Review: Vittoria Mezcal III TNT G2.0 – One Tire to Do It All?

Review: Vittoria Mezcal III TNT G2.0 – One Tire to Do It All?

If you spend a lot of time on gravel roads and trails, you’ll eventually ask yourself: which tires can truly do it all? The Vittoria Mezcal III TNT G2.0 seems like it was made to answer exactly that question.

I’ve wanted to try the Mezcal for a long time because it kept coming up in recommendations – not just from fellow bikepackers, but also from pros and ultra-endurance racers who spend countless hours in the saddle. The Mezcal has a reputation for lasting forever – up to 15,000 or even 20,000 km – and for offering excellent puncture protection. At the same time, it still rolls fairly well, at least in dry conditions. Sure, it’s not the fastest tire out there, but the mix of reliability, durability, and decent speed really piqued my interest.

So, I had to put it to the test and see if the Mezcal delivers on all those promises.

Specs:

Weight: approx. 780 g (29x2.25, measured)
120 TPI casing
4C Graphene 2.0 compound
Tubeless ready (TNT)
On my 25 mm internal-width rims, the tire measured a hefty 58 mm wide – offering serious volume and plush comfort over rough ground.

First impressions & setup

If you’re mounting a tubeless tire for the first time: the Mezcal is a friendly one to start with. It seats cleanly on the rim, seals quickly, and doesn’t require a compressor or a string of curse words. For tubeless beginners, this is a real plus.

Out of the box, I was a bit surprised: the Mezcal isn’t exactly light. In the tested 29x2.25" version, it came in at around 780 grams – noticeably heavier than many XC or gravel tires. And you feel it when handling it: the sidewalls are quite stiff, and the entire carcass is very solid. At one point, I felt like I could almost stand the tire upright without it collapsing – not necessarily a bad thing, but certainly notable.

Mounting the tire was totally hassle-free: it slid onto the rim easily, seated cleanly, and inflated with nothing but a standard floor pump. I used my go-to sealant – Orange Seal – and it worked perfectly. The tire held pressure exceptionally well, without noticeable loss over time. That really stood out to me and speaks to high-quality construction and airtightness.

Ride feel: Fast on dry hardpack – but not everywhere

The Mezcal truly shines on dry, compact terrain. It rolls smoothly and confidently, offering a pleasant ride on forest paths, gravel roads, and firm dirt. The small, tightly packed center knobs keep rolling resistance low, while the prominent side knobs provide reliable grip in corners. I never felt like I was lacking traction – not on loose gravel, not on woodland trails. The handling felt predictable and composed, even over long distances. And with the larger volume of the 2.25" version, the comfort level was excellent.

Where the Mezcal fell short was on asphalt. It’s not a brick, but the difference is definitely noticeable. On long paved stretches, it feels slower and heavier than a classic 40–45 mm gravel tire. That extra weight and width do take a toll. During a bikepacking trip in Italy, we unexpectedly ended up riding mostly asphalt for a couple of days – and compared to my buddy running traditional 45 mm gravel tires, I had to work quite a bit harder.

So, if you're riding mostly gravel or mixed terrain, the Mezcal remains a solid choice. But if you know you’ll be spending a lot of time on pavement, a narrower, faster tire might be the better option.

Performance in mixed conditions

In damp conditions, the Mezcal is a bit of a mixed bag. On slightly wet ground, it still performs well, offering decent grip and control. But in truly wet or muddy terrain, it reaches its limits quickly. The small tread clogs up with mud easily, leading to reduced traction and a less secure ride.

I also noticed this on wet asphalt. A couple of times, I slipped slightly on things like painted road markings and manhole covers. It wasn’t dangerous – but it was noticeable. If you’re aware of it and ride accordingly, it’s fine. But this clearly isn’t the Mezcal’s strong suit.

Durability & puncture resistance

Over the course of about 800 km on mixed terrain, I didn’t experience a single flat or cut – despite some rough trails and sharp gravel. The reinforced TNT sidewalls seem to do their job well, providing a real sense of confidence on longer rides.

But what impressed me most was the longevity: I’ve ridden the Mezcal for about a year now and logged roughly 4,000 km – and the tire still looks nearly new. In fact, some of the factory rubber hairs are still visible. Wear is almost non-existent. The durability is genuinely outstanding. If others claim the tire lasts 15,000 to 20,000 km – I’d believe it.

That also helps justify the higher weight: the Mezcal packs in a lot of material, but it pays off with long-term performance and peace of mind. For anyone who wants a tire that’s financially sensible over time, can handle big tours, and doesn’t require constant attention, the Mezcal is a true workhorse. If you want maximum reliability – whether on your daily ride or a month-long expedition – this tire delivers.

Who is the Vittoria Mezcal for?

The Vittoria Mezcal III TNT G2.0 is ideal for riders who primarily stick to dry, fast, and varied gravel or XC trails. It’s also a great fit for gravel bikes, especially if you're tackling rougher terrain, want more volume, or prioritize puncture protection. It comes in several widths, including 45 mm (700C), 2.25", and even 2.6", so there’s something for nearly every setup.

It also works really well for mountain bikes. If you want a bit more grip up front, pairing the Mezcal in the rear with a Vittoria Barzo up front is a common and effective combo, frequently recommended online. I haven’t tested the Barzo myself (yet), but I can easily imagine it offering more front-end bite.

Comparison: Vittoria Mezcal vs. Schwalbe Overland vs. Schwalbe G-One RX Pro

It makes sense to compare these three tires: all are built for off-road use and have moderate tread patterns – not overly aggressive, but not slicks either. They all sit in that sweet spot between grip and speed.

The Schwalbe Overland is the most affordable of the bunch. It’s a solid, reliable all-rounder, and the Overland 365 version adds improved cold-weather grip and extra puncture protection. For commuters or casual tourers, it’s a dependable tire with no major weaknesses.

The Vittoria Mezcal really shines on long-distance rides. If you're doing something like the Tour Divide or the Silk Road Mountain Race, where reliability is everything, the Mezcal is a trustworthy companion. Sure, it’s heavier – but it holds up.

The Schwalbe G-One RX Pro, which I’ve also reviewed in detail, is easily the sportiest of the three. It’s significantly faster on pavement and great for riders who mix in road segments – which is common in central Europe. The tradeoff? Lower durability. The softer rubber wears faster. It’s not bad – but don’t expect it to last nearly as long as the Mezcal or Overland.

Price-wise, the RX Pro is currently the most expensive, followed by the Mezcal and then the Overland. My pick? For everyday use, probably the RX Pro – because it’s fun. But for long tours where reliability matters most, I’d go Mezcal.

Conclusion

The Vittoria Mezcal III TNT G2.0 isn’t built for top speed – but it absolutely is built for top reliability. It’s perfect for riders who rack up serious mileage, take on long tours or bikepacking races, and want a tire that just works, holds up, and protects. On dry, firm off-road terrain, it offers great rolling characteristics, comfort, and solid grip. Yes, it’s a bit sluggish on pavement and not great in mud – but that’s simply not what it’s made for. If you know and accept those limits, the Mezcal is a superbly durable, dependable tire that will carry you to the finish – even if it’s 5,000 km away.

At a Glance: