Vittoria Randonneur Trail tyre

Vittoria Randonneur Trail are the closest I’ve come to genuinely competent dual-use tyres, capable of slicing through the singletrack and frolicking in the forests without being overly ponderous over asphalt. Perfect for off the beaten track expedition touring, the 700c siblings (35 and 38mm) lend themselves to cross bikes doubling as winter trainers/playthings. However, 1800g (pr) is quite considerable-especially in terms of rotating weight so urban terrorists and bikes on calorie-controlled diets should look elsewhere.

The technical composition is a curious blend of old and new. Fancy marketing aside, puncture protection is courtesy of the traditional Kevlar belt and thicker casing to keep the dreaded hiss firmly at bay. Nothing is indestructible, hitting that nine-inch nail with your name on it will result in a traumatic flat but deliberately riding through thorns, tacks, shards of glass and other irritants on waterlogged roads failed to make any impression.

The Aramid 3D compound incorporating aqua shield technology channels water very proficiently, improving traction on and sans asphalt. Inspection covers, over banding and other hazards that usually have the senses screaming with alarm can be attacked with reckless abandon. They’ve inspired confidence hurtling fully laden along hairpin descents yet remain sharp enough when taking evasive action around opening car doors, errant pedestrians and other urban upsets too. Reflective sidewalls and dynamo track are excellent details providing greater security when negotiating roundabouts or emerging from side-roads.

Far from the madding crowd, they’re surprisingly good fun off-road, the knobbly tread shedding mud better than expected, skipping sure-footedly over tree roots and delivering a fair turn of speed to boot. There will always be some compromise and the lower pressure range means greater rolling resistance. Gentle over inflation by ten psi reaped notable improvement and it’s worth remembering these are the mtb size, the 700c versions are not only lighter but narrower profile and higher pressures suggests they’ll roll notably faster.

Verdict

Great go-anywhere touring rubber but some will baulk at the weight penalty