Cross-country race tracks have become much more technical and demanding in recent years. With the MTB category of down-country bikes more and more sporty, efficient touring bikes are coming onto the market that combine the propulsion of race bikes with the downhill qualities of trail bikes. And this is exactly what tyre manufacturers are responding to, such as Schwalbe with the new Wicked Will or now Vittoria with the new Syerra. Improved puncture protection and extra grip compared to XC tyres should help the rider to maintain composure and the fun that comes with it, so that they can also ride more demanding trails without any problems. At the same time, tyres should not be too heavy for use on down-country bikes and offer low rolling resistance.
While the Syerra shares a similar tread design with its more aggressive brothers, such as the Mazza or the Agarro, it stands out above all with its reduced weight of 850 grams and its improved rolling behaviour. The design of the 29 x 2.4 inch wide MTB tyre with its open tread and grippy outer lugs should also guarantee secure cornering grip.
The new tread pattern with moderate lug spacing and a large channel between the centre and side tread should not only provide sufficient traction when climbing on loose scree, but also make it easier for the tyre to clean itself. The new Syerra also relies on Vittoria once again relies on a four-part graphene compound. Two fast, harder rubber compounds are used on the centre lugs to keep rolling resistance low. On the side knobs, Vittoria uses two softer compounds over the 60-TPI carcass.
The Syerra was developed for front and rear use, but can also be combined with other tyres. By using a robust tubeless-ready carcass, reinforced with puncture protection in the sidewalls (APF), the Syerra is said to be more robust and durable than classic XC tyres, without this having a major impact on the weight. At 850 grams, the new Vittoria tyre is in the same league as the Schwalbe Wicked Will or a Maxxis Rekon. It costs 60.95 euros.
Lukas Niebuhr
Working student
