Anyone with a passing interest in cycling tech has probably been exposed to the hype surrounding Vittoria's new quadruple compound design, the heart of which is a thin, nearly transparent layer of carbon called graphene. The claims made for this material have been impressive, but we weren't sure what to think until we got our hands on Vittoria's Corsa G Plus Clincher Tires. Vittoria blends four rubber compounds with the inclusion of graphene for the Corsa G, and, without throwing any hyperbole around, we'd say the difference is very noticeable.
The tires' 4C ISOtech construction, which allows for separate base and surface compounds to be strategically placed throughout the tire, made cornering feel smooth and consistent while the fast-rolling center reduces the atrophy of watts on straightaways. Vittoria claims that the elasticity and carbon construction of graphene creates an incredibly durable tire, but for even more reassurance, it adds KEVLAR to further reinforce the core spun K casing. With multiple cotton fibers twisted together to create one yarn, core spun casings are significantly stronger than typical casings, and they don't add additional weight to the tire.
The Corsa G's luxurious 320 TPI is a final element that sets it apart from other tires. TPI measures the number of threads per inch in a tire's casing, with higher counts equating to a lighter tire with a suppler ride. Whether it's due to the high TPI, the claimed benefits of graphene, or a combination of both, we can attest to the Corsa G's supple road feel and ability to smooth chattering chip seal surfaces. In the clincher version, each Corsa G Plus will add between 235g and 265g to your frame, depending on size, and the tires' classic, gum-wall aesthetic makes them an eye-catching addition to your frame.
