Vittoria to introduce 'next-gen' graphene bicycle tires

Brembate, Italy – Italian bicycle tire manufacturer Vittoria Industries Ltd is launching a new range of products employing a second generation of its graphene-filler technology, the company has announced.

While the first-generation generally enhanced the performance of tires, the new 2.0 graphene is functionalised to improve specific tire performances, the tire maker said in its website.

The new tires enhance results specifically for speed, wet grip, durability and puncture resistance, according to the company.

Graphene interacts with rubber by filling the space in between the rubber molecules, increasing all positive performance metrics, particularly wear resistance, speed and tensile strength, Vittoria explained.

Employing its 4C compound layering, the company claims it can produce a single tire combining four compound layers.

The technology features separate base and surface compounds, in both the centre and the side areas of the tread.

“This approach allows to fine-tune the flex of the tread-base and tread-surface separately, placing the correct hardness of the Graphene 2.0 compound exactly where it is needed,” Vittoria added.

Vittoria introduced its first generation of graphene-reinforced bike tires in early 2016.

In 2018, Vittoria claims its tires won “every single” Grand Tour time trial, as well as several European and global cross-country championships.