This is the new Neo Moto tyre from Panaracer. It’s intended for XC marathon use but at first glance it looks like a really decent trail tyre: Big, chunky side lugs to give corner grip, and smaller knobs in the centre to help it roll a bit faster.

There’s a story here too. The Neo Moto is the tyre that made 650b wheels possible — the first ‘inbetweener’ size rubber produced. Launched by Panaracer and designed with Kirk Pacenti back in 2007, they’re now tweaked and available through Panaracer and UK importer Zyro, and intended for all conditions.

So are they any good to ride? No idea, we’ve just got them and have yet to test them out. Watch out for a future mbr issue for the verdict. They’re not tubeless but we imagine you could convert them and your normal rims to tubeless, just follow our video steps.

Sizes

27.5×2.3in / 120TPI / 665g • 29×2.1in / 120TPI / 685g • Contact: zyro.co.uk

Looking for a new 650b bike? We reviewed the best in the February issue of mbr