Ohio-headquartered Goodyear has introduced its brand new Vector R Fitment Series, comprising the Vector Z30 NSW, Z30 SW & Z35 SW, the product of two years of collaboration with Zipp.
The Fitment Series tyres mark a significant advancement – a new system-based approach – where tyres are developed and optimized for a specific fitment, so designed to maximize performance based on intended usage.
Optimized for use on Zipp’s 353 and 303 family of wheels, the Vector R Fitment Series tyres are said to unlock new potential in rolling resistance, grip, and aerodynamics.
Bastien Donzé, product director for Goodyear Bicycle Tyres comments: “After years in development, hundreds of samples, hours of wind tunnel time, various casing layups, and thousands of kilometres of real-world testing, we believe that the Vector R and the Fitment Series design ethos mark an industry first step forward in tyre and wheel system performance.”
Exploring the Fitment Series Range
Vector R Z30 NSW – a large volume, lightweight tyre designed for long-distance riding across varying conditions.
- Designed to measure 30mm on the Zipp’s 25mm TSS (hookless) rims.
- Build on a supple 150tpi casing and Short-Ply construction to perfectly complement the Zipp 353 NSW wheels.
- Featuring a high-grip Dynamic:UHP compound designed to provide ultra-low rolling resistance.
- Underneath the tread, the R:Shield breaker provides added protection for all-day riding.
- Weight: 280g
Vector R Z30 & Z35 SW – designed for any road surface across any conditions, ideal for long-distance riding, where increased puncture protection and tread life are desirable.
- Designed to measure 30mm or 35mm on Zipp’s 25mm TSS (hookless) rims.
- Built around the Short-ply construction and a supple 120tpi casing, optimized around Zipp’s 303 range
- Featuring a high-grip Dynamic:UHP compound designed to provide ultra-low rolling resistance.
- Underneath the tread, the R:Shield breaker provides added protection for all-day riding.
- Weight: 325g (Z30 SW), 365g (Z35 SW)
All tyres are produced at our dedicated Goodyear Bicycle Tyre factory in Taiwan.
Donze further states: “Through the collaborative efforts with Zipp’s product and engineering team, the Vector R tyres’ total system efficiency performance sets a new benchmark for low rolling resistance, wet grip, and aerodynamics*. We are thrilled to introduce these new Goodyear road bike tyres to the market and redefine what performance looks like at the highest level.”
Fitment Series technologies explored
Fitment Series tyres use a system-based approach where the tyre is developed and optimized for a specific tyre & rim combination to maximize performance, based on intended usage.
Short-Ply Casing, as found on the Vector R, feature either 150tpi or 120tpi casing fabric to reduce overall material, resulting in a lighter, more supple tyre that rolls smoothly with optimal levels of grip.
R:Shield Protection is a tightly woven anti-puncture breaker belt which aims to combine excellent protection with low rolling resistance characteristics and supple on-road feel.
Dynamic:UHP, found on all Vector R models, is a road-specific compound developed to further reduce rolling resistance while improving grip across a wider range of conditions.
*Data from SRAM LLC of Vector R Fitment Series tyres vs. Eagle F1 R and Competitive tyres.