Vittoria Mezcal 29x2.6 Review

Obviously tires are very important so I thought I would tell you about the Vittoria Mezcal tires.
I only just discovered them last year and they are now my go to tire.
Labeled as a XC/Trail tire I have found them to be a great all around tire for anyone riding a mix of trail and road. I used these tires on the second half of my Cross Canada trip last summer and their durability was very impressive. I took two spikes in my rear tire during a 3 day stretch and the tires sealed beautifully(I am running tubeless). I will be putting them through the paces again this summer and I will be sure to keep you updated on how they perform.
Thanks for watching!
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#VittoriaMezcal
#review
#trek1120
#tires
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[@MrRaptor2x]

Great video! I think you can help me sir. I'm building a Surly Krampus as an all-rounder long distance bikepacking machine. It'll have to tackle all kinds of terrain just like you do on your amazing trips. I'm stuck deciding between 35 and 40mm inner diameter rims. Ideally I think I'll mainly run 29x3.0" and 29x2.8" tires, but I'd like to have the possibility to run 2.6" like the ones you showed in this video, if I want to. From my research, 35mm would be more suited for the 2.6" and the 40mm would suit the 2.8" and 3.0" better. I guess the question is which one would be the better choice overall for this 2.6-3.0" range, knowing that there can only be one wheelset? Thanks

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Hi, thanks for watching! This is kind of a tough one. But I guess in your case I would have to say the 35mm would be the best choice. Based on my experience as a mechanic that would give you the range your looking for. I mention in my video that I feel like the 2.6 tire is the best all around tire diameter and the more I ride the more convinced I am of that and I think if you experiment with tire sizes you will come to the same conclusion, and in all honesty the 3.0 size is loosing popularity based on the industry stats. Sure they can be comfortable at low psi and offer good traction. But my experience is that they are just to slow for multi day adventures. And if you are in any deep sand or mud etc the difference between the 2.6 and 3.0 will mean nothing. I have been in situations where even a fat bike would not have worked. This a good video on the subject - kzbin.info/www/bejne/np-udJVqfcedsNE from Bikepacking.com I am running 29x2.6 with 30mm internal width and I love the set up. Check out 7:10 of the video from Bikepacking.com. Let me know how things work out or if you have any questions feel free to contact me. Cheers

[@MrRaptor2x]

@@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures Thanks a lot for your answer! I just ordered 35mm rims and Bontrager XR2 29x3.0" tires. I just want to try 3.0 tires at least one time to see for myself but it's likely that I'll go down to 2.6" or 2.8" after that. I'll definitely try the Vittoria Mezcal you showed. I'm sure there will be times on some crazy trails where I'll be glad I have the 3.0", but these shouldn't be the majority of my riding... so conversely, I would be glad I have the 2.6" when I'm riding on asphalt and gravel, which definitely will be most of my riding. The XR2 are supposed to be fast rolling and not too agressive, we'll see... The joy of long distance adventurous bikepacking and finding the best overall setup, eh? PS: Yep, I already watched the Bikepacking video, I know the 3.0 could be on the downfall and it factored in my decision. The fast rolling Maxxis Chronicle which was a favorite among plus tire bikepacker was discountinued... Thanks again.

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

@@MrRaptor2x yes the tweaking of the setup is never ending! I have used the XR2's for many years before switching to the Mezcal's. The XR2's are also really good tires but I find the Mezcal to be smoother rolling on the pavement. Please keep me posted on what you settle on. Happy New Year!

[@ProMountainBiker]

It’s cool to see someone making videos riding on the same trails that I do!

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers

[@jnatiw]

Thanks for the video. I run Mezcals on my mountain bike. Thinking of trying them on my touring bike. Currently have WTB 2.35's on that one. Thanks again! 👍

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Hi John. I have been very happy with them for touring. Such a great all around tire and the durability is pretty darn good. thanks so much for watching. Cheers

[@55whiplash]

I use the Rene Herse tires on most of my 13 bikes. (I know) But years ago (like 50) I ran Vittoria tubulars on my Ron Cooper road bike, so your video caught my attention. Rene Herse tires are amazing and feel a lot like a tubular tire, but they are expensive as hell! I don't get a lot of flats, but no doubt will today since it rained last night and I jinxed myself.

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Hello. Sorry for the delayed response, somehow I missed your response. I honestly think the Mezcal's are one of the best all around tires out there and affordable in my opinion. I have heard good things about Rene Herse tires but yes they are expensive. I would recommend giving the Mezcal's a shot. Thanks for watching. Cheers

[@thetruebrit85]

Nice one Dean. Thank you kindly.much appreciated. I'm going to get involved in a little more research & yeah. Definitely interested in getting a pair of these. They'll be mint on my Trek Fuel 70....She's special. Built her myself. Frame was a barn find. Brand new old stock. Stay safe mate. Once again thank you kindly 🤗

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Fuel 70! That's a sweet vintage for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@MrTullyblue]

i like your video's, great work, keep them coming - i pick up my new bike new week and tries are being changed out prior to pick up, so many good reports on these vittoria mezcal, it was a no brianer for my type of riding

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Hello! Thanks for the compliment, much appreciated. Your going to be very happy with the Vittoria Mezcal tires. I recently had a opportunity to purchase four sets of the Mezcal's at a really good price so I did, that's how much I love them. Thanks for watching. Cheers 🍻

[@reinhartbigl367]

Thanks for the video Dean. I’m surprised you got the Mezcal graphine’s in 29x2.6. I’ll be using the 29x2.35 on my Surly ECR for the GDMBR in August…and that was the widest I found. That said, I’m very happy with them. Used them on a sub 24/O, on 80% gravel (sometimes very rough) and was very happy with them! Cheers!

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Hello Reinhart. Yes that is the perks of working at bike shops for decades, I was able to get myself a 4 year supply of the Mezcal's at a great price! It really is the perfect tire for me. Have a blast on the GDMBR. I will be doing it next year. Cheers

[@gregknipe8772]

I have the bacon. now I have the good advice from a an old fart like myself. I just ordered a set of these for my 700c rims, and already mounted the 27.5 design in 2.0". thank you for your review here, because I am all round surface rider / commuter. glad I found your work here via my tire search on google. thanks for your productions here.

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks Greg.Glad I could help out! Us old farts have to stick together! lol

[@Brackers64]

Thanks Dean, there are so many options out there for tires, its good to get an "experienced" viewpoint. I tend to go with as wide as I can with a good tread pattern for gravel and gentle single track. and of course whatever is available, as with most components its still tough to get anything consistently.

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Yes I didn't even mention the hassle I had getting these tires even with my good friend owning a bike shop. If you are looking I recommend checking out Jenson USA great prices and super fast shipping to Canada. Cheer

[@Brackers64]

@@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures Thanks for the recommendation, i'll keep them on file, I used Chain reaction for my latest order, amazingly quick, it took 36 hours from the UK to here in Ontario. They still have limited stock but "A selection" none the less. Bob...

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

@@Brackers64 I have used Chain Reaction many times with great success. It's crazy how a place in the UK can get things to us quicker than alot of places in our own country lol. Have a great weekend Bob.

[@rheinking2754]

Your bike looks nice. I just purchase the same tires myself and will be installing them this weekend. Safe travels. Yours truly, RheinKing

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@mazditzo]

yeah, im in the market for plus size tires. a bit of headache since its niche market in my current place. glad to see vittoria make this size.

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

I find them to be the sweet spot size wise. Cheers

[@michaelharmer8591]

I run 2.35/2.25 on my full sus. 2.6 would be my choice for a rigid bike. Definitely an all-rounder, so fast & quiet on pavement!

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Hello. Thanks for watching. I have not met anyone who runs these tires that doesn't love them. Cheers

[@waisinglee1509]

Hi, I just came across this video because I was looking for reviews on the Mezcals and the size was right. I have heard of Mezcals before because I think they're a preferred tire for the Tour Divide. Anyways, I was looking at these tires because they come stock on the Curve GMX+ which I am considering picking up. I was thinking of maybe not taking the stock tires and putting on Rene Herse but your review is making me rethink that idea. As for regular touring tires, hah!, I have used Marathon Plus tires for decades and I don't think you can go slower. I'd reach for those Mezcals if I wanted more speed. I'll go through your other videos. Lucky you riding around in Canada! I have toured in ON, QC, NS, and PEI but currently live overseas and cannot tour.

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Hi Wai! Thanks for watching. The Mezcal is a awesome tire, I would highly recommend checking them out. It is cool that you have ridden in Canada! Cheers

[@VE7QRZ]

I will be running the 29x2.25 version of the tire soon on a XC mountain bike of 2012 vintage. Enjoyed hearing about the varied terrain you rode on and how well the tubeless setup worked for you.

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks Peter glad you enjoyed it. Cheers

[@michafds8091]

hi mate. Can you recomment this tire? I wanna buy barzo + mezal in cheapest ver. My veetire crown gem 29 x 2,3 are crap

[@thescientific4493]

Very helpful video. Thank you

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks!

[@willcattigan1964]

nice vid - thanks for the review

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Hello. No problem at all. They are really good tires and really not that expensive compared to other brands. Thanks for watching. Cheers

[@petesig93]

Re tubeless, I have been running the old Vittoria Randoneur Cross in 26x1.75". Sadly no longer made. In over 17 years using these tyres on all sorts of surfaces (tarmac, gravel, rough dirt and known thorn-country) I have never had a puncture in them. Only flats have been tube faults or old patches that have peeled. I just do not see the need for the hassle of tubeless. The tyres run faster than any oversize tyre as they are lighter. It is just a great tragedy that Vittoria took them off the range. My replacement has been an old set of Schwalbe Marathon XRs that I found in a box under the house; I also have some Vittoria Evolution 1.95" to try out in future. Your comment about 7,000km is a telling one - my routine mileage for the Rando Cross has been 14,000km and for Schwalbe Marathon Mondial most people get over 20,000km. Also I do not like tyres with a knobby tread for sealed road use; they will wear badly down the centre-line as that is where all the loading is. I have also had such tyres puncture simply from a sharp stone impact as between the knobs the casing is usually not very thick. Poor durability, better to get tyres with a centre-ridge and knobs on the sides like the Schwalbe Marathon Mondial (2.15"). Just my experience and opinion, but I ride plenty of rough gravel on these tyres. Red Centre Tour in outback Australia - ridden on 26x2.15" Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tyres. Only the really deep sand beat us back (running tyres at 20psi or lower) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5nHZWSrrrRsesk

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks Peter. I don't hate tubes or anything but as bike mechanic I think tubeless is the way to go in almost all situations. Also you are comparing these to totally different tires. These are technically dirt tires so for them to have lasted over 7000 kms is actually pretty impressive. The tires you mentioned also do not come in a 2.6 width tire or even close. Sorry Peter but we are going to have to disagree on this topic and that's ok we all have different ways of doing things. Thanks for sharing your many years of experience it is greatly appreciated. Cheers

[@petesig93]

@@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures agreed that they are dirt tyres. That is my point. For mixed surface touring, where I may ride on sealed roads for a lot of distance (but also lots of gravel roads too) these types of tyres are sub-optimal imho. Just my opinion; the extra hassles of sealant, getting a bead popped on, and having to carry a spare tube and repair kit anyway mean they do not suit me. They are undoubtedly great for off-road MTB rides. My last puncture repair job was in 2017 on my Thorn Nomad (faulty rim strip); 2018 on my wife’s Bike Friday NWT.

[@St1gCom]

hi. may i ask what inner width are your rims that you're using with these wide tires? thanks

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Hello. I am using Bontrager Line Pro 30's they have a internal width of 29mm. You would not want to go much narrower than 29mm as you would have issues with ballooning. Cheers

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Great tires. Worth looking at if your in the market. Cheers

[@ianquigley4047]

Great video and sounds like I will meet you on the GDMBR next year. Can you expand on the decision for 2.6's? I am headed for the HLC (Israel) and struggling on this decision. Thanks in advance!

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Hello! Thanks for watching. For me the decision on the 2.6's comes down to wanting a all around tire for various surfaces. The 1120 comes with 3.0's and in my opinion that diameter is just to slow for a all around bikepacking setup. The 2.6's Mezcal's run at proper psi are in my opinion are a great choice for speed and comfort. That being said I don't recommend the 2.6's if your internal rim width is under 30mm. If you are under 30mm than I would suggest the 2.4'. I hope I was able to help you with your decision. Cheers

[@pete3036]

​@@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures my rim is only 20 mm . Would the mezcal 2.1 be a good option?

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

@@pete3036 yes that combination should work just fine. If you are riding a gravel bike or something like that Vittoria also makes the Mezcal in a Gravel Endurance model you may want to check out. Thanks for watching.

[@pete3036]

@@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures thanks for the answer and suggestion. My idea was to put a mezcal 2.1 on the front and a terreno 2.1 on the back.. . The gravel endurance may also be a option but they are not easy to find!

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

@@pete3036 which model of Terreno are you thinking about? But yes that could be a nice setup.

[@dangermouseanpenfold]

Nice video. I’m using XR2 29x2.6 at the moment. What would you say the differences are to the Mezcals?

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Hey Si. I actually rode the XR2's for many years on my mountain bikes and they are great tires. The biggest difference I would say is that the Mezcal's are a much faster rolling wheel due to the directional tread. If you were exclusively riding on dirt trails the XR2 might be the better choice. But for Touring/Bikepacking the Mezcal is the superior choice in my opinion. I was recommended the Mezcal's by a friend and I can say it's one of the most beneficial upgrades I have made. I would also say the durability of the Mezcal's are much better as well. I put over 6000 kms on a set and yes they were worn out, but they were still going when I took them off. I would highly recommend trying them out. Thanks for watching. Cheers

[@fahrradu3463]

Those tires are realy wide. I run them on my rigid bikepacking bike on 30 mm iw rims and the tire casing is 68 mm (~2.7")

[@iandcm]

What pressure are you running (wondering about the balance between comfort and rolling resistance) on dirt/pavement and how well do they work on dirt. Great video thanks!

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Hey Ian. On pavement I run the rear at 35 psi (which is the max psi for these tires) and I run the front at 32 psi so I get a bit more grip up front to avoid washouts. On dirt I run the rear tire at 27 psi and the front at 20-22 depending on the terrain. i think they are very fast on dirt and do very good on the pavement considering they are MTB tires. I hope this helps but also keep in mind it also depends alot on how much weight you have on the bike. Cheers

[@iandcm]

@@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures cool thanks - I just ordered a set.

[@WanderABit]

Thank you for sharing. They are not my radar, I am mostly afraid of the noise level on the asphalt. Could you tell if this hum is like other MTB tires, or significantly quieter? Another tires I consider are Continental Ruban. Pity Pirelli does not make theirs Cinturato above 50mm, this would be my first choice :-).

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Hello. Thanks for watching! In my opinion the Mezcal tires are much quieter on the road than most MTB tires. They have a continuous center tread that makes it a smoother rolling and faster tire. All the best in your search.

[@cyberpunkfpv3032]

What pressure do you running tnem?

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Hello. I usually run between 22-25psi depending on terrain, setup tubeless of course. Thanks for watching. Cheers

[@marciooki5820]

Thanks for the review.how they perform in snow?

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Hello. Sorry for the very late response but for some reason you comment was held for review and I missed it. Unfortunately I can not answer your question as I do not ride them in snow. But I would imagine they would not be the best choice for snow. Thanks for watching. Cheers

[@haraldhofmann6802]

Hi, I have a quick question. I have the same set of tyres and according to Vittoria, only a few sizes 29x2.1 to z9x2.35 come tubeless ready. These are apparently not. But you still run them tubeless, right? No issues I suppose according to your video. I am just asking because I would like to ditch my inner tubes. Thanks

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Not sure why you think these are not tubeless ready? They most certainly are tubeless ready. I wouldn't have it any other way. Cheers

[@haraldhofmann6802]

​@@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures Thanks for the reply. Sorry, my mistake. I had another look at the website and I just didn't read it correctly. But it means, happy days, I will put some sealant in tomorrow. Cheers and thanks again for the reply

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

@@haraldhofmann6802 no worries. Amazing tires, enjoy!

[@rintrah40]

I have the vittoria mezcal 29 x 2.6 tires. I finally decided to go tubeless and took my wheels to my local bike shop to have them do it. Unfortunately, the mechanic doesn't think they are tubeless ready because there's no markings on the sidewalls that say they are tubeless ready. The description states they are tubeless though... I'm very frustrated because I thought they were tubeless ready but now I'm not sure.

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

They are 100% tubeless ready. And are in fact one of the better tubeless setups I have used to date. Cheers

[@rintrah40]

@@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures yes, I agree with you. Upon further research I found on Vittoria's website that the XC-Trail on the sidewall denotes the stronger puncture resistance and tubeless ready tire, the XC-Race is also tubeless but lighter weight tire without the extra reinforced sidewall.

[@lxi_zn]

Do they fit true to size on your rims? What ID are they?

[@emacrz2561]

You should go to another bike shop

[@rodriguezahr]

Picking up mines shortly. These will replace the original Schwalbe Ray “front” Ralph “rear” which last only 1500 km. You said 8000 miles on those?

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

8000 kms not miles. They are awesome tires without a doubt. Cheers

[@bootsauce47]

Just pulled on a set of these tires in 27.5 flavour. I wanted something with more tread for the fall (Shwalbe G One 27.5 x 2.8). They were kind of hard to hunt down too. My only experience with Vittoria was with an Opus gravel bike that had Terreno Dry (I believe). Those 700c x 33 ballooned to 38. Did these tires come out to spec? I actually don’t mind if they come out bigger… Buying into the gravel bike kool-aid who would of thought the best gravel bike I own is fully rigid mountain bike! I am also an owner of a Giant Revolt Advanced 2 as well.

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

They are great tires. I am still using Mezcal's on my bike. Thanks for watching!

[@samuraioodon]

@@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures how's it in wet and peanut butter mud? I'm looking for an all rounder.. This or maybe brazo? What's your opinion? Thanks

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

@@samuraioodon they do as well as can be expected in mud like that. As for the better all around tire I would go with the Mezcal for sure. The Brazo has a more aggressive tread pattern and the Mezcal has a continuous center tread which is a much faster tire in all conditions. Cheers

[@samuraioodon]

@@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures thank you. Are you more like an aggressive rider or cautious and casual? Have you done the tour divide?

[@nendinosaurus]

How wide are they and what is your inner rim width? Because some 2.6 tires run much smaller and others bigger then their stated size

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Hello. They are 2.6 width which it does says in the title. My rims have a internal width of 30 mm. Cheers

[@nendinosaurus]

@@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures yes I know, but did you measure them? many tires are undersized, and some are actually bigger. For example, many 2.6 tires measure actually closer to 2.4 then 2.6 inches wide

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

@@nendinosaurus no i did not measure them. I have been a bike mechanic for over 20 years now and without measuring them I would say they are pretty true to size based on my experience. Cheers

[@shitfer]

​@@nendinosaurusApparently being a bike mechanic for 20+ yrs qualifies him to not be assed to use a set of calipers to measure actual width. Another commenter has mentioned that his rims with a 30mm ID measures them at 2.7. Hope this helps. Wish my frame would accept that width. *Edit -My 30mm ID rims with Mezcal 2.6's inflated to 30psi still measured 2.6 by my calipers Even inflated to that they fit my hardtail... barely. I'm going to try them on my 25 ID aluminumn training wheels. I've got something in mind for them.

[@jayoabel1391]

what model is your fork sir?

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Hi Jay. The fork is a Trek 1120 Adventure Touring 29" Forks here is a link. Cheers www.trekbikes.com/ca/en_CA/equipment/cycling-components/bike-forks/rigid-bike-forks/trek-1120-adventure-touring-29-forks/p/22448/?colorCode=bluedark

[@alias8125]

I recently got a pair of 29x2.35 for bikepacking allrounder, coming from some plus WTB trailblazers 27x2.8. I must say that im deeply disappointed, the tyres feel so slow, no actual benefit from the previous. Maybe as semiplus in 2,6 they are a good deal if not the best out there.

[@2secondslater]

You have realy bad pedalling position, like horrendously bad

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Really?! i was riding while trying to film, do you really think that I was worried about how I was pedalling? i was leaning to try and film and my pedalling was not how I would normally pedal. It's crazy how you can make a comment like that from the clips in this video.

[@2secondslater]

@@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures you're the guy that made the video! I'm just stating what I am looking at, which looks like really effing bad pedalling position. I didn't film it or do the pedalling 😂

[@2secondslater]

Don't get your knickers in a twist or your pedaling might get worse! Haha 🤘

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

@@2secondslater have a good one.

[@2secondslater]

@@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures you too