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Vittoria Evo XG 34mm Tubular |
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Written by Matt Hersey
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Monday, 25 September 2006 |
 | | Vittoria Evo XG 34mm Tubular |
Tester: Matt Hersey, Team Bikeman.com Rider, Certified Bikeman Product Tester
Conditions: New England's best cross courses.
Review: I bought these tires because I couldn't get my hands on Challenge Grifos - they were backordered last year. I saw these Vittoria tubulars on the website and I couldn't believe the price - it seemed too good to be true.
These tires mounted up easily enough. Al showed me how to do the glue and tape method. The silver color is unique. There were less imperfections in tire trueness and roundness compared to the Grifos. The valve stem is actually better than the Grifos - nice and long so you never need to use an valve extender to inflate. These tires also feature a "run flat" feature which gives makes them more predictable and less squirrely in the event of a flat. Luckily, I never flatted these tires, but I could certainly see the"run flat" feature in action when I left the bike hanging up last winter.
Performance-wise, these tires are not as light as Grifos. The casing doesn't feel as supple and responsive in the corners and the bumps. I noticed that these tires lose traction and "slide out" in a difficult corner much quicker than a Grifo.
The biggest downside of these tires is the longevity. I only got about 12 races out of the rear tire before the base tape started to peel away from the tire and make me doubt its safety. Now the same is happening with the front. Maybe some of it is my fault - I put a fat tire on a skinny rim - maybe they weren't the best match - I don't know.
I talked to another Bikeman.com team member who owned a set of these tires. He said that he used the Vittorias for a short amount of time before he took them off. Bottom line - for a first timer these would make a decent set of tubulars. They are inexpensive. However, once you've ridden Grifos you can't go back. They are magical!
Matt Hersey
Rated:
 | $48.95
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| Vittoria Cross EVO XG: 700x34c, Tubular, Silver. This new design, specifically made for cyclocross, is ideal for all trails where traction and control are vital, on dirt or mud: - the cleverly spaced knobs make for a self-cleaning tyre, with low rolling resistance; - tubular version with hybrid Cotton K 220 TPI casing (cotton thread and... |
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; "Vittoria Evo XG 34mm Tubular")
