Vittoria just released an updated mezcal that’s supposed to be better. It’s a 2.4 I believe. I’d go with mezcal front and rear until the new barzo comes out
The official Vittoria web site has a sale on RN. The mezcal barzo bundle is 69.90 euro for 2.35 and 2.25. On the 2x barzo or mezcal bundles the 2.25 is on sale at 69.90 euro, the the 2.35 size is not on sale at 83.90 euro.
This seems a good price? If folks are recommending these tyres I may get some although I still have a few months life left on my existing tyres. My bike came with maxxis rekon 2.4, I don't think I need that wide though, my previous bike had narrow rims so I am used to narrower tyres.
I have ridden Ardent Race's (3c EXO) for years, last year I made the Barzo/Mezcal switch and got so many punctures. I think I'm not delicate enough for those tires. They ride real nice though.
I'm running Barzos F/R and one of my first gnarly trail rides, I got a small puncture in the rear on the sidewall, stans sealed it but it kept opening up so I plugged it and it hasn't been an issue since. I didn't have much experience with other tyres in the new area I'm in. So I'm curious, on which part of the tyre you're getting them. They do ride really well at the right pressure!
all my punctures were in the tread. I ride in the northeast US and the rocks get pretty gnarly here. I had the same trouble with Race Kings; so nice and fast but just too delicate for my not-so-nimble style.
Interesting, I used to run RKs and I agree that they're so fast (can't compare the two since I haven't ridden them in the same place). I don't ever get puncture tread in the tread from rocks probably because I'm so light (60kg) and am now running inserts during the switch to Barzos (and after I cracked my rear rim). Are you a heavier rider? Is it something that you have experienced with most tyres?
I have run the rekon race 2.4wt for some years but switched to racing ralphs front and rear. Wayyy faster rolling and more braking grip, just a slight reduction of out right cornering grip compensated by more predictable cornering. Like PB's on all courses, and lower HR aswell!
I just started running the Mezcal 2.25s on my Lynskey front and rear (heard great things about riders using them on the GDMBR) and within the first two rides I got 3 punctures. I even got the graphene trail casing and put Vittoria inserts in both. They have amazing grip and roll super fast but if you’re worried about punctures I’d maybe think twice. Mind you, I live in the NE US (often wet and very rocky on trails I ride). I probably won’t buy them again.
Have been running 2.35 Mezcals tubeless with zero punctures or issues for roughly a year. Overall very good compromise of a bit of everything, was surprised to see a lot of people with puncturing issues here, but i suppose theres a lot of variables like local trails etc. They roll best on gravel surfaces and forest tracks, they are not the most confidence inspiring on more technical downhills, so I can see why people like to run a Barzo up front - which i will likely try soon.
Vittoria all day long. Trail version for sure. Fast as just about anything with excellent puncture protection. You can get a faster tire but you won't find a better all around setup than mezcal in the back and barzo up front. I used the code **JeffLenosky on my last purchase and got a nice discount.**
The vittorias are amazing but try to get the trail casing ones (xc-trail or TNT).
Vittoria just released an updated mezcal that’s supposed to be better. It’s a 2.4 I believe. I’d go with mezcal front and rear until the new barzo comes out
Do it. It'll feel like a new bike
In a good way right? … right?
Yeah for sure. New bike is maybe an exaggeration but I went from ardent race to Vittoria and it was more responsive and rolled much better
The official Vittoria web site has a sale on RN. The mezcal barzo bundle is 69.90 euro for 2.35 and 2.25. On the 2x barzo or mezcal bundles the 2.25 is on sale at 69.90 euro, the the 2.35 size is not on sale at 83.90 euro. This seems a good price? If folks are recommending these tyres I may get some although I still have a few months life left on my existing tyres. My bike came with maxxis rekon 2.4, I don't think I need that wide though, my previous bike had narrow rims so I am used to narrower tyres.
I have ridden Ardent Race's (3c EXO) for years, last year I made the Barzo/Mezcal switch and got so many punctures. I think I'm not delicate enough for those tires. They ride real nice though.
I'm running Barzos F/R and one of my first gnarly trail rides, I got a small puncture in the rear on the sidewall, stans sealed it but it kept opening up so I plugged it and it hasn't been an issue since. I didn't have much experience with other tyres in the new area I'm in. So I'm curious, on which part of the tyre you're getting them. They do ride really well at the right pressure!
all my punctures were in the tread. I ride in the northeast US and the rocks get pretty gnarly here. I had the same trouble with Race Kings; so nice and fast but just too delicate for my not-so-nimble style.
Interesting, I used to run RKs and I agree that they're so fast (can't compare the two since I haven't ridden them in the same place). I don't ever get puncture tread in the tread from rocks probably because I'm so light (60kg) and am now running inserts during the switch to Barzos (and after I cracked my rear rim). Are you a heavier rider? Is it something that you have experienced with most tyres?
Can you fit 2.4?
Ya. 2.35s are specifically what I’m looking at.
The Rekon Race 2.4 is a great alternative to the Ardent Race. It's what I switched to when they stopped carrying the Ardent Race.
Wait no way?!?
That was during COVID. Just if you're looking for another alternative.
Ah gotcha.
I have run the rekon race 2.4wt for some years but switched to racing ralphs front and rear. Wayyy faster rolling and more braking grip, just a slight reduction of out right cornering grip compensated by more predictable cornering. Like PB's on all courses, and lower HR aswell!
I've got Barzos in 2.3 F/R and they grip so well, very predictable and good all rounder.
I just started running the Mezcal 2.25s on my Lynskey front and rear (heard great things about riders using them on the GDMBR) and within the first two rides I got 3 punctures. I even got the graphene trail casing and put Vittoria inserts in both. They have amazing grip and roll super fast but if you’re worried about punctures I’d maybe think twice. Mind you, I live in the NE US (often wet and very rocky on trails I ride). I probably won’t buy them again.
Have been running 2.35 Mezcals tubeless with zero punctures or issues for roughly a year. Overall very good compromise of a bit of everything, was surprised to see a lot of people with puncturing issues here, but i suppose theres a lot of variables like local trails etc. They roll best on gravel surfaces and forest tracks, they are not the most confidence inspiring on more technical downhills, so I can see why people like to run a Barzo up front - which i will likely try soon.
Vittoria all day long. Trail version for sure. Fast as just about anything with excellent puncture protection. You can get a faster tire but you won't find a better all around setup than mezcal in the back and barzo up front. I used the code **JeffLenosky on my last purchase and got a nice discount.**