Vittoria Syria is a 2.4″ tire per use Cross-Country, one of the first to wear the DownCountry lettering on his shoulder. Vittoria is investing heavily in recent years, not least the revolutionary Air-Liner Light (READ THE PROOF), also tested in combination with Syerra tyres. Small note: we were able to try the Syerras both with and without the insert.
FEATURES VITTORIA SYERRA 29X2.4″
Format 29″ in 2.4 (60mm ETRTO). Weight is important for Cross Country use: 850gr against the usual XC weights that travel around 650gr. Price of €66.
The tread could be defined as a very smooth but "fat" rubber: a sculpted semi-slick given the large side knobs that help make the tire perform well under intense use.
Vittoria Syerra tires have a diameter of 2.4″, a size accepted in Cross Country, with 60 tpi and 4C Graphene compound. Vittoria engineers have combined in a single product Speed and Rolling Efficiency – typical characteristics of the XC segment – with high Grip and Robustness – distinctive traits of the Trail segment. The result is a light and fast product that allows you to have fun even when tackling challenging descents and technical terrain.
OFFICIAL TRAILER VITTORIA SYERRA
FIELD TEST
It's been a while since I tried a dedicated XC tire, despite my Cross Country background, but, between you and me, this Syerra has the soul of a modern XC, nothing to do with the products of a few years ago.
Using this 2.4 Syerra I didn't have the feeling of using a Cross Country product: ok, the knob is not important, but the lateral holds and the footprint is wide, also considering the substantial structure that keeps the shoulder rigid, without losing precision when cornering or in more technical situations.
Smoothness is excellent and I can say that these Syerras have fully convinced me: one of the most successful Vittoria models. So spot on that I would have no problem using them both at the rear and at the front: in XC use it would be one of my favorite choices. It is certainly the ideal choice at the rear, while at the front it requires a fair amount of sensitivity to be fully exploited and not find yourself in difficulty in the more technical sections.
It must be said that the large footprint on the ground gives confidence and does not abandon us in time 0: for one use cross country pure is more than enough while, in a more technical use, an advanced rider might want to use a little more knob on the front to be even more daring. The large volume allows you to use low pressures without feeling the shoulder give in: in my case, in tubeless setup, I rode at 1.5 at the front and 1.7 at the rear (weight 75kg). So high in pressure? I heard some of you say it but, alas, I have to put in some air for when that positive ignorance rises and I ride my peak as if I had an enduro: the rims cost 🙂
Different speech in the Syerra test with the Vittoria Air-Liner Light inserts inside (READ THE PROOF): we got off there with a little more pressure and rode with less thought. The Syerra remains a perfect cover for dry conditions. In the light wet, thanks to the 2.4″ section and pronounced side knobs, it's not bad and gets along quite well. It's not the right tire on mud, but it's okay: the central knobs aren't pronounced and are therefore submerged in mud in a short time.
PROJECTED IMPACT
Vittoria are among the best models for Down Country use, so for those who do Cross Country but want a substantial product that does not only focus on performance in pedaling but can also support a bit in the technical sections. It remains a product that also winks at smoothness and therefore also pairs well with Marathon use, so as to have a little less to worry about downhill and in reliability in general (think about punctures).
They are certainly not the solution of the avid competitor but they are an excellent choice for those looking for an all-round and robust tire for their high mountain rides or for aggressive XC use. It is highly appreciated by those who want a sliding product and not a properly Trail/knobbed tyre. They are 2.4″ tires so they perform best on rims with a fairly wide channel (not under 25mm).
Defects? I honestly haven't found any: what they have to do they do with their heads held high. They are tires with semi-slick knobs which, of course, are not the ideal choice for riding in winter mud.
MORE INFORMATION: www.victoria.com
Price: € 65,95
