Opinions on Vittoria Zaffiro tyres

[broady]

They are the only set of skinny 23 x 700c tyres I have ever ridden on as they were on the bike when I brought it.
What benefits do other tyres have?

 

[MikeW-71]

Tyres will vary in profile shape, construction and rubber compound. These will affect how comfortable the tyre is, how it handles, how well it grips and how long it lasts.

Puncture protection will also vary. Outright racing tyres will have pretty much none in favour of super-low rolling resistance and weight. They will also tend to wear very fast, but give outstanding grip.

Zaffiro's are considered an entry level tyre, but a good one. Vittoria are one of the most popular brands along with Michelin, Continental and Schwalbe.

It's a popular topic on here and everyone has their favourites. Personally I like Continentals, GP4000S and GP 4Seasons for excellent grip wet or dry, a good ride, good puncture resistance and long lasting (my GP4000S are at 3000 miles and plenty left in them yet). They are not the cheapest though.

Other commonly recommended tyres are:
Michelin Pro 4 Service Course
Schwalbe Durano
Vittoria Rubino Pro

 

[slowmotion]

Zaffiros are about a fiver each which is blooming attractive. My bike came with them but they didn't last too long. I'm now on Rubinos, about a tenner a pop, and I'm pretty happy. The grip isn't great but they work. I've used GP Four Seasons in the past and liked them but it grinds my gears that they cost north of £25. How much rubber is there in a car tyre compared to a bike one? Bike tyres are an absolutely scandalous rip-off.

 

[I like Skol]

This subject has recently been covered HERE.

In my opinion they are great tyres for the money and my 1st set had covered about 1500 miles before being swapped to another bike while probably having another 1000-1500 miles wear left in them.

 

[BAtoo]

If you've got them use them until they start getting punctures then get some Gatorskins - only tyres on any bike on my charity ride below that didn't get punctured. Surfaces varied from decent tarmac to made up forest rides & even a few Km across some fields - not bad for 25mm road tyres!!

 

[ianrauk]

Use them until they wear out. Then upgrade to the Rubino's. Not sure about Slowmotions lack of grip as I don't seem to have the same problem.
The Rubino's run well, last well and have pretty good puncture protection

 

[Kestevan]

Personally I think the Zaffiro's are bloody deadly. In damp/wet conditions they have sod all grip. The ones that came on my bike have been relegated to turbo use only. Gatorskins are not much better..

The Rubino's are a good all-round tyre, as are the Schwalbe Durano range. Top of the heap though goes to the GP4000s (but they are a tad pricey).

 

[I like Skol]

Personally I think the Zaffiro's are bloody deadly. In damp/wet conditions they have sod all grip. The ones that came on my bike have been relegated to turbo use only. Gatorskins are not much better..

The Rubino's are a good all-round tyre, as are the Schwalbe Durano range. Top of the heap though goes to the GP4000s (but they are a tad pricey).

I thought this at first as I fell off on my first ride on them on a bit of damp/mossy road at the bottom of my drive but after the initial bed-in period they have proven to be great even in the wet.

 

[BAtoo]

Gatorskins are not much better..
.

Well they kept me upright in some pretty wet conditions - including cobbles! So I'll not be changing mine....

 

[rowdin]

I did 2500 miles on mine before I changed them. Only had 4 flats two of those with 2300+ miles on them, and just like skol said once there bedded in they are fine.

 

[broady]

I mainly go out in the dry anyway and when it does rain I take it really easy round corners.

 

[albion]

Well, I bought 3 Zaffiros and all 3 of them split at the wire bead.

I suspect these cannot cope with running flat for even 10 metres.
This has never happened before.

 

[slowmotion]

Use them until they wear out. Then upgrade to the Rubino's. Not sure about Slowmotions lack of grip as I don't seem to have the same problem.
The Rubino's run well, last well and have pretty good puncture protection

Ian, it's probably my inadequate braking technique. I tend to use the rear brake too much.... the legacy of a front braking summersault I suffered as a kid.

 

[jay clock]

Cheap and seem fine to me

 

[broady]

I'm now in two minds. I don't have too much cash, so do I go for a tenner or twenty for the rubino...
But then do I do for upto £40 for the durano's