Help me choose versatile tyres for MTB (road + trail use)

[Jono]

On 9/9/2025 at 8:07 AM, Daniel de V said:

As a bit of an aside, does anyone have recommendations for a front tyre with more grip than a Maxxis Ikon and faster rolling than an XR4?

Have a look at the rekon (not rekon race) and forekaster for a front tyre. 

[Op1]

I am using the Vittoria Mezcal front and its really a fast tyre on the road and good on trails as well. 

[Coldphir3]

Reading the comment, I am leaning towards Vittoria Mezcal and Barzo, apparently peyote is slippery on wet surfaces

[Dappere]

37 minutes ago, Coldphir3 said:

Reading the comment, I am leaning towards Vittoria Mezcal and Barzo, apparently peyote is slippery on wet surfaces

The side knobs on the Mezcal XC Race and Peyote are identical - the only difference lies in the centre tread.

I’ve been running the Peyote as a rear tyre for some time now, including towards the end of winter and in my last race at Baviaans. It’s certainly not a winter tyre, but it does offer more grip than you might expect.

If you’re looking for a reliable setup, a Barzo on the front and a Mezcal on the back is a rock-solid combination. Pairing the Mezcal with the Peyote can cause a bit of drift when cornering hard, though it generally regains traction quickly.

If you’re not in a hurry, I’d recommend waiting until the Barzo arrives in SA in the XC Race casing and going for that pairing. In my view, they’re a definite step up from their predecessors.

[Coldphir3]

3 hours ago, Dappere said:

The side knobs on the Mezcal XC Race and Peyote are identical - the only difference lies in the centre tread.

I’ve been running the Peyote as a rear tyre for some time now, including towards the end of winter and in my last race at Baviaans. It’s certainly not a winter tyre, but it does offer more grip than you might expect.

If you’re looking for a reliable setup, a Barzo on the front and a Mezcal on the back is a rock-solid combination. Pairing the Mezcal with the Peyote can cause a bit of drift when cornering hard, though it generally regains traction quickly.

If you’re not in a hurry, I’d recommend waiting until the Barzo arrives in SA in the XC Race casing and going for that pairing. In my view, they’re a definite step up from their predecessors.

I checked my local store, I dont know much about casing, but I think they do have XCR 
Barzo: https://www.cyclelab.com/product/2017224-tyre-mtb-vittoria-barzo-29x235-xcr-tan-blk-blk-g20?srsltid=AfmBOorNs-8Kg0S8jhTr4IsycQrlUwywCkAmViZTsW3Q5fCzAYHtTdDR
Mezcal: https://www.cyclelab.com/product/2017169-tyre-mtb-vittoria-mezcal-iii-235-xcr-g20-tan

Not so sure if these are the correct casing I should be going for, Tan or Cape Cobra??

[Dappere]

16 hours ago, Coldphir3 said:

I checked my local store, I dont know much about casing, but I think they do have XCR 
Barzo: https://www.cyclelab.com/product/2017224-tyre-mtb-vittoria-barzo-29x235-xcr-tan-blk-blk-g20?srsltid=AfmBOorNs-8Kg0S8jhTr4IsycQrlUwywCkAmViZTsW3Q5fCzAYHtTdDR
Mezcal: https://www.cyclelab.com/product/2017169-tyre-mtb-vittoria-mezcal-iii-235-xcr-g20-tan

Not so sure if these are the correct casing I should be going for, Tan or Cape Cobra??

It doesn’t look like Cycle Lab currently has the XC Race version of these tyres. I also checked, and the Barzo in the XC Race casing isn’t available in SA yet.

Barzo reference: https://int.vittoria.com/products/barzo-xc-race-new?variant=56057812451709

Where to buy in SA:

• Mezcal: https://evobikes.co.za/product/vittoria-mezcal-xc-g2-race-tubeless-29-x-2-4-mtb-tyre-2/

 

[Scott roy]

I am not a Vitoria fan, my first thought for your situation is recon race, Pirelli too. The icon is a bit out dated in my opinion, not the best weight or performance. If you can get them continental race king, crazy fast but also quite pricy. 

[Dappere]

1 hour ago, Scott roy said:

I am not a Vitoria fan, my first thought for your situation is recon race, Pirelli too. The icon is a bit out dated in my opinion, not the best weight or performance. If you can get them continental race king, crazy fast but also quite pricy. 

I agree on the earlier Vittoria models, but the new XC Race version is in a completely different league. Pirelli Scorpions are also excellent tyres - I’ve had a few sets before switching to the new Vittorias.

The Rekon Race is probably the most reliable when it comes to puncture protection and longevity, although they are on the heavy side.

As for the Race Kings - they’re great tyres, but I’ll hold off until the new Dubnital arrives in South Africa, now finally available in 2.4.

[Scott roy]

30 minutes ago, Dappere said:

I agree on the earlier Vittoria models, but the new XC Race version is in a completely different league. Pirelli Scorpions are also excellent tyres - I’ve had a few sets before switching to the new Vittorias.

The Rekon Race is probably the most reliable when it comes to puncture protection and longevity, although they are on the heavy side.

As for the Race Kings - they’re great tyres, but I’ll hold off until the new Dubnital arrives in South Africa, now finally available in 2.4.

I haven’t ridden Vitoria for about 2 years but I hated them. A mate of mine  rides for a team sponsored by Vitoria and he’s mentioned to me a couple times that he wishes he could ride other tyres rather. 
 

Agreed, hence my thinking they are best suited. 
 

I’ll look into those, I haven’t yet. 

[JoeMerida]

Stick to Maxxis You'll Thank me Later.

[Bro Derek]

7 hours ago, JoeMerida said:

Stick to Maxxis You'll Thank me Later.

Maxxis what?

This is incredibly cryptic as Maxxis as a brand have a range of VERY DH oriented tired that would suck, I mean SUCK, on tar.

I have noticed that recently you have been incredibly obtuse on the forums with your comments.

I hope you're doing ok. Sending love 

[Chris v Niekerk]

On 9/9/2025 at 5:04 PM, Chris v Niekerk said:

In the same position as you. I opted for Victoria Mezcal both front and rear 2.25. Not had a chance to go and test. Planning to this weekend. Had Victoria Barzos on before.

Did a 55km tar ride. I did pump the Mezcals hard. 2.5 bar. They felt fast and almost no noise. The Barzos weren't quiet. Still need to drop the pressure and do a mix of tar and trail.