I’m have the Vittoria Mezcal XC Race G2.0 XC Race (sidewall) on my gravel bike. Their mezcal line is confusing. I had a sidewalk puncture this past weekend that I had to plug. To be fair, these tires likely are the most supple in their line. It was easy to tell installing them how thin the sidewalls are. Makes for a cushy ride but wouldn’t trust them for places like unbound which shred tires.
Yeah, try the “trail” version, which has reinforced sidewall protection. Likewise for gravel the extra protection is the “endurance” casing. They still feel very supple to me, but , I’m sure not as much.
I’ve skimmed many rocks during XC races on my barzo and mezcal trail casings with no issues. Hopefully the same robustness is found for gravel.
I’ve settled on the Race Kings on ENVE 4.5s for Big Sugar next weekend. No inserts, Silca sealant.
I ran that set up in a local gravel race last weekend and it felt really good. Big Sugar will be a much tougher test in terms of punctures so it will be interesting to see how they fare versus what @atdaberry experienced on the TB’s. Planning to do some pre-riding Thursday so will be watching the puncture situation closely…
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What frame? MOG?
And sometimes there’s just bad luck. I don’t know what caused the puncture. Pretty smooth gravel when it happened.
How is the puncture protection on the race kings ?
I will tell you after Big Sugar…lol
I have flatted them at Leadville when riding aggressively and not purposefully taking good lines. Worst one was when i tore off a side knob and then couldn’t plug it.
I’d settle for Race Kings too if I could find some!
Took the Burts off and rode again on 47mm pathfinder pros. Harsh ride but felt solid and confident again.
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Plenty available…
Also:
I’m running 650b wheels, so I was able to pick up the RK for $55 from TFB.
https://r2-bike.com/CONTINENTAL-Tire-Race-King-29-x-220-BlackChili-ProTection
Not sure where you are, but they ship fast to the US. Shipping isn’t cheap, but I usually order 4 tires at a time and can’t get them cheaper locally.
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Report: TB 2.1 Speed are really fast in pavement, but also rear tire wears fast!
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That’s probably my biggest concern with these. I’d really like to try them but at $100 a pop it is an expensive experiment for something that wears out so fast.
Worth stocking up. 4 plus shipping is about $200 US.
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They ship to the US? That’s a great deal!
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Yup! I’m in western Mass and have had a few orders delivered here. Takes less than a week (comparable with domestic orders) and the prices for Schwalbe/Conti tires can’t be beat.
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Been wondering what the fattest tire I can for in my Crux….Sofia is running a 2.2 up front, undisclosed tire in the rear.
What is biggest tire anyone here has fit in a Crux?
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Lance Haidet had 2.2 front, 47 rear.
I just received but haven’t yet mounted some 2.1 Mezcals. I will let you know next week.
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Yeah, Sarah Sturm is running a 2.2 Renegade and a 47 Pathfinder….but I know you can go wider than a 47, just not certain how much wider.
Will be interesting to see how the Mezcals work out!!
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