Picked up a set of these Vittoria T30's 700x50 to replace worn down Conti Race King 29x2.2 ProTection (Black Chili) on my fully rigid 29er hardtail.
Out of the box, the casing is less stiff than the Conti's however, they required a bit more muscle to get the tire mounted on WTB original KOM i25 hoops. I always use an air compressor to set the bead and there wasn't any issues. Hoops were double-wrapped with tubeless rim tape and tires held air quite nicely. Tires were set-up tubeless with Orange Seal endurance.
After three rides, I found the T30's to roll significantly easier and smoother on pavement, hardpack dirt and gravel, and light slightly loose
gravel. Not surprising given the difference in tread patterns between the T30's and Conti's. It
goes without saying the T30's probably aren't the best choice for deep, loose, chunky gravel or
muddy conditions. There are better tire options available for those conditions.
For my style of riding - pavement/hardpack dirt and gravel, the T30's are, so far, a better choice than the Conti Race Kings. Don't get me wrong, the Conti's are a great tire that I ran for years. The T30's are just better for me these days.
The only caveat to this review is I have zero knowledge regarding tread life for the T30's.
