By Gary McLaughlin, PCI #005T
IPMBA Industry Liaison
Sacramento Police Department (CA)

IRC High Quality tires are lightweight, top-of-the-line tires incorporating IRC's most advanced features. IRC, one of the world's leading producers of tires and tubes, employs technology that matches or surpasses that of most other manufacturers. A division of INOAC group, IRC uses high polymer chemistry in the development of their tires, both for bicycles and motorcycles. These tires have been on the podium for off-road and road competitions in both arenas. They offer excellent value in terms of performance, quality, and price.

The IRC tire best suited for police work is the Avantage Pro Inverted Tread. This tire is available in a 1.5 or a 2.0. The 2.0 size is highly recommended for public safety use because it allows more grip on the road, provides greater space between the tire and the rim, and is less susceptible to pinch flats. It also facilitates slow maneuvers - like slow-speed skills in crowded areas - and transitioning from the street to off-road. Finally, it out-performs the 1.5 in wet conditions.

The Sacramento Police Department has been using this tire for the past five years. We highly recommend it over the Avocet Cross and the Continental series. We have found that the softness of the rubber gives us better braking and grips better in turns. This tire will last anywhere from nine months to one year, depending upon how many power slides and turns to which it is subjected!

We love this tire because it performs well, and our administration loves it because of the price. Police, fire, and EMS agencies can purchase IRC Avantage tires directly from United Bicycle Supply for $3.90 per tire, or $3.60 each for more than six. Tubes are available for $1.50 per tube. Contact United Bicycle Supply at 541-482-1750 to establish an account. For more information about IRC Tires, visit www.irctire.com.

Gary McLaughlin is an officer with the Sacramento Police Department and one of the founders of IPMBA's Survival Tactics and Riding Skills Course. He is currently serving as industry liaison on the IPMBA Board of Directors. He can be reached at garymcbike255@aol.com.

© 2005 IPMBA. This review appeared in the Winter 2005 issue of IPMBA News.