SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Available in 1.2 or 1.6 inch, Vittoria Street Runner are fast rolling slicks for asphalt - going mountain bike/derivatives. Ours were the broader section, which actually measured 1.53 inches when checked with a digital Vernier. This is pretty academic in performance terms, though significant when accurately calibrating bar mounted computers.

 

They proved a surprisingly tight fit with fairly standard Mavic rims; not the most difficult pairing by any means but wrestling the final 30% home still required the combined efforts of crank brothers’ speedier lever, two standard resin types and nimble digits. This has improved over time, although I’ve still needed a single lever to coax the last bit aboard.

 

Detailing is something of a mixed bag too. Following the hard centre-strip and soft shoulder narrative, their surprisingly coarse 26tpi casings are fairly minimalist. No dynamo track or reflective sidewalls here. Thankfully, Kevlar belts redeem this slightly low-rent flavour.

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On the plus side, the street runner delivers an extremely swift, compliant ride over smooth and neglected roads alike when run between 50 and 75psi. Narrower semi/slick rubber usually dictates a more closely spaced cassette. 

 

Even with a 12-21, I spent proportionally more on the big ring and found it noticeably easier to keep pace with, and surprise a few riders on light tourers, Audax and training bikes.  This theme continued through town, accelerating away from danger, or just stealing a march at the lights.

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Their shallow tread pattern initially struck me as decorative/psychologically reassuring but seems to have some practical merit, judging by their wet weather performance, which encouraged spirited cornering/descending; 30mph with trailer en tow anyone?

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Percy pot hole and friends were easily bunny-hopped without incident, although unavoidable encounters with ramps and other hazards weren’t unduly harsh. Raised ironworks, cellar doors and similar surfaces were a bit tricky, especially after fresh rains and/or contaminated with oil/diesel but well within acceptable limits.

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Extended meanders along open roads and country lanes littered with slimy dung haven’t blunted their charms. Off road potential is limited to dry towpath cut-throughs- run them at 60psi if these feature in your commute. Long term use, through milder but mucky winters has seen two very sharp thorns and a similarly aggressive flint infiltrate the centre strip.

 

Having filled the cut with a generous slathering of superglue, I’ve had no problems 2,000 miles later.  Brushing down and inspecting the casings following particularly wet, gritty rides is good practice. Ultimately, £17.99 isn’t much for a tyre and if you’re on a tight budget and want a rugged tyre, the street runners are well worth a closer look.