take it off your hands if it's not for you.
Until then....
This year at the BRG it seemed like the ratio of CT to MT was higher than ever before and I was seemingly always following a Darksider on our group rides through the tarmac (often twisty) surrounding the BRP. While it was still not a convincing performance.....I was intrigued.
After Saturday's group ride I wanted a little more twisties action, so I headed out of camp. Along the way I asked if anyone wanted to take a quick ride with me. As it was, Kendoo joined me for a quick ride that included the Blue Ridge Parkway to Hwy 215 N(AKA...TWISTIES!). During the ride I rode at 8-9/10 of my riding ability and never pulled a gap from Ken....I was shocked! He was running a Darkside rear and I believe a MC rear on front(double dark)....this can't be.....a Darksider that rides aggressively!?!? I shared my astonishment around the campfire that evening and was regaled with multiple stories of firsthand experience with the Darkside.
Presented with this evidence of grip and handling along with the multiple testimonials I absorbed I can not refuse myself the firsthand knowledge of how a CT performs. So....my next rear tire will be non-motorcycle in nature and I can't wait! So for all you fence riders out there...I say give it a shot....seems like there are plenty of guys out there that will take it off your hands if it's not for you.
Until then....