Veloflex Pave Open

Price Paid:  $50.00

Favorite Ride:
Keuka Lake

Bike Setup:
Merckx Carbon CHM, Campagnolo Chorus, Zonda wheels.

Summary:
These replaced a pair of Continental Grand Prix 4 Seasons on my Merckx. The latter are exceptionally durable but harsh on the combination of the frame and Zonda wheels.

By comparison, the Vittorias are far smoother and more comfortable. Wear has been acceptable and, true to their name, the Open Paves handle rough pavement with aplomb.

I have had one flat in roughly 1,000 miles of riding. This was due to a piece of flint that gradually worked its way through the tire's carcass on a wet November ride near Canadice Lake. I did notice several cuts in the soft tread, but nothing that would warrant replacement.

Strengths:
Low rolling resistance. Comfortable ride. Tough carcass resists pinch flats over potholes and bricks.

Weaknesses:
Soft tread is prone to collecting road debris and may cut. Green tread may not appeal to everyone. Not as puncture-resistant as the Four Seasons Grand Prix.

Similar Products Used:
Continental Grand Prix 4 Seasons.

Price Paid:  $47.00 at WorldClassCycles

Favorite Ride:
Track and Trail

Bike Setup:
2008 Felt Tk2

Summary:
I just came back from testing these tires on a trail for the first time, and I got a puncture about 6 miles in. I was pretty disappointed when I heard the air hissing out, especially since they're so hard to mount.
I previously had Vittoria Rubino Pro Slicks, and this feels a lot better. You still feel the road (which I like), but much of the unwanted vibration and bumpiness is gone. I also noticed that when you reach higher speeds (over 25mph) the steering becomes more twitchy, which didn't happen with the Vittorias. I don't see that as a problem, though.
Traction was excellent. I went from a 23 to a 22c, and I noticed better grip on the rear when I sprinted.

They are pretty hard to mount. From just getting it on the rim, to locking the bead is a workout for your hands. And the no-tools installation makes things even worse.

I would like them for racing at the track, but that's it. I vowed not to use these for training; I just wanted to test them once to see what I had bought...and look what happened.

Strengths:
Light
Feel very good
Traction

Weaknesses:
Very hard to mount
Puncture and Cut easily
Bit pricy

Similar Products Used:
Vittoria Rubino Pro Slick

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Price Paid:  $38.00 at total cycling

Bike Setup:
Quattro Assi SSS, SRAM Red/Force
Rolf Vigor SL

Summary:
Superb ride. Initially purchased as a racing tire, but I love these tires too much and have been riding them on all rides. At 180g I worried about their durability/longevity. However, after just completing a 509mi race over some of the worst roads I ever hope to avoid (until next years' race), these tires held up - no flats, no cuts.

Strengths:
excellent ride quality, feel and handling.
light and fast
Durability? After 1000+ miles they show little wear.

Weaknesses:
none yet
can be expensive, but with judicious shopping . . . and they are worth it.

Similar Products Used:
Previous favorites - Vittoria Evo CX and Michelin Pro2/3.
Conti 4000s
Vredestein TriComp

Price Paid:  $50.00 at Bike Tires Direct

Summary:
As to ride quality, these tires have it all. They're lively, corner spectacularly, give great road feedback, are as good as any tire I've ridden in wet road conditions, and are just plain FAST.

Strengths:
Fast and sure.

Weaknesses:
No, they're not going to last forever, so use them for big rides or racing.

Similar Products Used:
Conti's, Michelins.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Neworld

Favorite Ride:
any ride except the Pyrenees in the rain

Bike Setup:
Kuota Khsano, Ultegra, Reynolds wheels

Summary:
Tires are amazing. They came with the bike.
They hold the road very well in the wet.
Are fast when its dry.
Great feedback from road.
Lightweight - only 22 wide vs most tires at 23.
Look great - very subtle - no 'look at me' graphics.
Are durable (3,000 km ~ 1,800 miles - on the back / 5,000 km ~ 3,000 miles on the front).
I weigh 190 lbs and ride fast recreational rides.
They are my favorite tire!
I see some readers/reviewers complain about the price of tires. If you are reading this section, you know that decent tires make a huge difference on your bike. Would you put 'sub-par' tires on your car just to save a few bucks? No. You live on your bike. Get these tires. Enjoy the ride!

Strengths:
Hold the road exceptionally well.
Great road feedback that inspires confidence.

Weaknesses:
Very minor - they don't last 5,000 km on the back - but that is a very small price to pay for the awesome handling. Plus if they did last super long (5,000 km) they would not be such a great tire.

Similar Products Used:
Continental 4000, Michelin Pro Race, various Bontrager