CX/Gravel Tire Test: Vittoria Mezcal III TNT G+ 2.0 44

The Vittoria Mezcal is one of Vittoria's most popular mountain bike tires, and now it's available for gravel bikes in the 35-622 and 44-622 sizes. While Vittoria already has an extensive range of cyclocross and gravel bike tires, the Mezcal stands out for its versatile tread pattern.

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Although the tread pattern of the Mezcal gravel bike tires looks similar to the mountain bike version, the knob height is lower to suit gravel bike conditions better. Luckily, we've also tested the 29x2.25 size of the Mezcal (read our review), and it provides us a great opportunity to compare the gravel bike and mountain bike versions.

If you're already a Pro Member, you can compare the MTB and gravel bike versions of the Mezcal through Pro View, which allows you to compare all the tires we've tested in a single overview.

As previously mentioned, the gravel bike edition of the Mezcal is available in the 35-622 and 44-622 sizes. We've tested the 44-622 version, and in this review, we're going to compare it to the best-rated gravel bike tires with a similar knob height.

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer Specs
Brand	Vittoria
Model	Mezcal III TNT G+ 2.0
Year	2023
Supplied By	Bought in store
New or Used	New
Mileage	0 km
Price Range	High
Buy At	Ad Amazon.com
Manufacturer part number	11A.00.352
EAN	8022530026123
TPI	120
Compound	G+ 2.0
Bead	Folding
ETRTO	44-622
Specified Weight	500 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi)	65
Made In	Members Only
Available Sizes	35-622 (700x35c) 44-622 (700x44c)

Vittoria Mezcal III TNT G+ 2.0 44 Test Results

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight	500 grams
Measured Weight	520 grams
Measured Width Casing	42 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread	43 mm
Measured Height	40 mm (un-round)
Measured Knob Height Center	1.5 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	2.4 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs)	2.40 mm
Measured Total Thickness Sidewall	Members Only
All size measurements are taken at low air pressure on a 17.8 mm inner width rim.

Rolling Resistance Test Results

Rolling Resistance Test Results
Inner Tube	None (30 ml sealant)
Measured Width	42 mm
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 66 psi/4.6 bar 33-35 = 60 psi/4.1 bar 36-38 = 54 psi/3.7 bar 39-42 = 50 psi/3.4 bar 43-46 = 46 psi/3.2 bar 47-50 = 42 psi/2.9 barHigh Air Pressure (50 psi / 3.4 bar)	Members Only
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 55 psi/3.8 bar 33-35 = 50 psi/3.4 bar 36-38 = 45 psi/3.1 bar 39-42 = 42 psi/2.9 bar 43-46 = 38 psi/2.6 bar 47-50 = 35 psi/2.4 barMedium Air Pressure (42 psi / 2.9 bar)	Members Only
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 44 psi/3.0 bar 33-35 = 40 psi/2.8 bar 36-38 = 36 psi/2.6 bar 39-42 = 33 psi/2.3 bar 43-46 = 31 psi/2.1 bar 47-50 = 28 psi/1.9 barLow Air Pressure (33 psi / 2.3 bar)	21.9 Watts CRR: 0.00656
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 33 psi/2.3 bar 33-35 = 30 psi/2.1 bar 36-38 = 27 psi/1.9 bar 39-42 = 25 psi/1.7 bar 43-46 = 23 psi/1.6 bar 47-50 = 21 psi/1.4 barExtra Low Air Pressure (25 psi / 1.7 bar)	24.8 Watts CRR: 0.00743
The CX/Gravel section is a multi tire size section, air pressures have been adjusted to the measured casing width. All numbers are for a single tire at a speed of 29 km/h / 18 mph and a load of 42.5 kg / 94 lbs. Use the formula: RR (Watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load.

Puncture Resistance Test Results

Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better)
Total Puncture Score Tread	38 Points
Total Puncture Score Sidewall	Members Only
Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Members Only
Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Members Only
Tread Total Tire Thickness	2.40 mm
Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Members Only
Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Members Only
Sidewall Total Tire Thickness	Members Only

Hard Surface Static Grip Test Results

Static Grip Test Results
Wet Grip Average	66 Points
Wet Grip Center	Members Only
Wet Grip Edge	Members Only
Measured Knob Height Center	1.5 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	2.4 mm
Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100 CX/Gravel grip test rim width = 23.0 mm
Wet Grip Test and Off-Road Tires (info)

Conclusion

Although the Vittoria Mezcal as a gravel bike tire doesn't claim the outright number 1 position in any of our tests, it is one of the best all-round performers for those who want to stick to a single tire for all seasons.

Although we don't rate the tread pattern, it looks to be one of the strongest points, as it should be capable of clearing light mud. Some of the competing tires that perform better in our tests will definitely struggle more when the conditions get tough.

When we compare the Mezcal to Vittoria's other gravel bike tires, it is clearly the strongest performer in our tests. Unless you have very specific needs, we even want to go as far as to recommend sticking to the Mezcal in either the 35 or 44 mm size if you're looking for a gravel bike tire from Vittoria.

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RATING: 4.0 / 5
TEST VERDICT: Recommended

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