Eagle-eyed fans of cycling's Spring Classics may recognise the Vittoria Pavé tyre. The distinctive green-banded tubular is a popular choice at Paris-Roubaix and Flanders - and now, with the Open Pavé CG, that race-proven performance is available in clincher form.
Designed to deliver pro-level performance in extreme conditions, the Open Pavé CG sits in the top tier of Vittoria's road tyre range. It's almost identical to its tubular sibling, featuring Vittoria's range-topping Corespun 320TPI (threads per inch) casing and ISOgrip compound tread. The high thread count in the casing aids flexibility and reduces rolling resistance for a supple ride quality, while kevlar threads enhance puncture protection.
On paper then, the Open Pavé CG looks an ideal tyre for tackling less than perfect British roads. But how does it handle on a wet Sunday in Sussex?
Road test
I got hold of a pair of the Pave CG IIIs for testing back in March. The tyres I received came in the 25mm, "full black" colourway (a version with the trademark green stripe is also available) and landed just a few grams over the claimed weight of 240g.
Although they looked great, my relationship with the Vittoria Open Pavé didn't get off to the best of starts. I fitted them the night before the Velopace Spring Classic as a storm was brewing over most of England. Morning came, wet and windy - perfect Spring Classic weather. The tyres should have love it, but less than 20 miles into the ride I was on my knees at the roadside with a puncture, struggling to remove the front tyre after a particularly nasty flint had eluded its vaunted kevlar defences.
If that was a disappointing start, it at least served as a useful reminder that no tyre is completely puncture-proof. I kept faith with the Open Pavés - not least because they're a sweary nightmare to get off again. I'm glad I stuck with them though, because some 1000 miles later I'm still awaiting a second puncture.
And that's despite my best efforts to kill them...
The gravé test
After the first ride it's fair to say the Open Pavés had a bit of ground to make up. A proper challenge was required, and what better proving ground than London's answer to Paris-Roubaix: the Rapha Hell of the North ride.
The Hell of the North is about as stern a test as you could ask of a road tyre, featuring 16 off-road sections of what the organisers Rapha call "gravé". Gravé is what mummy tyres threaten their kids with. Ploughed fields, forest trails, railway crossings and gravel paths - even a velodrome - that's gravé, and the ride has it all. The Open Pavé ate up the lot. While many riders opted for cyclocross tyres, the Open Pavés emerged with barely a scratch - and, on all but the roughest sections, delivered plenty of comfort too.
All was forgiven. I've been happily riding the Open Pavés the past few months, and now rely on them without worry. While the tread is minimal, the tyres are sure-footed and offer impeccable grip even when cornering in wet conditions.
On tarmac, the Open Pavés zip along with minimal resistance. While my trusty summer tyres, the Vittoria Open Corsa SC, may have the slight edge in terms of feel, it's a close-run thing. For durability though, the Open Pavé win hands down.
As to width, while the pro peloton is leading a trend towards ever-wider tyres for the Classics, I found the 25mm comfortable both on and, occasionally, off-road. For riders looking for an extra degree of plushness there's always the 27mm option.
Conclusion
We had a rocky start, but I've come to like and trust the Open Pavés. Don't come expecting bombproof - no tyre is that. But for a fast-rolling, hard-wearing tyre that can cope with the rough stuff, the Vittoria Open Pavé CG offer a great all-round package.
Vittoria Open Pave CG III, £33.49 from sigmasport.co.uk
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