Here is my review of the Vittoria Corsa G+ folding tire from which I've owned and rode two same tires.
REPLACEMENT
I've tried to 'upgrade' from my Panaracer EVO3 clincher tires which showed clearly some signs of wear. (https://gerhardwanninger.wixsite.com/mysite/post/panaracer-race-a-l-evo-3-road-bicycle-tire-long-term-review).
VITTORIA GRAPHENE TIRES
Checking out the internet I came across the latest Vittoria tires with the 'revolutionary material' Graphene or G+, which should be 'superior in speed, grip, durability, and wear resistance.
Graphene is an allotrope of carbon in the form of a single layer of atoms in a two-dimensional hexagon lattice in which one atom forms each vertex. Graphene has a unique set of properties that set it apart from other materials. In proportion to its thickness, it is about 100 times stronger than the strongest steel. It conducts heat and electricity very efficiently and is nearly transparent.
HISTORY OF VITTORIA
According to Vittoria's homepage, 'since 1953 Vittoria Industries Ltd. has built highly reputable partnerships within the cycling industry. Today’s Vittoria Industries Ltd. is the world’s leading manufacturer of bicycle tires, with an annual production of more than 7 million tires and 900.000 famous tubular and cotton tires. The company is running its own production facilities in Thailand'; an Italian branded bike tire made in the Far East. More on https://www.vittoria.com/ap/.
PRICE
I was very tempted to use this new invention and gave it a try. My bike took me to the dealer, and I found a black clincher tire in 700x25c for NT$1050/US$33.53/€30.47 here in Taiwan. The packing is hexagon-shaped, obviously a reference to the chemical construction of Graphene. Included are the tire and a clincher mounting instruction as an additional folded paper.
WEIGHT
- Weight: 240g/tire for the black clincher in 700x25c tire. It is not the lightest tire, but it should have the most advanced material. Maybe the weight penalty for paying for 'new' technology?
MONTAGE
The montage was quite an easy task. It took me only two tire levers, one less than the Panaracer EVO3. The fitting was spot on without any fiddling with the tire to place it in its proper place on the rim.
EXPERIENCE
In the beginning, the ride was smooth. On my alloy frame with carbon rear stays, I've noticed an increase in comfort, the tire rolled easily and followed the direction intended easily. As a result of the confidence, my average speed increased but not by much.
1st Tire
I rode the first tire for around 2.000 km on the rear until it busted with a big noise during a 300km tour. Upon further inspection, I noticed a diagonal cut across the width of the tire including the inner tube. I've mended the tire with a patch from the inside and replaced the inner tube. I could ride the last 40km back home without problems.
2nd Tire
My 2nd tire, mounted on the front, has been ridden until it separated right in the center of the tread! I did not carry a patch and tried to reinforce the gap with leaves and plastic, but I still blew all of my three inner spare tires. As a consequence. I had the pleasure of a six-hour walk back home; imagine walking in road cycling shoes with cleats mounted on the soles.
Both tires would have enough tread life to continue for hundreds of kilometers. But after both fatal failures, they were unusable for a save ride. From one Corsa G+, I've made a belt for my trousers, the other is still waiting for being used somehow...
CONCLUSION
At my age. I am no more a racer and ride accordingly. I am very disappointed with the quality of the 1st generation Graphene tires from Vittoria. It seemed to me that either the manufacturing process, the quality control, or even during the hype of the 'new' Graphene material led to a half-baked product. Not without reason, the company introduced the 2nd generation Graphene G2.0 tires in December 2019.
My confidence in these tires blew not only once but twice. I will leave the invention of Graphene tires in any form to others and rather invest my hard-earned money into a pair of solid and high-quality hand-made German tires. At a later time, I will introduce and review my new Continental GP5000 tires.
A Word of Caution
Always ride with a helmet and in a way that you are in control of the bike, not the other way around. Ride responsibly, defensively, and safely! It is senseless to gain some seconds but spends weeks recovering in a hospital and/or at home! You, your body, your parents, your family, and your friends will surely appreciate your precautions during a bike ride.
Take care, Gerhard
I've owned these tested tires, mounted, and rode them for thousands of kilometers by myself. I paid for Vittoria CORSA G+ Folding Tire (1st Generation) out of my own pocket, I am neither endorsed nor sponsored by anyone. Subscribers, followers, and comments are more than welcome!
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