If I planned to enter a race, I wouldn't be sticking the race tyres on it a week before the race. I may have said "noob" but this isn't my first rodeo. I'm not likely to race an MTB for months, maybe years so I think starting with a more durable option for now will be fine.
The Vittorias are slightly cheaper and I've still got to ride up stuff as well as down so I'm leaning more towards them.
If I planned to enter a race, I wouldn't be sticking the race tyres on it a week before the race. I may have said "noob" but this isn't my first rodeo. I'm not likely to race an MTB for months, maybe years so I think starting with a more durable option for now will be fine.
The Vittorias are slightly cheaper and I've still got to ride up stuff as well as down so I'm leaning more towards them.