Vredestein Fortezza Road

Price Paid:  $46.00 at online

Bike Setup:
Cannondale R1000 - Dura-Ace/Ultegra, Coombe

Summary:
I purchased this tire based on the good reviews it got on Road Bike Review. Generally I don't have time to rate products but thought I should since I appreciate reading others' ratings before I buy.

I was disappointed with these tires to say the least and I've used 4 of them. OK, they're fairly sticky, but they don't last and when they wear they totally flatten in profile making their safety questionable.

I inflate every time I ride so pressure isn't an issue. They are always up to 100 psi.

One positive note. They are puncture resistant.

I'd rather change a few more flats, have longer wear, and greater friction. Michelin Pro's can't be beat!

Strengths:
Puncture resistance

Weaknesses:
Poor longevity
Unsafe wear pattern

Similar Products Used:
Michelin Axial Pro
Michelin Pro Race 3

Price Paid:  $25.00 at Ebay

Bike Setup:
Litespeed, Ksyrium Elite, Ultegra.

Summary:
I've used both the Fortezza SE and the regular Fortezza. Big difference! I started with the SE and although on they are a touch on the heavy side, I really like how they feel while riding. I rarely flat and they last a very long time. I then tried the regular, lighter Fortezza. I flatted more often and both were retired with casing damage within a month. So I've gone back to the SE with no regret. Lasts longer and is less expensive.

Strengths:
Long lasting, tough, ride nicely.

Weaknesses:
A touch on the heavy side.

Similar Products Used:
Where do I start after over 20 years of riding?

Price Paid:  $50.00 at bike rennaisance

Favorite Ride:
nyc

Bike Setup:
2007 Cannondale Six 13.

Summary:
This is a review for the regular Fortezza Road Tires.

Paid way too much for the tires but they're working real well. Smooth ride and climbs well. I used to get lots of flats from glass and other crap. But after getting these, I didn't get any flats until last week when I rode through the ghetto and and a metal hanger punctured my tire. Lesson for the day: Don't run over metal hangers.

Strengths:
Strong for city riding which is covered with pot holes, glass and other crap.

Weaknesses:
Easily gets punctured by sharp metal hangers. Was told it is heavier than other tires but I can't tell the difference.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
{Note: This is NOT a review, but rather an observation. I'm ordering a set of the "regular" Fortezza's (see below) based on the reviews here.]

Please note: RBR has a separate listing for reviews of the "Fortezza SE" (only two reviews as of this writing. Yet a qick scan of the 85 listings of "Fortezza Road" indicate that they are, in fact, reviews of the SE model instead. These are pretty different tires. Here's Verdestein's description of the "Fortezza":

"High-quality competition clincher
Same exclusive casing as the TriComp, but with a single-compound tread
SPL Sportex Protection Layer® – Polyamide strip under center tread
CCS Curve Control System® – Vredestein tires keep their shape during cornering for more consistent cornering feel and grip
Folding bead
120tpi casing
145psi recommended inflation pressure
Weight: 235g
Sizes: 700 x20c, 700 x 23c, 700 x25c
Color: Black
$44.99 US/$54.99 CAN"

http://www.vredesteinusa.com/road.html

Here's their description of the "Fortezza SE":

"High-performance training/commuter tire
Low rolling resistance
SPL Sportex Protection Layer® –Polyamide strip under center tread
Folding bead
50tpi casing
160psi maximum inflation pressure
Weight: 260g
Colors: Black
Size: 700 x 23c
$34.99 US/$44.99 CAN"

Performance Bike exagerates when it says that the "list price" for the SE is $49.99 (per Vredestein its $34.99). So at $30 (Peformancebike.com), its NOT a 40% discount.

Aside from the weight difference, a 120tpi tire (Fortezza) would be expected to ride more smoothly than a 50tpi tire, would it not?

While I'm impressed by the many positive reviews of the SE here, unless Performance is running a really good special promo, it seems that biketiredirect's $33 price for the non-SE model might be a better deal. (They say they have 25c's in stock, too.)

Has anyone used both tires, and if so could you list your comparitive experience here? Thanks.

Price Paid:  $25.00 at Performance

Summary:
Put these tires on last night, which was not easy. Be prepared to used some significant hand and arm strength to get these babies on. Went on my first ride when them today and they felt great until I got a puncture flat from a small rock, which was not only irritating because I had to stop and replace the tube, but also because the tires are such a pain to get bank on the rim. I think I'm going to invest in some slime liners after all this. I hope my ride today is indicative of the performance of these tires because if so I am thoroughly disappointed

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