I replaced a Continental Grand Prix 5000 tire with one of these on the front of my fixed-gear all-round commuter/training bike. I have been riding them for a little over a week, and my usual ride is 18 miles. They are notably narrower and less supple than the GP 5000 tires. I might call them 700 X 22c (like Continental "Attack" tire). They are grippy in tight turns. The initial hardness was notable at first.
All 3 that I bought weigh 220 grams, with minimal variance.
These narrow, light tires are a better front tire in my judgement. I ride Gatorskins on the back.
I have not yet ridden them over wet glass to test the flat protection... I try not to.
I thought I got a good deal on a good training tire. My rides are on relatively good/smooth roads without a lot of debris or glass. So I'm surprised that I've gone through 5 of these tires in 2 months- 2 tires got cut through the threads near the rim, 2 others formed a 1.5 inch bubble under the tread that grew so rapidly that I stopped each ride for fear of bursting. The 5th tire is for the rear wheel only. Unless you're riding a velodrome, I don't recommend these tires.
Their brand labels say 240 grams. They weighed in around 250 grams, still plenty light. Maybe somebody can correct the ad claim of 205.
Mounted, the 23mm nominal width was 22mm on 19mm external width rims which made the aero shape particularly sleek.
Getting them on is as tight as I've seen. A rim strip that went wall to wall didn't allow the bead to sink as deeply inside as one that covers only the spoke heads, so that's a lesson for next time.
The tread center ridge is what makes these interesting. It's a vintage style that makes a resilient steel frame bike that much quicker. On my aluminum frame with carbon forks and seatstays, the handling is razor sharp at higher pressures. I tune the ride from comfort to race by varying the PSI.
The quality of the casings and accuracy of the tread pattern is first rate. A heavy-handed rider would be able to tear them up like any company's product. But as long as they stay an underrated brand, I'll keep riding way more tire than I paid for.
These tires feel pretty "firm" while riding; not bad, but I can feel a difference from others. They also look narrow for a 23mm tire.
I haven't put to many miles on them yet (currently mounted on one of back-up bikes). I didn't have any issues mounting them, yes a little tighter fit then some others - but I took my time and got them on without any problem.
Price range is a good value if you need to watch your budget.
Time will tell for durability.
Lastly would like to see these in 25/28mm size.
A little hard too put on put out in the sun for a while and I got my kool stop tire tool out no problem tire seems to be wearing good
Use these on many of my restorations, especially older bikes that don't have clearance for today's popular wider tires.
So far the fit on the rim is good not too much of a problem getting them over the bead. If coupled with a liner they will be durable on city roads that are shrapnel filled.
Awesome product would definitely order again!
Daily rides 10 to 20 miles
Appears to be a good deal for a road tire. Will know after 500 miles or so. ???
