Vittoria

Mazza XC-Trail 29in Tire

Absolute Tire Failure

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

29x2.6

Height:

5' 6"

Weight:

195

Bought this bun after a lot research, looking for alternatives to my wobbly Maxxis DHF [which I have been running on the rear]. It seemed to fit the bill, so I went ahead and bought it. I had it sitting for a few months, until my DHF finally reached its end. I spooned it on less than a week ago and finally took it out for its maiden voyage this afternoon. 3 miles of climbing later, on the top of the ridge, it was time for the fun part. Not even 50-60 meters down the trail and BOOM! Cataclysmic blowout. I examined the tire trailside, and found a pretty large, L-shaped puncture between two tread blocks. The puncture was large enough that not even three bacon strips shoved in would seal it. This is my training loop, and I’ve ridden it probably 100+ times. Never had any kind of flat, anywhere. When the tire failed, I actually wandered back up the trail to see if there was any errant broken glass or some kind of litter anywhere. Was it possible? Surely. Was it likely? Probably not… it is a well-ridden trail and dozens of bikes are on it at some point every week. The area was rocky and loose, but it’s not like I was riding down a bunch of sharpened flint. Again, this is a trail with which I am very familiar, so it’s not like there is anything unexpected. Could it have been a rock? Maybe. Were my tires over/under inflated? Nope. I run my rear tire pretty firm… 26-28 lbs. Today was no different. Again, NEVER had a flat on this trail. I’m also running Huck Norris inserts, for good measure. I mean, it could just have been the perfect storm of circumstances… unsure. But in the end, it was a long walk back to the car. Looks like I’m going back to the old Maxxis wobble. I’ll take it over a big puncture any day. I don’t think I’ll trust a Vittoria anytime soon.