The Vittoria Open Pave CG III is the Open Tubular (clincher) version of the tubular Pave CG. Few tires can approach the history of the Pave CG in the Spring Classics or any race that involves the roughest roads or cobblestones. Built for comfort, impact resistance, wet weather grip, and to prevent punctures, the Pave CG was developed for these extreme conditions. Available in 700x25 or 700x27 sizes, this higher volume tire will carry you through the roughest roads, yet still carry speed and provide grip on smooth tarmac.

Vittoria has approached construction of their race level clinchers from a tubular perspective, and the casing borrows heavily from that genesis. Hence the term Open Tubular, which can lead to some confusion. Vittoria's race level clincher tire names all start with Open. The Open Pave CG III tire may not be able to completely match up with it's tubular parent, but nothing else can even come close. Especially when used with a latex tube, this tire at the right pressure will nearly eliminate pinch flats on hard surfaces, a near impossible task for a clincher.

This 3rd generation, 320 tpi Corespun Open Pave CG is the best extreme conditions clincher in the line. The wonderfully light and supple casing is the heart of the tire. The incredibly fine polyester and fibers of the standard casing adds light and flexible Kevlar threads as well. These are wound into larger polycore structures that are then Corespun into the casing shape. The soft and flexible fibers are strong enough to handle very high pressures, and still conform to varied surfaces, which in the case of the Open Pave CG, means grip and maximum tire purchase on uneven surfaces. Matched with the latest Pro rubber compound, Vittoria riders have incredible confidence when cornering or riding at any speed. The rubber, ISOgrip®, provides exceptional grip and low rolling resistance while providing better adhesion in both wet and dry road conditions. The application of the tread in the Open Pave CG is slightly thicker than in the more road race oriented tires, for longer wear and more protection and comfort from impact.

This is Vittoria's most protection oriented race tire. Thicker rubber, Kevlar fibers and a protection belt all work together to preserve the tire, rim and rider. Sandwiched between the tread and casing is Vittoria's proprietary PRB 2.0 protective layer. This woven strip helps protect the casing from glass shards and general road debris that can wedge into the tread and cause flatting. The Open Pave CG's tread pattern is designed for all conditions and is equally adept in dry or wet. At first glance it looks similar to the Open Corsa CX III, but if you hold them side by side you can see the center carries a firmer rubber and a coarser file tread that rolls well, but provides excellent braking and surface grip. The shoulders carry a more aggressive, taller directional file tread that not only sheds water, and delivers confidence in the corners, but ensures adherence on off-camber edges.

Of course, not all of us get to race in the Spring Classics, but there are many cyclists who ride or train on a combination of pavement, dirt roads, rough paths, etc. Some of us prefer a competition oriented tire for winter training, especially when potholes grow, sand and stone are spread, and dry days are rare. Yes there are heavier, more protective tires on the market, but just because the conditions are rough, you don't have to ride a heavy, harsh, minimal grip tire just to punish yourself. Buy a tire that still allows you to train as you like, and performs as if you are racing it at the Tour of Flanders. The Open Pave CG III is your best choice for a clincher with this capability.