The Vittoria Peyote is a low-profile tyre with a new construction designed for XC racing. It feels impressive, has supple sidewalls and is smooth rolling. Grip is limited in certain situations, perhaps unsurprising given the minimal tread depth. If speed is a priority, this tyre should be on your best mountain bike tyre shortlist.
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Vittoria Peyote XC Race – Technical Details
The Peyote comes in a single 2.4in width and a single carcass type, called the XC Race. Two colour options are available: tan or black sidewalls – with minimal weight difference between them. The black version has a claimed weight of 740g, while the tan sidewall version is 730g. Our tan-coloured tyres weighed in at 717g.
The carcass and compound are new additions to Vittoria’s line-up. Known as the Race Formulation, this compound includes Graphene and Silica. The carcass is rated at 60tpi; although many other brands are moving to higher TPI counts, Vittoria has chosen to stick with 60.
Vittoria claims the new Race Formulation compound offers a six per cent reduction in rolling resistance compared to the previous XC Race casing – along with an 11% increase in grip.
There is no specific puncture protection layer within the casing, but with a reduction from 120 to 60tpi the increase means fewer but larger threads, which improves puncture resistance.
Vittoria Peyote XC Race – Performance
Fitting the tyres was straightforward, and they were tested on both Bontrager Kovee Elite and Hunt MTB XC Wide V3 wheels, needing at most a single tyre lever. The Tubeless setup was mess-free, inflating easily with just a track pump, and the tyres held air well throughout the test, requiring only minimal top-ups.
Initial impressions highlighted the softness and suppleness of the carcass, despite being only 60tpi, the tyres rolled smoothly and conformed over even the smallest bumps. The quiet, smooth rolling gives a sense of speed, though, without formal testing, this remains subjective.
On smoother tracks, roads and forest paths, performance is impressive. The tyres feel light, and grip isn’t an issue. However, as the terrain becomes more technical or varied, the limitations of the low-profile tread start to be felt. Designed for dry, fine and loose conditions, traction can begin to slip even on some dry trails. For optimal traction, it’s essential to keep the tyre weighted climbing.
The Peyote is likely most popular as a rear-only tyre, paired with either the Vittoria Mezcal or Barzo, both of which offer superior cornering grip. Using one on the front, the Peyote works well on sandy or soil surfaces but tends to drift on rocky surfaces, especially in wet conditions. While deeper treads on the edges provide some extra grip, you need the confidence to manage the drift on anything less than dry, hard-packed surfaces.
Despite limited grip in some conditions, the Peyote impresses, providing a bit more grip and confidence than expected given the minimal tread. Its sense of speed, smoothness and comfort make it a tyre worth considering, especially if balancing grip with speed is a priority.
Throughout the test period, I have been fortunate not to suffer any punctures. While the lack of a puncture protection layer may detract some riders, I expect many will use the tyre in race situations, potentially with a tyre insert, reducing the impact a puncture would have.
Vittoria Peyote XC Race – Verdict
Priced at £65, the Vittoria Peyote is competitively positioned for a fast, lightweight XC race tyre. The recently tested WTB Marco offers slightly more grip but lacks the Peyote’s impressive suppleness and is more expensive at £75. Schwalbe’s Rick XC comes in at £71, and the Continental Race King at £68.45, both of which are popular with racers.
The Peyote delivers impressive ride quality, feeling as if it floats over bumps and provides a strong sensation of speed. As a front tyre, it performs best in dry, firm conditions but is more versatile when used as a rear tyre, delivering traction that exceeds expectations as long as it’s kept weighted. With its updated compound, wide carcass, and low-profile tread, the Vittoria Peyote is an excellent choice when speed matters.
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