Vittoria Martello Enduro Race
27.5x2.4" - 60-584 - 1C Race Tread - Graphene 2.0
Agressive Folding Tubeless Premium Enduro/e-MTB Tyres
RRP £74.99
- Brand new Martello Race Enduro tyre at the best UK price.
- Genuine OEM Vittoria stock as is supplied with a new bike build.
- Fast free shipping with Royal Mail. (Tracked upgrades available)
- If you have seen a better deal, make us an offer and we will beat it!!
The race-day choice for hardpack to mixed course conditions
Vittoria Martello, as reviewed by Pink Bike (reviewed is the cheaper 4C Enduro model which is not as soft, tacky, supple or puncture resistant as the Enduro Race model for sale in this listing)
The tire uses Vittoria’s patented 4C technology, as well as boasting the added benefit of using graphene in the tire. The idea is that the graphene can fill in the small holes, on a molecular level, between rubber particles. In Vittoria’s own words the use of graphene can “achieve a performance boost specifically for speed, wet grip, durability and puncture resistance”. Bold claims indeed.
The tire went up particularly easily. It didn’t require the booster tank of my pump and made for a short process.
On my first ride, where I went down my anointed test track that I both began and finished every test period with, I was amazed by the level of grip it offered compared to its predecessor. Although there was good braking and cornering traction, it really shone over rocks and roots and offered levels of adhesion that some of the other tires, most notably the Hans Dampf, struggled to achieve. It’s almost hard to put into words but, as mountain bikers, the best example I can probably give is that it was like riding in your first set of Five Tens. I think this was a combination of three things - a supple casing that seems to yield both support and compliance, soft-to-the-touch rubber and carefully placed sipes that allow the knobs to deform as needed to the terrain.
I often use the word ‘scrape’ when referring to the initial sensation when getting on the brakes. I know it’s probably not the most scientific word but it does tend to illustrate what I mean. The Martello removed that scraping sensation altogether and felt like it got straight to the point.
Running at 26PSI I did make the tire burp once or twice over the duration of testing but it was only second to the Aggressor in this regard, which seemed somewhat unshakeable. All in all, I felt the Martello was very adequate in this area.
The tread offered good performance in all conditions and is probably the most versatile on the test. Although transitioning from the centre to side tread offers a predictable and consistent feeling, it doesn’t quite have the large side knobs of the Michelin, and probably for that reason, I would say that it isn’t quite as supportive when leaned over. However, it does offer a very reasonable rolling speed, especially considering the aforementioned grip, and also seemed one of the most durable on test. I’m not sure if this is down to the four different compounds or the graphene, and I can only talk about proof and puddings, but it does seem to offer something very tangible. I would love to try the same tire without the graphene, if only to help quantify what actual difference it makes. Mr. and Mrs. Vittoria… if you’re listening…
If you're cynical about rear tires that offer anything less than all-out traction but are still a little curious, this could be a real option. It doesn't have quite the same level of support when you’re really leaning the bike as other tires on test, but it’s ample for me and makes for a very strong candidate for a true pedal friendly and do it all rear tire.
Vittoria is an Italian brand that you may well associate more with road biking than off road riding, but I think in the coming years this will be set to change. Not because they’re reducing their road presence, but on the contrary, they seem to be drastically upping the ante in their off-road ranges. You may have seen the release of the Mazza tire range. The Martello is a less aggressive tire and aims to be well rounded and versatile. To look at it, it doesn’t look totally dissimilar to the Hans Dampf.
Vittoria Martello Enduro
• Casing - Enduro
• Compound - 4C
• Size - 29 x 2.35
• Pressure - 26PSI
• Claimed / Actual Weight - 1230 / 1242g
• Width on 30mm Rim - 59mm
• www.vittoria.com
• Casing - Enduro
• Compound - 4C
• Size - 29 x 2.35
• Pressure - 26PSI
• Claimed / Actual Weight - 1230 / 1242g
• Width on 30mm Rim - 59mm
• www.vittoria.com
The tire uses Vittoria’s patented 4C technology, as well as boasting the added benefit of using graphene in the tire. The idea is that the graphene can fill in the small holes, on a molecular level, between rubber particles. In Vittoria’s own words the use of graphene can “achieve a performance boost specifically for speed, wet grip, durability and puncture resistance”. Bold claims indeed.
The tire went up particularly easily. It didn’t require the booster tank of my pump and made for a short process.
On my first ride, where I went down my anointed test track that I both began and finished every test period with, I was amazed by the level of grip it offered compared to its predecessor. Although there was good braking and cornering traction, it really shone over rocks and roots and offered levels of adhesion that some of the other tires, most notably the Hans Dampf, struggled to achieve. It’s almost hard to put into words but, as mountain bikers, the best example I can probably give is that it was like riding in your first set of Five Tens. I think this was a combination of three things - a supple casing that seems to yield both support and compliance, soft-to-the-touch rubber and carefully placed sipes that allow the knobs to deform as needed to the terrain.
I often use the word ‘scrape’ when referring to the initial sensation when getting on the brakes. I know it’s probably not the most scientific word but it does tend to illustrate what I mean. The Martello removed that scraping sensation altogether and felt like it got straight to the point.
Running at 26PSI I did make the tire burp once or twice over the duration of testing but it was only second to the Aggressor in this regard, which seemed somewhat unshakeable. All in all, I felt the Martello was very adequate in this area.
The tread offered good performance in all conditions and is probably the most versatile on the test. Although transitioning from the centre to side tread offers a predictable and consistent feeling, it doesn’t quite have the large side knobs of the Michelin, and probably for that reason, I would say that it isn’t quite as supportive when leaned over. However, it does offer a very reasonable rolling speed, especially considering the aforementioned grip, and also seemed one of the most durable on test. I’m not sure if this is down to the four different compounds or the graphene, and I can only talk about proof and puddings, but it does seem to offer something very tangible. I would love to try the same tire without the graphene, if only to help quantify what actual difference it makes. Mr. and Mrs. Vittoria… if you’re listening…
If you're cynical about rear tires that offer anything less than all-out traction but are still a little curious, this could be a real option. It doesn't have quite the same level of support when you’re really leaning the bike as other tires on test, but it’s ample for me and makes for a very strong candidate for a true pedal friendly and do it all rear tire.
Pros
+ The most well-rounded tire on test+ Grips well over the majority of surfaces
Cons
- Good, but not exceptional when leaned over