Road Bike Tire Test: Vittoria Corsa Control G+ 1.0 (open) 25

NOTE: We have a test available of a newer version of this tire: Vittoria Corsa Control G+ 2.0 (open) 2019

The Vittoria Corsa Control G+ is the successor to the Vittoria Pavé and will be available in both a clincher (open) and a tubular version. Over the years, I've gotten a lot of requests to test the Pavé but as it was quite an old tire, it was never at the top of my list. The introduction of the new Corsa Control tires is a good moment to finally add the missing links to our tests of the Vittoria Corsa tires.

When compared to the regular Corsa G+ (read review), the Corsa Control G+ shares the same kevlar reinforced 320 TPI cotton casing but comes with a slightly thicker tread and a different tread pattern. According to Vittoria, this new tread pattern "adds dynamic performance, allowing for increased grip on slippery surfaces, as well as added durability". Say wut? A different tread pattern adds grip AND results in better durability?

I've delved into the Vittoria marketing material but couldn't find an explicit mention of a different compound on the Corsa Control. Luckily, and as expected from a winter tire, our testing shows that it does use a different compound optimized more towards grip instead of speed. It's hard to believe that just adding a different tread pattern is going to result in a 30% higher rolling resistance and better grip on slippery surfaces. Read on for the full test results.

Weight. Specified weight of the 25-622 Corsa Control G+ is 265 grams, my sample actually comes in a bit lighter at 260 grams.

Size. Both the regular Corsa G+ and Corsa Control G+ use the same casing which is further confirmed by the measurements of casing width and height. At an air pressure of 100 psi / 6.8 bars, mounted to a 17C rim, the Corsa Control has a maximum width of 27 mm and a height of 24 mm.

Tire Thickness. As expected, the total tire thickness at the center of the tread is slightly thicker at 2.6 mm when compared to the 2.4 mm of the regular Corsa G+.

The sidewalls are slightly thicker as well at 0.85 mm Vs 0.75 mm.

Rolling resistance of the Corsa Control G+ comes in close to 30% higher across the entire air pressure range when compared to the regular Corsa G+ (read review). The regular Corsa G+ is a low rolling resistance tire so 30% on top of that tire isn't all that bad for a (winter) tire optimized more towards grip. At an air pressure of 100 psi / 6.8 bars, we're talking about an extra 7.6 watts for a pair of tires at a speed of 18 mph / 29 km/h.

Compared to other winter tires, the Corsa Control G+ ends up in the middle of the pack with a decent rolling resistance. The biggest question mark about this tire will be if grip and puncture resistance are actually good enough for a winter tire.

In the puncture resistance tests, the Corsa Control scores the same 5 points in the sidewall test and 1 point extra (12 points) in the tread test when compared to the regular Corsa G+

I couldn't find exact information from Vittoria regarding the differences in the compounds used on both the regular Corsa G+ and Corsa Control G+. Based on our test results, and expected of a tire that's advertised to perform well on slippery surfaces, I feel it's safe to conclude that the Corsa Control uses a compound optimized more towards grip than speed. Rolling Resistance is still decent at + 30% and puncture resistance is pretty much equal when compared to the regular Corsa G+.

More and more manufacturers release winter tires optimized to provide better grip under slippery conditions which is a good thing IMO. I like the clear Vittoria line up now with a clear distinction between the Corsa Speed (read review) for time-trials, regular Corsa (read review) for all-round summer riding, and Corsa Control tires for slippery conditions.