In a bid to find a more general-use tire with more grip, greater puncture protection, and less clearance concerns, I've fitted Vittoria Mezcal Mezcal XC Trail 29 x 2.1in tires, moving on from the Continental Race King ProTection 2.2in tires I had fitted previously. The Conti's were bloody fast and rode like clouds, but still didn't have quite the grip I was looking for. With "dry race day only" clearance, I wanted something I could worry about less while out bikepacking. To be clear, the RK's never rubbed, even on rough singletrack or in standing sprints.
The Mezcals measure out to 52.5mm, which is the same measured width as my old 50mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M's. Having put thousands of miles on that measured width I know these will have zero clearance issues, even in moderate mud.
I wasn't initially sold on the gray sidewalls, but now that I have them mounted, I think they look fantastic with the Matcha Green frame. Initial impressions are a noticeable increase in cornering grip, but they still feel cushy and fast rolling. Can't wait to get out bikepacking with these!
by vecdran
2 Comments
what kind of fenders are you using ?
I love the diversity of gravel bikes. This is so unlike the bikes I personally ride as someone who sticks to asphalt/dirt but it speaks to how much you can do! Looks very practical for off-road.