The Vittoria Terreno Pro T50 Mixed Gravel Race combines impressive speed with enough grip for most conditions – in fact, it has left me questioning why you would opt for anything with less tread. The high weight is an issue, however, and they’re really not cheap.
Vittoria Terreno Pro T50 Mixed Gravel Race – Technical Details
Within the updated Gravel Race lineup, Vittoria offers the Terreno Pro T10 (virtually slick) the T30 with the same tread pattern as the old Terreno Dry, and the allrounder Pro T60 which I tested not long ago.
All models are made with 92% renewable or recycled materials, with the Pro models’ recycled cotton casing being partly recovered from old fishing nets. Schwalbe uses similar material in its Green Marathon tyre.
The tread colour is a standout simply because it is not black. It’s also worth noting that the sidewall is not painted, as some tanwalls are – these are the undyed colours of the materials themselves.
The Pro T50 is available in 35mm, 40mm and 45mm widths, and even the claimed weights are on the heavier side: 540g, 595g and 670g respectively. Our two test tyres actually significantly heavier still at 715g and 724g. For comparison, the 45mm Schwalbe G-One R Pro is listed at 540g.
Vittoria Terreno Pro T50 Mixed Gravel Race – Performance
Fitting the Pro T50s to my Oquo RP50 Ltd wheels was straightforward, although inflation with a track pump took longer than I expected. This was partly due to slight air seepage through the sidewalls and some resistance to seating the bead. This is fairly typical for cotton-casing tyres, and while they did eventually seal with a track pump, a compressor made the process much quicker.
On 25mm internal width rims, the tyres measured bang on the claimed 45mm.
On the road, they roll very smoothly and remain impressively quiet, which is always welcome for a tyre likely to see a mix of tarmac and gravel.
Off-road, grip levels are strong across most surfaces, though performance drops slightly on very fine, loose gravel or loose dust over hardpack. Here they can drift, and I never found that drift particularly controlled or confidence-inspiring. On typical forest roads and dirt tracks, however, they feel excellent.
They’re consistently good in the wet, too, and while not designed for mud they cope better than expected.
The sidewall construction feels robust. I experimented with pressures from the low 20s to mid-30s (psi), and the tyres held their shape well without folding – an issue some riders had with earlier Vittoria models. I did not use inserts for this test, though I would opt to run them in a race. In my experience, inserts bring added security with minimal downside.
The Pro T50’s main drawback is weight. The test tyres were already heavy on paper and came in nearly 10% above the claimed figures at an average of 720g. For context, the 2.4in Pirelli Scorpion XC RC mountain bike tyre I’m also testing weighs 729g. Even Vittoria’s own T60s are lighter.
Against the competition the difference is significant. The Schwalbe G-One RS remains my benchmark for dry conditions at 520g (540g claimed), while Continental’s Terra Competition comes in even lighter at a claimed 475g for 45mm. The Endurance version is 550g. Why choose the Pro range if it’s heavier than both the Endurance option and some mountain bike tyres?
Top be fair, on flatter terrain the weight penalty is less noticeable, and the tyres do not feel slow. The cotton casing delivers excellent feedback and ride feel – something many lighter nylon casings struggle to replicate. There’s also the sustainability angle, if that’s important to you.
Puncture resistance may also play a role here, although the Pro T50 has no additional protection beyond the standard anti-puncture belt and sidewall reinforcement found in the Endurance casing. I have not experienced any punctures so far, though I did suffer one significant impact-related puncture on the T60.
The tread colour is another talking point and will likely divide opinion. I like it, though it does fade slightly over time, shifting from bright orange to a more subdued brown after several rides.
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The recycled cotton casing is finished with a gloss layer, which appears to reduce staining – a common issue with cotton road tyres. There is some gradual air seepage during use, similar to the T60, but it is manageable and expected for this type of construction.
There is currently no independent rolling resistance data for the Pro T50. The closest comparison would be the 40mm T30 Pro, which bicyclerollingresistance.com found to be 6.5 watts slower than a Schwalbe G-One RS at 36 PSI.
Vittoria Terreno Pro T50 Mixed Gravel Race – Verdict
This tyre quite clearly targets racing, but for many racers performance and weight remain the priority. Unless sustainability is absolutely the driving factor for you, it’s hard to recommend the Pro T50 over lighter alternatives.
That said, the tyre has plenty going for it with a smooth, quiet ride, strong grip across most terrain, and excellent ride feel. I have genuinely enjoyed using it, and it shows clear promise as Vittoria continues to refine its construction and materials.
At £85, the Terreno Pro range sits at the premium end of the market. Schwalbe’s range of the G-One R Pro, RS Pro and G-One RX Pro tyres are also expensive at £75, though many competitors come in at a lower price (we’ve reviewed the non-pro versions of the G-One R and the G-One RS if you’re curious about those).
The Hutchinson Caracal Race, for example, is £55 and among the fastest gravel tyres available, though on the downside it only comes in 40mm and 45mm widths.
The Terreno Pro T50 delivers excellent ride quality, speed and grip on its intended terrain. However, given the high price and racing focus, the weight really sets it apart from rival options – and unfortunately, not in a good way.
Test Report
What does the manufacturer say about this product?:
Vittoria says: “Engineered for versatility, the Terreno PRO T50 Mixed Gravel Race is the quiver killer of gravel tyres, offering a directional siping texture working in harmony with carefully placed knobs to deliver enhanced traction across a wide variety of terrains. A balanced center and mid-tread ensure speed and stability on straights, while confident cornering lugs provide control when the course turns technical.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:
Vittoria lists:
Size: 700x45c
ETRTO: 45-622
Colour: Natural Brown
Weight: 670g
Size: 700x40c
ETRTO: 40-622
Colour: Natural Brown
Weight: 595g
Size: 700x35c
ETRTO: 45-622
Colour: Natural Brown
Weight: 540g
Any further comments on performance?:
Feel fast and roll smoothly, with good grip on almost every surface – though fine, gritty paths are a weakspot.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?:
At £85 they’re at the top end of the market, though they’re not alone there.
Any comments about ride quality? Are they comfortable? Do they feel especially quick, or slow?:
Smooth, quiet, and they feel fast.
What did you find to be the optimal pressure for running these tyres?:
Between 25 and 30psi, depending on terrain.
How easy were the tyres to fit? If you ran them tubeless, how easy was that to set up?:
I had no problems getting these onto the rims, although inflation was easier with a compressor than without.
Did you have any punctures during testing?:
No
How have the tyres worn? Is there obvious tread wear after testing? How are the sidewalls?:
No signs of wear after 1000km+ (both on and off-road).
Tell us more about grip. How are the tyres in different conditions?:
In dry conditions or on wet forest roads, they are excellent. Slippery mud is a problem, as you might expect, as are very fine, marble-style loose forest roads through fast corners.
Any further comments on weight?:
For a gravel tyre aimed for racing in dry conditions, they are heavy, and heavier than many 2.4in XC race tyres.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product?
Maybe, but the weight is a negative
Would you recommend the product to a friend?
For comfort and general grip in dry weather, yes.
Use this box to explain your overall score
The Terreno PRO T50s have smooth, fast-feeling ride, but they’re heavier than key rivals without a clear performance benefit to justify the extra weight. They’re also more expensive than many.
About the tester
Age: 41Height: 168cmWeight: 61kg
I usually ride: Road / Gravel / MTBMy best bike is: Cannondale SystemSix
I’ve been riding for: Over 20 yearsI ride: Every dayI would class myself as: Semi-pro or ex-pro
I regularly do the following types of riding: Cyclocross, Gravel riding, Indoor riding, Bikepacking, Audax, Mountain bike XC
1 thought on “Vittoria Terreno Pro T50 Mixed Gravel Race”
I applaud Vittoria for this more sustainable version of the Terreno, but the originals were heavy and dead feeling too. Uninspiring to ride. Which is uncharacteristic of Vittoria. Love their road tyres.