Vittoria based the Corsa G+ series of tires on the old classic Corsa design. \u00a0That means it's a\u00a0320 TPI (thread count) cotton base slathered with rubber tread compound. \u00a0However, in this case, it's more than just a single tread compound. \u00a0It's actually 4 separate compounds that are mated together via a process called 4C ISOtech. \u00a0That process allows Vittoria to strategically place each compound in the tire casing offering the most all around performance. \u00a0Vittoria is able to place different compounds on the center of the tread and the shoulders, which gives the Corsa a fast rolling center and a predictable, confidence inspiring cornering profile.<\/p>\n

There's also an additional impregnation of Kevlar in the compound to provide flat resistance. \u00a0Combine that with the core spun cotton tread and you've got a tire that has excellent puncture resistance to go along with great cornering and straight line speed.<\/p>\n

But where does the “G+” designation come into play? \u00a0Vittoria includes a helping of Graphene in the rubber compound. \u00a0What's Graphene? \u00a0Graphene is a kind of carbon compound that has a very high strength to weight ratio. \u00a0It adds almost no additional weight to the tire and increases flat resistance and, more importantly, longevity significantly.<\/p>\n

Corsa G+ mounting<\/h3>\n

The\u00a0Vittoria Corsa G+ is based on the old Corsa carcass, \u00a0so you'd expect an open tubular kind of design. \u00a0You'd be right on the money with that assertion. \u00a0As with the previous generation of Corsa tires, the Corsa G+ was a pleasure to mount. \u00a0Sure, you can use a pair of tire levers to wedge the bead over the rim, but honestly, you don't need anything more than your hands and some solid technique.<\/p>\n

I started by locating the label over the valve stem hole and then getting one bead in the rim bed. \u00a0Stick the tube in and start stuffing the other bead inside the rim bed, starting from the valve. \u00a0I did find that “pulling” the tire away from the valve stem helped create just enough extra room to slip the remaining bead over the rim. \u00a0Grab your floor pump, inflate to around 85 PSI and you're good to go.<\/p>\n

One thing I'd like to note, I found that the beads took a couple of tries to seat all the way around. \u00a0This could be due to the rims or it could be the tires themselves. \u00a0I've had the same issue with other tires, so I'm inclined to believe it's the rims. \u00a0Just keep an eye out so you don't end up with an uneven tire and a bumpy ride after you mount them.<\/p>\n

Corsa G+ actual size on the rim<\/h3>\n

I mounted the 25mm version of the Corsa G+ on a pair of Rol C35 carbon clincher. \u00a0These wheels measure around 17.5mm inner width, allowing for a nice, round tire profile. \u00a0When I mounted them up, I was\u00a0very surprised about the actual width of the Corsa G+s. \u00a0They were actually 25mm wide! \u00a0Imagine that. \u00a0I've become so used to tire manufacturers claiming\u00a0a size for their tires and then finding them to be either significantly larger or significantly smaller than advertised.<\/p>\n

That discrepancy in advertised size can be down to rim width and a couple other factors. \u00a0Generally, it's not a big deal to find a tire is wider or smaller than advertised. \u00a0But sometimes frame clearances are pretty tight and a tire that is wider than advertised could be absolutely incompatible with today's aero framesets.<\/p>\n