Vittoria has unveiled the RideArmor, claiming its toughest road tyre defends against punctures on any paved surface, in all conditions.
The Italian brand says the RideArmor’s durability and grip suit year-round training and commuting.
This sounds similar to the Grand Prix 4 Season. But unlike these winter road bike tyres, the RideArmor is available tubeless and as a clincher.
Vittoria offers the RideArmor in seven sizes, ranging from 700x26c to 700x38c. Each costs £59.99 / $79.99 / €59.95.
01/03/204 – an earlier version of this article stated the Vittoria RideArmor was similar in construction to a Continental Gatorskin. Vittoria has since clarified the construction is more alike a GP 4 Season.
ArmorSkin sidewall
The RideArmor’s puncture resistance comes from a bead-to-bead puncture protection belt, reinforced bead shield layers and the ArmorSkin sidewall, according to Vittoria.
The brand says the ArmorSkin sidewall is made from a polyamide fabric to protect against cuts and abrasions on any road surface, no matter the weather.
Toughness comes at the cost of weight, with the RideArmor claimed to weigh 375g in a 700x28c size.
Corsa Pro compound
The RideArmor uses the Graphene + Silca compound first introduced in Vittoria’s performance road tyres, such as the Corsa Pro and Corsa N.Ext.
Vittoria says the rubber compound makes the RideArmor durable, comfortable and grippy in the dry and wet.
Thicker treads in the 100 TPI nylon casing are claimed to blend reliable puncture resistance with speed for training and even racing.
A slick gravel tyre?
Vittoria says the RideArmor has a slick tread to lower rolling resistance, without supplying any data on the tyre’s efficiency.
Given the RideArmor’s all-season characteristics, it’s safe to assume it won’t be among the fastest road bike tyres.
Vittoria says the 700x38c option is suitable for gravel bikes.
All sizes wider than 28mm are compatible with hookless rims, according to the brand.
We spied the RideArmor at the iceBike show, but haven't ridden it yet. Stay tuned to BikeRadar for a full review.
