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.

The Vredestein Fortezza TriComp are the best tires I have found for fast training and riding in events such as the Etape du Tour, Markleeville Death Ride and the Mt. Baker Hill Climb. Although they are expensive, slightly heavier than some racing tires, and are not the longest lasting tire, they are light enough, ride great and last a season. I have owned expensive Continental, Vittoria and Michelin tires and never found a tire I liked as well. Except for my bicycle commuting, I ride on the TriComps when training and during events because I tune my bikes including the tires toward the highest level of dependable performance that I can achieve.

Additionally, like the people who actually have to buy their own tires unlike the top racers who are younger and lighter than me I like to ride on 25mm, as opposed to 23mm, tires. Finally, occasionally I can find the 25mm Vredestein tires in colors that match my bikes. I may never look as good on a bike as I imagine, but my wife did take a picture of me cresting the Col du Tourmalet on a beautiful blue bike with sharp looking blue tires that comes close.

At more than 200 I originally was attracted to Vred's by the high pressure rating and so low rolling resistance. After riding them for more than 7 years I still use them almost exclusively because I have so few flats and they corner like they're on rails. I am confident riding these tires down hills nearing 60 mph and routinely corner at 40-50.

One reviewer mentioned the rear tire wearing fast. Two things 1 your rear tire carries nearly 90% of your weight so it will wear faster than the front. 2 You rotate the tires on your car right? Why wouldn't you do the same on your bike? Swap the front to the rear every 1000 to 1500 miles and put new ones on every 2500 to 3000 miles. You don't think I go 55 down hills on bald tires do you??

As for cost, I think they're worth it. But I also usually throw in with a friend and buy 10 every time to get the price break.maybe you should too! He then sends some to friends in Taipei who can't get them there, but love the tires because they hold up so well on the crappy roads they have there.

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.