Fifty Plus (50+) - Need opinion--Vittoria tires

I recently saw an article comparing the rolling resistance of various tires. The Vittoria Open Corsa EVO CX Team CSC Limited Edition were highly rated and on sale at Nashbar, so I bought a pair. I've put between 100-150 mi. on them and like them a lot. However, today I noticed a couple of significant nicks in the rear tire. One was definitley through to the tube and the other was deep but not through yet. Just wondering if this is typical of the tire construction. You know, like fast but fragile. Or, is this just bad luck?

You know, like fast but fragile. Or, is this just bad luck?

Apparently yes .... fast, but zero puncture protection is what I read. FWIW, there was a big tyre shootout in a French bike mag recently, and fastest/grippiest clincher was one of the Bontrager XLites. Veloflex Milano and a couple of others also did well, along with many of the Vittoria's.

There's another tyre thread here, GP 4000 s (that's the "s" version) and Michelin Pro Race 2 are getting a thumbs up it seems.

B

Just wondering if this is typical of the tire construction. You know, like fast but fragile. Or, is this just bad luck?

I suspect that fast but fragile is exactly the case.

To minimize rolling resistance you want a tire that is very flexible. To improve puncture resistance you'd make the tire thicker and maybe add a kevlar belt under the tread, but that's going to increase rolling resistance. Everything has trade-offs.

I used that tire recently and went back to my Gatorskins. Seems that when they flat (and I did that a lot with them) they tend to destroy the tire, making repair almost impossible. I bought three, destroyed one and flatted the other two. All in under 300 miles. Just my experience, but with Mich Pro Race or Gatorskins I rarely, ever get a flat.

I just switched the UO-8 to Vittoria Zaffiro 27x1-1/4s after wearing out my circa 1999 Schwinn 27x1-3/8" knobbies (center tread in back, ominous beginnings of sidewall irregularities ("bubbles") in front). So far, so good, but I'll post again with updates. SInce the Peugeot has non-hooked Weinmann aluminum rims, I inflate tires to 80 PSI, instead of their rated maximum pressure of 100 PSI.

Well, I continue to pick up nicks and little cuts to the tires. But, boy do they roll nicely. Also, as you might imagine, they are incredibly easy to mount. If I were to go to a more durable tire, any suggestions for a tire that not only rolls well and is more durable but is easy to mount?

they are incredibly easy to mount.

Bruce. Didn't you mean to say "they are incredibly easy to install"?

Bruce. Didn't you mean to say "they are incredibly easy to install"?

Depends on my level of desperation. Actually a 700x23 fits nicely. :)

... Also, as you might imagine, they are incredibly easy to mount. ...

This was not my experience in my size and on my rims, although installation was fortunately not as big a battle as Continentals on Campag. Omega rims.

Victorias DO fit nicely,I have had the EVO's Teams,a bit racy. I've used Open Corsas in general. They ride better than other clinchers I've had. As far as durable, yes, quite. Continental and even more-so Specialized are "tuffer". Both handle noticeably different than Vics, turning and feeling supple.

Open Corsa EVO CX did not work for me as a rear tire - too fragile. Pro Race 2s were also too fragile on the roads I ride. But, I can - for some reason - use theEVO CX the front and I really like the ride that gives. I use the more durable GP4000 on the rear and will try the 4000S when it becomes available. YRMV.

Jim

The CXs are very fast (and fragile too). On group rides on slight
downhills, to maintain a conversation I would have to brake while
talking to someone pedaling. This was not a single observation.

The CXs are very fast (and fragile too). On group rides on slight
downhills, to maintain a conversation I would have to brake while
talking to someone pedaling. This was not a single observation.

If that would only happen on the climbs, I'd stick with them.