Vredestein Fortezza TriComp

I think I've used just about every race tire we've got. This one is different. The Tricomp rubber layering gives this tire a really unique road feel. It's more like a 'foamy' feel than a 'balloony' feel, if that makes any sense at all. The final product is supple and grippy without being super thin or short-lived, making this a great racertrainer for the cyclist who doesn't want to change his tires every Monday morning after racing on Sunday.

I love these tires and recommend them to friends. They are well worth the price. I used to go through about 10 flats per year, so i carried 2 tubes at all times. I have since given away most of my tubes helping fellow cyclists and have not had a single flat. I am 185 pounds and keep the pressure at 140 front and rear. BUY THEM!

I have put over 3K miles on a set of these tires without a problem. I do rotate front to back at 1500 miles. I have had a few cuts but nothing serious. I really like the handling. I run them at 140 psi and find they corner like a dream. The only flat I had this summer was caused by a defective tube valve popped! Hopefully I won't jinx myself going forward. I used to run Michelins and Vitorias but prefer these overall. I run the all black. Some guys have told me the color sidewalls are not as durable. I don't know if that is the case or not.

I had used these tires for 5 years with only 1 flat. Micheline pros came on my BMC and i had three flats in three months. I have thrown the Micheline's out. I'll stick with the tri comp

I bought my Fortezzas in orange love, as they are one of the few tires available in that color. So far, I've ridden 1,500 training miles on them this year on pavements ranging from clean highways to grotty municipal bike trails, and have found they have held up well. Just a few cuts on the rear tire, but no embedded glass and no evidence that cuts go through tire wall. For reference, I am 200 lbs. and inflating the tires to 100-120 psi.

Concerning grip, I've ridden the Fortezzas on road temps ranging from 20-100 F, and felt confident at speeds up to 40 mph. I slightly prefer the handling characteristics, particularly in corners, one reader described as "foamy" as opposed to "balloony"to the GP 4000s I usually use. The GPs are tougher, but I'm more confident on the Fortezzas.

One caveat Take care when cleaning these tires. I tried to remove road tar from the sidewall using a rag soaked in "citrus" drivetrain degreaser and instead removed the nifty Vredestein badging a white smear remains. Haven't had this problem with other tires I've used mainly Specialized, Bontrager and Continental.

I have 1000 miles on the rear of a pair and it is worn out and has had several puncture flats. The Michelin Pro Races are far better for wear. If this product were $40 I might buy it again, but not at $55...

As others say, these tires are great performers. But I have to say, my rear tire lasted 1000 miles used for commuting, which is the fastest I've burned through in my 10 years of riding. Don't know if it were a defect 'cause front tire looks damn near new still. But I'm not going to spend another $50 to find out.