Has Vittoria improved its legendary Mezcal tires with the latest XC Race Formulation version? I’ve been riding them in all conditions to find out

Vittoria’s existing fast feeling, long lasting Mezcal is a hugely popular tire in the XCO and XC Marathon race scene and with ultra distance, FKT (fastest known time) and bikepacking riders too. The latest version comes with a new XC Race Formulation construction and compound that’s designed to make it more stable, tougher, faster and yet grippier in more conditions. That certainly sounds like a winning move, but how do they ride and compare to other leading XC rubber options on the trail? 

Design and build

Before its many fans start fretting, the Mezcal tread pattern hasn’t changed. You still get the centreline of alternating ‘slopey Fs’ with small, perpendicular siped sub knobs creating a relatively tight arrowhead pattern. A wave pattern of parallel siped side knobs then sits on top of the rounded shoulder. The Race Formulation compound is a new graphene and silica mix though, replacing the previous quad compound graphene 4C recipe of the Mezcal XCR.

The new tire also moves from a 120TPI (Threads Per Inch) carcass fabric to a 60TPI weave, overlapped to triple layer under the tread. It’s currently available in only a 29 x 2.4in size, but with black or brown sidewall options. Like a lot of new generation XC tires, it’s gained weight but that’s paid back in toughness.

Performance

For once, that claimed width isn’t far from the truth either, with my test tires blowing up easily to 2.35in on a 30mm internal rim. The largely unbroken centreline tread gives the Mezcal a very easy roll on hardpack and road. That’s why it’s always been so popular with the long-distance crowd as well as drier conditions racers. 

The good news is that the new silicon elements in the compound mean it doesn’t slide around nearly as much on wet roots and rocks either. They still need respect and a careful line choice wherever possible, but the rubber grip is now in line with the latest fast compound XC tires from Maxxis, Schwalbe, Specialized etc. The more open outer tread means it’s OK in muddier conditions too, but really comes into its own on dry, loose surfaces where it can be pushed noticeably harder without trust issues than the semi-slick Vittoria Peyote.

The new carcass is more stable too so you can go lower with pressures for more ground molding without it suddenly crumpling and stumbling. You do lose speed – I tested this physically following other tires/riders, not just anecdotally – running at lower pressures though. It also has a more drunk, slurring feel than other brands once you’re into teen PSI. That means it’s still better for pilots who prefer higher (20psi plus pressures) and a more lively, high-energy feel with a slightly skatey, pinging ground feel rather than a damped vibe. The rounded shape and alternating flexy side knobs mean it’s a controlled drifter than a hard carver in corners.

Although the weight is noticeable when accelerating compared to superlight options like Specialized S-Works, it’s on par with Schwalbe, Maxxis, Michelin, Pirelli etc. off the line. The win is that after several months of thrashing, the new carcass seems more durable in terms of scuff/puncture resistance and wear life is excellent so far as well.  

Verdict

Mezcal is still a tire best suited to dry/loose/hardpack riding at higher pressures so its loyal fan club aren’t going to be disappointed with the changes. The more stable carcass, less hydrophobic compound and bigger, tougher carcass make it much more predictable and controlled in wetter/more aggressive situations too.

In other words, Vittoria has done a great job of updating a favorite fast rubber option for the increasingly challenging world of XC without losing the characteristics that have made it a classic for many riders. 

Tech Specs: Vittoria Mezcal XC Race tire

Price: $99.99 / £64.99 / €77.95

Sizes: 29 x 2.4in

Options: Black or brown wall

Weight: 748g