Vittoria Mezcal Tire Review

This is a review of the Vittoria Mezcal tire. I test the 29x2.25 version of this tire.

[@tonys623]

Your ability to give detailed analysis of the handling characteristics as you take each turn makes this review a win.

[@user-yv2cz8oj1k]

Hurray, an actual review. Refreshing after watching three adverts pretending to be reviews for their tyres.

[@rogerarmendariz3810]

I have been interested in those tires for a long time thanks for the review.

[@chad220]

Nice! I just installed the 2.4 Goma/Morsa combo on my Trance, loving them so far. Also my first experience with Vittoria mtb tires.

[@Team81MTB]

Thanks for the review Clint. I have been looking at this tire for a while along with a few others. Your review and all the comments have made up my mind. I'll definitely be buying a set of these next week. Thanks again. 👍

[@rgmtb]

Interesting tire and not a brand I have heard of. Thanks for taking the time to do this review and major props to the bike shop that sent them your way!

[@TrulsHJohnsen]

Brilliant review, excactly what I was looking for! Even though this video is 3yrs old, I`m getting these for my White Bike. Thnx!

[@cfayard]

Keep it up! Your videos are great, you are very concise and to the point with your words. Thanks.

[@dragonjerod]

I needed to get a set of new tires, someone mentioned this brand and I wasn't sure. After watching this video got convinced(especially living in FL since they seem to be meant for our trails conditions). Can't wait to try them, props for the great video.

[@dragonjerod]

Tried the tires today lightly on the road(leaning the bike as low as I can) and on lightly wet grass, so far so good. Comparing them to a set of specialized ground control(can't remember which) and a set of schwalbe rocket ron they don't have the same grippy feel/feedback yet I can lean the bike as low(almost laying the bike down). They do feel easier and eager to turn. While on the ground control and schwalbe I put more pressure to steer, on the mezcal the steering happens amazingly smooth and effortless. On both the pavement and the wet grass the rolling resistance was great, I didn't felt like the tire was sticking to the ground making me push harder, yet I didn't feel like I didn't had grip. I did some cornering on the wet grass and they did not slipped. I'll be riding on an actual trail this weekend, but so far I love them.

[@earthquakemagoon2505]

Great review! There is a race out in Arizona called the BARNBURNER MTB (a Leadville qualifier). The course is on hard-pack fire roads with long, fast very rocky down hills with hardly any good lines to follow. This Tire looks to be perfect for that race. Thanks for the review. P.S. There are a few videos of this race on youtube. Type in BARN BURNER and look for the picture of the rider wearing a fluorescent-green jersey with matching knee-high socks in the video selection guide. That is one of the videos.

[@allenjanes5976]

I have those on my camber. Very happy with them. Nice job

[@AngelsRapture]

I wanted tubeless tires on my 29er, the rims it came with were tubeless ready. Already taped just needed to install the valves they provided for the tubeless tires. With a sweet discount from an online retailer. I picked up two Vittoria Mescal tires. Just like every video about installing tubeless, the first one was a gift and the second one was a total pain. Had to go with plan b which was to jet to the local gas station to pop the beads on the last tire. Using published data and my scale. I took off 30.33 ounces from the bike (two tubes and two wire bead tires). From that alone, these tires used tubeless are a great update to a bike. Tomorrow is the first ride.

[@darrellid]

Nice review, Clint. Been riding these tires in 27.5x2.25 and 27.5x2.35 for a couple of seasons and agree with your conclusions--excellent in dry conditions, predictable, light, fast rolling, and tough. No tread punctures or sidewall cuts despite all the quartzite here in SE Idaho. These roll as well as Racing Ralphs or Rocket Rons but are much tougher and more forgiving. That said, they are poor in wet conditions and terrible in mud, so they're not for everyone. I prefer to run these in back with something more aggressive up front. Also: most Vittoria tires are super cheap and can be had for less than $40, if you know where to look.

[@calebjohnson7264]

Your chain is incredibly clean!

[@user-pg9cy1sd1p]

Good to have another tire option to check out. I ended up with the Schwalbe NNs and RRs in part for their wet limestone traction. We have a number of creeks around here that I have to traverse and having the right rubber compound can mean the difference between falling or not. So these Vittoria tires would need to first be put through that test for sure.

[@BrettWae]

Fantastic commentary while riding.

[@marcalsamways9825]

Hey there, i'm currently using Barzo/Mezcal combo in my hardtail (both XC Race, tan sidewalls) and i had no issues with them at all, especially regarding flats. Right now i'm in the process of searching a new tire, as the Mezcal in the rear is almost worn out, and i ended up finding this review. I have to say, excelent review man, congrats! Initially i was thinking about acquiring a Mezcal XC trail 2.25 (gray sidewall - more reinforced), because i liked this tire, but when we start looking for other tires then you start to get too much choices and gets confused. Other tires that i'm considering right now (after reading reviews and hearing advices) are: Schwalbe Racing Ralph, Maxxis Ardent Race, Michelin Force XC and also Vittoria Barzo. Note: i do xc riding but also like hitting trails (bikeparks mostly), so i enjoy a more "agressive" combo but with not too much rolling resistance. Anyway, it seem that you tested lots of other brands so, if you have any advice on that i would be thankful.

[@livefreeandshred9818]

I use goma 29x2.4 on my trail bike and I love them

[@mizznfizz1]

Nice review Clint, you should give a little update on what you think of them after having ridden them for a little while with a mileage update. Couple things... - you will find that either they will last you forever or wont last a season. I have found over the years that most of my Vittoria tires can last 700-1000 miles of mixed terrain, both TNT and standard, but it varies from tire series to tire series (had an OG Gato that had something like 2k miles on it over 4yrs of riding). - Vittoria and Stans rims dont really mix. They have gotten better over the years but the TNT bead of the Vittoria tires are INCREDIBLY tight comparatively. Your hands have never known hurt until you try to dismount and OLD Version of the TNT an OG Stans Flows. I have broken high dollar levers on that combo. - Vittoria TNT like LOW pressures... knock a couple PSI off your normal tubeless riding pressures and you will feel the tires really come alive... Currently run 2.4" GOMA TNT and do 15-18 front and 17-20 rear. - Vittoria XC rated tires do not like wet... I have ridden the Saguaro, AKA and Mezcal II (briefly) and the do great in lots of conditions, but once you throw wet rock or roots at them you will find their grip limits quickly. As long as you realize this, you will find that they break loose VERY predictably. - The Mezcal 2.35" specifically that I had at the beginning of this year was NOT true to size. Ran it on a WTB i29, which a Vittoria CSR said it was more designed for, and it came out to 2.2" at the widest section (the outer most knobs). After exchanging multiple emails with Vittoria, pictures with digital calipers, they did find that their dies were running small and thus not a true 2.35". Vittoria was exceptional in that they replaced the tire, free of charge, with a tire of my choosing (grabbed another Goma 2.4 which actually measures LARGER) and shipped to me via 2-Day express. Now that is customer service!!! All in all I have been running Vittoria/GEAX tires for 8yrs now and still absolutely love them. Have tried multiple other brands, and also end up going back to Vittoria as a fav.

[@kitten-inside]

Geax Mezcal on the back, Geax Goma on the front. Best speed/grip combo for dry conditions. Another Goma on the back for the fall and winter season (wet sand and mud).

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Almost time for a gimbal! Vittoria Saguaros are fairly popular out west for the XC/light trail crowd. Vittoria makes good tires.

[@BoogerBob43]

Excellent review, thanks! I rode Pythons for nearly 20 years here in Michigan because they rolled fairly fast, had high volume and predictible handling. They handled deep sand very well: they didn't knife around. Big knobs skitter around and flex too much on our loose over hardpack. Unfortunately, Pythons have become much more expensive, heavier and harder to find (but you can get them trhough Hutchinson) so I grabbed a set of 2016 Specialized S-works Fast Trak 26x2.2 and they are like improved Pythons: roll a bit faster, corner a bit better, a bit more volume. The Mezcal was on my short list.

[@ClintGibbs]

+BoogerBob43 👍

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

Finally, You got Yourself some REAL tyres! Geax was Vittoria's mtb tyre department, but it became so good, that Vittoria decided to sell it under main brand name. The only manufacturer that doesn't undersize that I know for now. You should try it too guys. :-)

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

BTW the weight difference comes from the real size and also the fact that Vittoria/Geax will not have paper sidewall and also the main thread part is thicker than competition too.

[@MrJubea]

3majsie maciek You should also mention that Vittoria tires wear off just by looking at them. Great grip but awfull durability

[@axelhoglund6101]

MrJubea not really true in my opinion, maybe the standard peyotes wears out fast. But these mezcal TNT with G+ lasts forever!

[@patricklaureys1249]

I used Geax Blade back in Belgium. Only thing to fly through the mud. Insane!

[@magnumllama400]

@@polishguywithhardtospellna8227 which has paper sidewall?

[@wwaytobe]

Running a 27.5 x 2.4 Goma on my front right now. It has been great I think i'll go 2.4 goma front and rear for my very mixed all mountain riding.

[@doctorwhodj]

LIVING IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA WHERE ITS MOSTLY DRY ALL YEAR,,,.. I DONT RUN INTO MUD MUCH AND WILL APPRECIATE THE LINEAR / FAST TIRE FEEDBACK AND FAST ROLLING WITH SOME PROTECTION AS WELL.. GOOD JOB VITTORIA.

[@philippelanthier8462]

I did the same switch. Rocket measured 2.15 at best and the Mezcal pretty close to 2.25. So added weight for added volume. Makes sense.

[@AngelsRapture]

That was the tire I was considering to put a tubeless on my new DiamondBack Overdrive Pro 29. It came with a non tubeless tire and the valves to convert to tubeless. I am a big fan of Vittoria. Have been using them on my road bikes for quite a while. Thanks for this review. I was wondering how it would work here in Florida. My outback riding is mostly abandoned asphalt that dissolves into loose gravel and the typical soft and packed sand.

[@PrimePixelHD]

Vittoria also have a new gravel tyre range called Terreno that are available in this US but to be released world-wide [hopefully] soon. Looking forward to the Terreno Dry release as that seems like the perfect tyre for my use. If you can get your hands on them I would love to see a review.

[@donavinnezar]

i think ill be going with these as the conditions in my area are usually hardpack with sandy/gravely sections (gauteng south africa)and i also often use my bike for commute to friends houses so these would be great for pavements/tarmac

[@karlconnolly5610]

Hey - Thanks - This is really really great.

[@StuartKerrison]

I just fitted a Vittoria Agarro to my FS 29er. I have to say this is the perfect rear tyre for me. Grip for days and incredibly fast. Now researching what my new front tyre will be, but it will be a Vittoria for sure.

[@robertbalkovec4087]

I'm thinking about to put Vittoria Mezcal on the back and Vittoria Aggaro on the front. I have Hardtail Cube 29" and riding mostly dusty stone roads. What do you think?

[@StuartKerrison]

@@robertbalkovec4087 I haven't tried the Mezcal myself, but everything I have read about it says it's a great XC style tyre. With the Agarro on the front, you should have a nice fast rolling set-up with a decent amount of grip up front in rougher sections. A lot of the trails in my area can get pretty gnarly, so I went for the Martello up front. It's a killer trail combo with the Agarro at the back.

[@h4nn0S]

Great review, thx a lot man :-)

[@kevinmtb7574]

Looks good, think to go change my schwalbe racing ralph to this tires

[@keithhammers7404]

So I installed the same tire as a rear only a few months ago as well. Measure the width on the 2.25. On my Arch Ex's, it measured via caliper at 2.33 inches. I installed a Barzo 2.35 on the front which measured 2.28. Maybe I should get a 2.35 Mezcal for the front

[@Klips005]

Nice race pace haha are these still great? or even for long touring with road? They look good for all else as mentioned

[@sturdyvw]

@Clint Gibbs can you please review the ikon 3c tr that is similar to this tire and compare to the rocket ron? Keep up the good work with your videos!

[@fooboomoo]

today, these tires are still great!

[@ankalagonNS]

i am using same tire for over a year now, wear on them are just awesome because of graphen in compound... you will see

[@ClintGibbs]

+Predrag Jovanovic 👍

[@michaelhayward7572]

Hugely popular with the bikepacking scene and endurance races like the Tour Divide.

[@tigerbalm666]

Exactly wut I need for my new Marin San Quentin 2....

[@VitekHolubovsky]

Review the Maxxis Aspen 29x2.25 please!

[@dwight6502]

Man I just bought and used my Mezcal 29 x 2.35 and the one thing that disappointed me was the tire size its only like a 2.25. I have a rim with a 28mm inner width. Compared to my previous CST Jack Rabbit || they look the same with 45psi. Its the best tire I had since I started cycling. Its just the it doesn't look like a 2.35, more likely a 2.25.

[@johnyoung3409]

What's the width of your rim? What is your experience with wide and narrow rims changing tire performance?

[@WilliamSmith-eb5lf]

Could you do a test with a dropper seat post on your xc bike?

[@rickgervais8445]

These are surprisingly very good in mud, even wet rocks and roots.

[@silys5253]

They are advertised as fast in dry conditions and that is exactly what they do. I have them in 29 x 2.6 front and rear and the rolling resistance is indeed super low. They also handle wet roads no problem (I ride on concrete / asphalt a lot) but they are horrible in muddy conditions. The tread is not made for mud at all.

[@F1neW1ne]

Hmmm. Question. I have Racing Ralphs on my Anthem 27.5 and the back tire has worn 80%. Front still has 80% tread. Do people ever just buy one tire? Put it on the front and move the front to the back? And even get a different brand on the front?

[@mustangjosh94]

UBC has a small satellite shop at Alafia River State park now. I've rented a couple if bikes through there and have been impressed with there staff.

[@skullabikes783]

WOuld this be good for a ripmo dry packed terrain? currently running Minion DHF Wide Trail Dual Compound/EXO/TR Tire but seems like too much resistance for dry terrain

[@jfresh2054]

best road bike tires for a mountain bike? I like ride both road and trail biking and would like to have a set for both scenerios.

[@markturner-smith5309]

Race XC (being UK very rare the dry conditions you have - one race more often mix of all conditions) on Vittoria's Barzo TNT's 2.25 brilliant nice round profile as the review ture. Barzo like a Rocket Ron/X-king in looks but far better & come in at 670g for mine. Full on wet conditions the New Gato 2 TNT 2.2's used which is amazing & even though 790g does not feel that in rolling weight which highlights the point Clint made about tyre weights not always the end story as to how tyres roll & feel, the Gato's use as my everyday/training UK conditions then come race day the 100g less is a bonus with the Barzo.

[@magnumllama400]

Xking is bad tire

[@LifeAsDane]

Just purchased the Mezcal for rear and Barzo for the front. Can’t wait to get on the bike and replace these Maxxis Ikon

[@Calvin_Wright]

I’ve just ordered the same, how are they running

[@JayG94]

What's wrong with the Ikon's for road/pavement/ light off road

[@yengsabio5315]

@@JayG94 I have Maxxis Ikon on my Giant Talon 2 (2017). Great tires for pavement & light trails. But I'm gonna acquire pairs of Vittoria Mezcal & WTB Riddler, too, so I can compare them against Maxxis Ikon.

[@yengsabio5315]

@Great Dane That's great combo! My fellow bikers tells a lot of their good experiences with that combo esp. on trails. I haven't tried it though. I currently use Maxxis Ikon.

[@ronachaipratanaphon5378]

How it compare to saguaro? Which one is better on road?

[@zxtenn]

CC has them on sale now, 27.5 X 2.6 about 72.00 for 2. I think I will grab a pair, already received my Trail king 2.4 but not on yet, I don't do any intentional wet rock riding and dry rock riding is limitedMy 27.5 X 2.6 just came Today, $36.00 a piece, my size weight is listed as 830 by Vittoria packaging. I am sure they are more than adequate for my type of riding and skill level

[@garysbraccia4980]

Have you ridden it with a Barzo up front?? Also their site says not for use with hookless rims? Is this an issue??

[@mkosmos]

Clint, which tires would you recommend for cross country bikes with 26'' wheels? terrain that is ridden is rocky (all kind of rocky terrain from rock gardens to gravel roads with hard packed or loose gravel), dry with very little or no dirt at all (so no mud at all). I also ride quite a lot on paved roads (to get to trails and back)

[@ClintGibbs]

+M Kosmos well, I think these Vittoria tires would be great for what you described. The knobs are closer together than an all Mountain Tire which in my opinion provides less exposure to rocks.

[@LeonardVGS]

I use Maxxis Ranchero 26 x 2.0, its a good all around tire

[@fra93ilgrande]

I'm kinda old school with a 15 years old 26 xc 😅 lol 😂 but I'm currently running Michelins, Force xc 2.10 front and Wild race'r 2.0 rear 👌🏻

[@leobardoayala4666]

I have a rekon 29x2.4 and I want to change to a pair of mezcal but there are two options 29x2.25 or 2.6 which option should I go?

[@ClintGibbs]

2.25 for XC bike, 2.6 for a trail bike

[@robrobinson420]

look good tyre not one i would think of too. great bike by way.

[@Nauptwellness]

Which trail are you riding? I'm in FL and primarily ride Halpatiokee and Johnathan Dickinson. Which tires would you recommend?

[@ClintGibbs]

A great all-around tire combination is a Maxxis Recon on the front and a Recon race on the back.

[@harlansilva8935]

I think my Mezcal tires 2.25, at rear, are sliping so much in technical and gravel descends even with low psi. It occurs to anybody too? It's very different with the Barzo in front. I have a lot of confidence in it.

[@catherinebeltran-serrano6212]

Im planning to change my vittoria mezcal tires..it really slips particularly on concrete roads..

[@richardmiddleton7770]

Wow 20-23 PSI at 145lb is quite high! I'm the same weight and rarely run over 15 PSI!

[@eduardlopez4307]

Hi there. Im your great subscriber! Just want to ask about the vittoria mezcal 2.25 about how is it feel or have you try rode it in the road is it fast rolling in asphalt or pavement? Please waiting for your answer. Many thanks

[@ClintGibbs]

Not much rolling resistance on the road. It's a fast tire.

[@eduardlopez4307]

@@ClintGibbs thanks

[@jdg9359]

Just purchased a BMC two stroke AL two with vittoria barzo tires. I do mostly city and light trail riding. Would you recommend the mezcal’s over the barzo’s?

[@marcg611]

if you do alot of city asphalt, then mezcal would be better. mezcal is faster and more efficient, many use them for larger drop bar bikepacking and monstercross adventure bikes

[@juanrojos78]

Are they pretty true to the 2.25 width

[@Mylittleretrocomputerworld]

if something silent on the asphalt does not mean, it is fast. eg the racing ray is more silent than the race king, and the rolling resistance is better on the race king.

[@corbinbolick1732]

Hey clint, I bent my presta valve on my tubeless setup and dont wanna buy a new one, or remove the tire to. What would you recommend me try to fix it?

[@ClintGibbs]

+Corbin Bolick if it has a removable valve core you can see if your local shop just has cores. Otherwise you'll have to replace the whole valve stem.

[@corbinbolick1732]

Clint Gibbs thanks for the quick response! I'll run down there tomorrow and see if they do. If I do get a new core, do you think it would be worth it to try to fix the old core just to have a spare?

[@ClintGibbs]

+Corbin Bolick they are pretty cheap so I wouldn't bother. You don't want to have issues of a valve stem leaking.

[@corbinbolick1732]

Clint Gibbs Ok, thanks for your input. I didnt wanna replace cause I have the stans rim strip so that really helped

[@PiotrSoluch]

I wonder what your thoughts on the new 2018 Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 are. Will you be getting one? A video maybe?

[@ClintGibbs]

+Piotr Soluch just picked up a Trance for my next project so one bike at a time. But I will ride the new Anthem as soon as I can.

[@AaronSchroder]

+Clint Gibbs - a new Trance!?!?! You've barely worn in the last one? Haha.

[@ioannidesalex]

Tubeless ready mean that you can install it even with inner tube even as tubeless ?

[@ClintGibbs]

Yes, you can still use inner tubes on TR rims

[@SalvadorFrieri]

Clint are you keeping these tires on your Niner?

[@ClintGibbs]

+Salvador Frieri yes I am

[@yengsabio5315]

@@ClintGibbs I just saw this video now! One of the (very few) best review that I've seen re Mezcal. I find that you seem to have enjoyed the tire. So I decided, I'm gonna get a pair of Vittoria Mezcal, and another pair of WTB Riddler, and then compare them. You do have a great channel, by the way! It's one of my go-to when in comes to MTB! Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines!

[@kolhozzznick]

Заказал себе такие , будет первый опыт использоваеия покрышек vittoria mezcal

[@b-manz]

Are these the TR? 2.25 meant to be only 580 grams

[@robertbalkovec4087]

I'm thinking about to put Vittoria Mezcal on the back and Vittoria Aggaro on the front. I have Hardtail Cube 29" and riding mostly dusty stone roads. What do you think?

[@ClintGibbs]

That sounds like a good combination. I'm about to switch up the combo on my cross-country bike to a more aggressive tire on the front.

[@robertbalkovec4087]

@@ClintGibbs for more trust and confidence :) What do you think for ebike, what's a difference between Mezcal and e-Barzo? Maybe is eBarzo better for heavy rider as I am?

[@thatdudemoe9109]

When using these Tubeless, what tire pressure do you recommend?

[@ClintGibbs]

I weigh about 150 lb and I run 21 psi in the front and 23 in the back

[@ebigford34]

tires were 80g each difference? thats only 0.35lbs total, did you actually gain an entire half pound?

[@jonathanelswood216]

ebigford34 fresh sealant. Old stuff was evaporated most likely 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@twowheelslater7112]

so couple years down the road do you still recommend them?

[@ClintGibbs]

Yes. They have held up really well.

[@DreamhopMusic]

interesting =)

[@magnumllama400]

Do you use soap to get the bead seat?

[@ClintGibbs]

I usually do

[@magnumllama400]

@@ClintGibbs how do you do it?

[@ClintGibbs]

@@magnumllama400 I put a little bit of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle and then fill the rest with water. I shake it up and then just spray it between the bead and the rim

[@ShelbyPowell]

How do these compare to the RoRos?

[@ClintGibbs]

+Shelby Powell a little smoother and better cornering grip

[@tbygate810]

Thanks for the review. How do you think it would compare to a new RoRo (i.e., you mentioned that the RoRo was in need of being replaced)? Any advantage to the RoRo?

[@ClintGibbs]

+T Bygate I like the fact that the rocket rons are lighter. Yes, the rubber was about 10 months old so it starts to lose a little bit if it's grip when it's like that. After riding the Mezcal tires for 8 to 12 months then I may switch back to the rocket Ron's and see how they compare.

[@mr.jgrobbelaar6501]

Hi. How did it hold up?

[@ClintGibbs]

I would say the tread lasts longer than other tires that I've used. No issues with the sidewalls.

[@mr.jgrobbelaar6501]

Thanks. How do it compare with Maxxis Ikons?

[@ClintGibbs]

Really hard to say without riding both back to back but gut feeling is they’re pretty similar.

[@mr.jgrobbelaar6501]

Thanks. I think iam going vir Ardent infront and Vittoria Barza in the back

Good vid If you need any free music for your videos, come browse through the playlist's i have, i think they would really imrpove your videos!

[@bikebudha01]

Had these tires, really wanted them to work well. BUT... they are pretty 'meh'. Don't do anything well, don't do anything terrible. Not happy with the bite on steep uphill climbs, nor happy with the corning ability. Again, not terrible, but certainly not worth the money, and there are better options out there. (the suck in the wet)

[@YanDoroshenko]

$140? Just around a quarter of my bike's price. Maybe some other time.

[@1986mancini]

Your bike must suck balls then

[@logandesimone3993]

Well this is total bullshit. This is the first ever time that he has said that its ok to add half a pound to his bike.

[@DanielTojcic]

Logan Desimone I feel that he simply left out his comments regarding that, because the entire video I was thinking 1/2 lbs is too much

[@YanDoroshenko]

Where have you ever seen a 23kg bike? Was it made out of Plutonium?

[@ClintGibbs]

+Logan Desimone the Plus tires that I tested a while ago added a few pounds to the bike but yet they were faster in the corners. My point was that weight is not the only factor to consider with tires. BS? No.

[@ankalagonNS]

plus racing ralph was worn out.

[@YanDoroshenko]

200 grams is 2% of a 23 lbs bike. Which sounds like not a big deal to me.

[@moefoemonkey]

first

[@joeydorego9246]

Second

[@bradleym6246]

43rd

[@cup_and_cone]

Bradley M - I'm 28th. You reserving that space for 43?