Vittoria is a pillar in the tire business, and their recent technologies have come with some bold claims. One such development began several years ago, mixing a special type of graphene into their tires. Doing so promised better durability, grip, rolling resistance, puncture resistance – and overall improvement in seemingly every area of performance. For 2019, they’ve introduced an updated Graphene 2.0 technology, said to offer further benefits.
Vittoria Introduces Graphene 2.0 Tires
Vittoria’s use of graphene for wheels and tires isn’t new, with its first introduction in 2015. We covered the specifics of the first generation tech, called Graphene+. In fact, Vittoria says that they are the #1 user of graphene in the bike industry, using literal tons of it every year.
For 2019, they’re rolling out an updated Graphene 2.0, with more tech and a promise of gains all-around. If you’re a roadie, how does DOUBLE the mileage sound? Or for off-road tires, how about DOUBLE the grip? These are among their claims, along with improvements in rolling resistance, air retention, and cut resistance.
While these claims look impressive, it’s our duty to remain skeptical for now. Where are the units of measure in the charts above? What is the protocol for each test? We look forward to seeing detailed test data to help explain and prove what looks to be promising technology.
How exactly does the new Graphene 2.0 work? Here’s the word straight from Vittoria:
“Graphene interacts with rubber by filling the space in between the rubber molecules, which has been verified to increase all positive performance metrics. Unlike the first-generation graphene, the new 2.0 graphene is functionalized to enhance specific tire [performance]. In other words, where the first generation of graphene compounds raised the bar evenly, Graphene 2.0 pin-points each performance metric, and increases it [disproportionately] to the rest. Vittoria is now able to apply Graphene in such a way that it can achieve a performance boost specifically for speed, wet grip, durability and puncture resistance.”
While not used in every Vittoria tire, Graphene 2.0 is already found in current road options such as the Corsa and Corsa Speed.
If off-road is more your thing, Graphene 2.0 is already in the latest Barzo, Mezcal, and more.
Graphene 2.0 and 4C Compound Technology
Graphene 2.0 has also been integrated into the existing Vittoria 4C technology. Using a unique production process, 4C allows for the use of four different compounds in one tire. By adding Graphene 2.0, Vittoria claims to further hone each compound for better performance in its specific application.
We look forward to getting out hands on more test data, and physical samples of tires to review. Tires have come a long way in recent decades, and we have no reason to think that the improvements won’t continue. For more information on Graphene 2.0 and the tire models that use it, check out Vittoria at the link below.
