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
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.
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.
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.
Very robust and puncture resistant. Quite comfortable at about 80-85 psi (I'm about 148 lbs)
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.
Feels great and flat resistant. A good buy at regular prices, and a great buy when on sale.
Very fast with low rolling resistance. Little bit of a harsh ride which I like!
A nice ride and durable 25mm tire.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Great tires!!!!!!!!
I have used these tires for several years. They wear very evenly and have a good grip. I run them at about 100 psi (on HED Ardennes SL wheels) and find them comfortable.
So far, so good. Seems to be everything it is supposed to be. Have only ridden a couple of hundred miles, so can't say about the durability yet. Only minus so far is the molding nibs, which stick out on the sides where they will never wear off. I cut them off just so I wouldn't have to look at them. The suggested pressure range is 115 - 175 psi. I have been running them at 120 psi, and might experiment with lower.
