User submitted reviews
Review by loon
I've had a few sets of these tires. The latest set has about 500 miles on them, no flats as yet. The only problem I had was how they came from the factory. Both tires, on the sidewalls, had these little nipples about 3 apart all the way around the tire. They stuck out about a 14-12 an inch. I'm no speed demon but I'm sure created drag. I finally got fed up and took a pair of finger nail clippers and cut them off
Review by frquenttrvlr
I've used Vredestein Tri Comps (23 mm) on my Lemond Arrivee for several years and they are a great tire-fast and fairly durable with minimal flatting. So I bought a pair of the Grand Fondo's (25 mm)about a year and a half ago for commuting on my cross bike (20 miles each way) and they have been just what I needed. Durable (no flats despite all of the daily potholes, glass, and a mile long section on a packed, not paved, trail), and faster than the Michelon Krylions that I had on the bike before that. A perfect tire for someone with a long commute where both durability and speed is important.
Last month I took a week long, 550-mile commercial bike tour using my Trek Domane 5 series. I had a pair of 25 mm Conti GP4000's on there that were wearing down. I decided that the Grand Fondos might be perfect for the tour due to their durability and speed. The Grand Fondo's seemed just as fast as the Tri Comps, and in fact my average speed was virtually the same as with the GP4000's. The ride on the Grand Fondo's was cushier than the TriComps, but that could also be because the Domane gives a more forgiving ride than the Lemond. While I thought I was going to keep the Grand Fondos on the Domane only for the tour, they're still on there, and I really don't have any motivation to take them off.
When they are on sale, unless you are looking for a tire for racing (in which case you might want a more specifically manufactured race tire), I would not hesitate to buy these tires.
Review by DeepSouthCyclist
I'm no professional racer, and at present don't train as frequently as I'd like (fyi always check the bike scene well before you move!), but I've raced, I've commuted, and I still do ride. All of that's irrelevant really except for the fact that over the last 12 years or so of road riding, I've used a few other well-known tires - racing and training - and while many are quite good, nothing beats the durability of Vredestein - racing and training tires - and the dependability of them. These tires grip, they roll smooth, they age well (usage and hanging), they are reliably built, meaning no flaws, no millimeter off so you have to pull out the shop tire tool. Vredesteins rock and they are dependable, all. Durability cannot be beat.
Review by Delfairen
I got these on special after using the Fortezza Tricomp and the quattros. I had a horrible time putting them on the rims they are even tighter than continentals. I took the wheels in to the BTD store and they even had trouble getting them on. So far in 200 miles I've had 7 flats between the front and rear with nothing through the tire, no pinch flat just mysterious holes in the tubes in varying places.
Review by Fusion One
Though I've tried almost everything out there, Vredesteins Tri Comps have always been my favorite overall tire in regards to wear and road feel. I ride a Fuji Altamira which has a very forgiving rear triangle because of the obscenely thin rear stays, and I like a tire that allows you to feel the road a little bit without having to pump to absurd PSIs. With Contis and Mich, I can sometimes mistake the plush ride for a flat tire because I'm just getting zero feedback.
Vred Tri Comps offer me just enough feedback so that it just feels right, at least for my frame and wheels. I usually run them at 95 psi in back, 90 in front. They go perfectly with my new November Rail 52s.
The Gran Fondo, apparently, is supposed to be a longer-wearing version of the already durable Tri Comp. I can't notice any difference between the ride qualities of each tire, but I'm down for some extended wear.
I bought these on special at BTD so I definitely put them in the steal category. I will be training and racing on these.
Review by Audiorider
So far, so good. For the price you get a tire that is durable enough to train on but also ready to race. These tires have a flatter center section so they don't give you as much of the initial wow factor but at the same time don't loose it like other tires do. I've only got about 500 miles on them but I've ridden some pretty bad sholders with plenty of debris and they're doing great. Anyway, glad I chose these. Nice to know that there are alternatives to the more mainstream and more expensive otions. Give these a chance and I think you'll be happysurprised.
Review by Steven
Very robust and puncture resistant. Quite comfortable at about 80-85 psi (I'm about 148 lbs)
Review by George S
I've been using Vredestein tires for a number of years. These tri-comp Gran Fondos are my go to tire selection that I use on a number of road bikes. They provide an excellent combination of both durability and are reasonably lightweight. The tri-comp construction has a high degree of puncture resistance so you can keep rolling rather than spending time out there fixing flats.
Review by Anonymous
Feels great and flat resistant. A good buy at regular prices, and a great buy when on sale.
Review by Art
Very fast with low rolling resistance. Little bit of a harsh ride which I like!
Review by DerekDude
A nice ride and durable 25mm tire.
Review by Anonymous
I've been running these for almost a couple of years now and only had one real puncture due to some serious shattered glass strewn about the road, nothing I could avoid with any tire really. I always pump them up to minimum which gives a comfortable feel, I'm not racing or shredding the corners but I'm confident in them.
Review by NickK3
Bought these when the old Tri Comps were discontinued.
I have more good miles with this on the back than I got on any of the 16 Fortezza TriComps I had back there over the years and it still looks pretty good, they don't cut easily and I've had no flats in the 2300 miles so far. The Fortezzas I accidentally left on for anything close to that mileage were badly cut up, delaminating at the tread and showing cords.
That's all true, however the Gran Fondos feel harder, harsher and less grippy. Don't try the same fast tight badly banked corner with a Gran Fondos that the Fortezzas handled, don't ask me how I know... -O!
So, I'm going to switch back to the Fortezzas, they don't last as long or hold up as well, but I really miss the better ride, handling and grip. YMMV
Review by Freddo
Use the Vred Gran Fondos on my Look 585 Ultra, 700X25. Great cornering and especially low row rolling resistance! Have used other Vreds in the past but am using these for a wider pressure range. Local roads can be very bumpy. On slower rides I use 90psi to smooth the ride. Great all around tire. Put 400 miles on so far without flat or other issues. Vredestein is my all around favorite.
Review by brad2thebone
The tire handles well in dry and wet conditions. The ride seems to be a bit harsher than the Fortezza Tri-comp, but the tire is a good value for training rides. I may race on them too once the season starts.
Review by david
This tire is a steal at any price. I ride on rough North Texas chip seal and this tire in 25c helps to smooth the road out, while the volume allows me to ride at a reduced PSI. Long wearing, relatively fast and inexpensive. This is rapidly becoming my favorite tire.
Review by Anonymous
Great tires!!!!!!!!
Review by Anonymous
I USE THIS TIRE ON THE FRONT WHEEL OF MY TT BIKE FOR TRAINING AND IT IS A GREAT FEEL AS WELL AS FAST.IT ALSO WEARS WELL.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE GRAN FONDO TRICOMP.
Review by Anonymous
I have about 3,000 miles on my first pair. They have worn well and have been free of any flats. Nice handling and cornering too.
Review by txbiker
Excellent tire, great rolling feel and sound, close to a tubular tire there.
Just a top-quality clincher tire from Brand V, which has been making fine bicycle tires for many years.