The Forteza is not a contender in my book - the casing is not nearly as supple as a top end tire can be. People using the Forteza 23's found the Veloflex 22's to be much nicer - thats why we want a Veloflex in 25! Mike Kone in Boulder CO
At 09:20 AM 6/21/02 -0700, Bill Bryant wrote:
>
>Michael Kone wrote:
>>
>> Rolly Polly tires we meassured were closer to 26mm than to 28mm. The
>> Michelin Axial Pro 25mm is only 1mm or so narrower than the Rolly Polly but
>> is a good bit lighter. For most folks, the Michelin seems to give a better
>> overall balance - but the Rolly Polly is still very nice.
>> Bottom line is that nobody is making a good clincher above 23mm.
>
>snip...
>
>> An amazing clincher in a 24-28mm width would virtually transform many bikes
>> - but nobody has the brains to make it.
>
>I certainly agree with the statement about good tires being crucial to
>good bike performance, but humbly disagree about none wider than 23mm
>being available. Many randonneurs are finding the tan/natural sidewall
>Vredestein Fortezza 700c x 25mm to be a very fine-riding clincher tire.
>Soaks up the bumps over the long haul, and is better than the 23mm tires
>in this regard. Nice combination of supple ride, low rolling resistance,
>good cornering, nice performance in the rain, very strong casing and
>Kevlar bead, low overall weight, lasts a good distance, etc. Made to be
>run reliably at about 120-130 psi. No other tire reminds me of the ride
>of the much-missed Clement Del Mondos so much as the 25mm Vredestein
>Fortezzas--plus they look normal (no trendy colors, etc.) Not widely
>sold, but worth the search, IMHO. About $38-40.
>
>No relation to seller/manufacturer, etc.
>
>Bill Bryant
>Santa Cruz, CA
>PBP 1983, 1999