What’s Up With Those T-Serv Tires?

Designed for and named after the Tokyo messenger service T-Serv, Panaracer’s messenger-specific bicycle tires have a well earned reputation for being fast and durable. Until recently, however, American cyclists have had to make due with plain old black. Thanks in part to your friends here at Urban Velo, red, yellow and blue T-Serv’s should start making their way into a bike shop near you.

So why exactly do T-Serv tires deserve such street cred? In a word—quality. Like many top-of-the-line bicycle components, Panaracer’s tires are made in Japan. And it’s no secret that the Japanese take their manufacturing seriously. While T-Serv’s are not the absolute lightest or most supple tires on the market, their added layer of puncture-resistant material and dependable, long-lasting rubber compound make them a wise tire choice for any urban cyclist—not just messengers.

But enough tire talk… For a brief history of Tokyo’s best-known messenger service, check out this interview with T-Serv founder Takayuki Ikeya. Better yet, go check out T-Serv’s web magazine where you’ll find messenger profiles, photos, bikes and (surprise, surprise) animations galore.