Vittoria’s new Cross-XS tire will come in both tubular and TNT tubeless-ready clincher versions and will use their next generation Corespun cotton casing. That casing has the same tpi as the original but uses a new construction process that’s closer to how they make their track tires and makes it more supple. Beyond that, Vittoria’s reps weren’t giving up any details until closer to the product’s actual release.
Fortunately, that release should be before cyclocross season’s completely under way. Available in fall as a 700×33, they’ll possibly do a wider one for gravel, too…
The tread profile has hexagonal grids in the center with transition knobs leading to the mid sized edge knobs. That’s something you don’t often see, with many file tread tires jumping straight to the full size edge knobs. The tire shown here is the tubular and not glued to the rim, hence the imperfect angle.
It was being shown on a custom Zanconato ‘cross bike, mounted to the upcoming Qurano Disc cyclocross wheel. The Qurano line is their Graphene-enhanced carbon fiber rim lineup, and these were the new disc brake version.
The Qurano clincher wheels use a tubeless-ready design with an asymmetric tire well that they say helps ease tire installation by making it easier for the tire to slide up one side of the rim and seat one of the clincher’ beads, after which the other bead should follow suit. For the full tech run down on Vittoria’s use of Graphene to make lighter, stronger and better performing wheels, click here and the link directly above.
The new Martello DH tire (Martello means hammer in Italian) has been in race testing by their sponsored pros. It gets a new 4C rubber compound that uses a different base rubber compound under the tread rubber, and then they put a softer compound on the outer knobs.
Knobs have progressive sipe width, which on the center knobs keeps it firmer in the pedaling direction but held it deform more when braking to grab better. The side knobs turn that 90° to help it flex more in the direction needed to create traction.
This one shows the wear after two world cups, which shows how the addition of Graphene improves durability.
The new Cannoli 27.5-plus tire joins the Bombolini but has a more aggressive paddle tread pattern to work in sand and snow better. Has TNT casing (Tube / No Tube, their tubeless ready indication) and sidewall protection. They’ll offer it in a 3.0 width in 27.5″ and 29er, and a 26 x 4.8. Weights and pricing are TBD, available this fall for both DH and Plus Tires.
These plus wheels are the new Deamion 27.5 and 29er with 40mm inside width and boost spacing. Alloy rim. 1900g for 27.5+ set, available this fall, price TBD.
