User submitted reviews
Review by NCBiker
I've been using the Michelin Pro Service course for many years but switched to these Grand Fondo Tri Comps a couple years ago. They deliver the protection and handling on both good and bad surfaces. I ride more miles than most riders and have put them to the test. It also helps that they do it with a nice low weight for the hills here in North Carolina. Until somebody shows me something better I will continue to use them. 43,000 miles over the last two years and only a couple flats that would have taken out about any tire. Hope Western keeps putting these on sale. I load up every time I see them.
Review by Anonymous
Purchased a set of the 25c Grand Fondos on a WesternBikeworks deal of day sale last spring for my road bike. They have kept me flat free through a year's worth of active riding including some extended rides on gravel and limestone without issue and even an occasional pothole. Note that these tires have a recommended psi of 140 which gives a bit more flexibility in experimenting with different psi levels and feel. I definitely plan to replace them with a new set when the time comes.
Review by VonChuck
Nice tire, loved the ride quality but only lasted about 34's of ride season. I weight about 185. Did have punctures with goat-heads.
My wife has a full season of riding on hers (100lbs) but it's time to change them.
Review by Karl
I moved from 23mm to these in a 25mm. Like the ride and handling in dry, wet, and loose debris.
Had a puncture flat from small rock on paved roadway. The other 2 flats are likely related to the high pressure (150 lbs) these tires need to ride well. One was on the rim side and a valve seperated from a tube.
Review by JB
I find they are quick, durable and worked great last March in a tough 82 mile ride over rough roads that include several gravel sections. No flats and still going strong!
Review by JC
This is a smooth rolling tire with supple ride characteristics. Wet traction is great as well. The problem I've had with this tire is its durability and ability to fend off punctures. I've never had a set of tires flat on me as much as these tires. These are also the first set of tires that I've had a sidewall puncture on me. I guess I'm going back to my old Vittorias.
Review by Anonymous
I've used several makes/models of tires over time, previously, my go-to tire was the Vredestein Tricomp race tire... though I never had flats and they handled well, they were a bit pricey. Then, I found these Gran Fondo's they are a little beefier- which is great for the long rides I do- and they are a good bit cheaper, especially if you wait for a sale and then stock up. 'Hard to go wrong, here.
Review by Anonymous
I've tried a few different brands of tires (Conti, Hutchinson, Michellin) and differing price points and such, and I've settled on the Gran Fondo's as my go-to tire. While I'm not a racer, I do like to go fast... and I do occasionally hit some gravel roads, too. For the money- especially when it's on sale- this is my go-to, all-arounder tire for my bike. I've had very few flats and it descends very well. Not a lot to dislike here...
Review by KendallsqCommute
I was surprised at how good these are for the price. Very classy, roll well, good road feel and good cornering grip, good wear so far. Overall a big improvement on the tires that came with my bike current bike.
They're on the large size for 25mm tires, noticeably bigger than the Specialized Roubaix Pro tires I replaced with them, though they're the same nominal size. When fully inflated, I need to loosen the brake adjustment to get the wheels on and off with these. With the Specialized tires, the brake release was enough.
Review by valleycyclist
I as able to roll these tires on rims that are usually difficult installing new tires. I only used them for one ride so far (95 miles on a very windy day). There was debris on the road from the wind, and I had no issues. I checked the tires when I finished the ride, and I didn't find any cuts.
Review by loon
I ride 40 miles a day. I have about 1000 miles on these tires. No flats, but the tires feel sluggish to me. One thing I'd like to point out is maximum tire pressure. The specs on the website say 145psi. But the sidewalls say minimum of 115psi and maximum of 175psi. I've noticed that running the tires at 135psi, I lose contact with the road now and then. I would say this is a fast touring tire but not a fast training tire.
Review by spare_wheel
Relatively light, low RR, good flat resistance, and great grip while cornering (even when wet). These have become my go-to commutetraining tire and I buy them in quantity when they go on sale. I typically get 3-4K out of the front and a touch less in back - and I ride hard. I can think of only one clincher that I prefer and it sells for about $45 on sale.
Review by beemrdon
These tires might be good on decent blacktop but we don't have that in the Boston area. I need at least a 28c tire, especially in the rear. Just today I blew out a brand new 25c rear tire on some rough pave. If they made a 28 or even a 32 for my cyclocross, I might be interested. I just don't see how you can name them Gran fondo and not make sizes that can accommodate rough roads and hardpack.
Review by Bendite
I have had the same or better flat protection and performance from these tires as I get from Conti GP4000S. They don't wear super long miles but seem adequate to me. I buy these exclusively now in 700x23 for my tri bike and 700x25 for my road bike. I have been through horrible glass in the shoulder and recently had an 8 mile section of gravel road on a long ride and no problems. No slices or flats.
Review by Prince one
Good rolling resistance. , suppulness in corners and responsive . I only ridden a few hundredth miles.
They seem to hold up well.
Review by Bike4life
I've been using 23's ever since I started to do more Road versus Mtn. I mainly use Michelin Pro4 for racing and Schwalbes Ultremo for training and long rides. I was curious about the 25s ever since I read an article contrasting the 2 sizes. I started to shop for it and found the Vredstein at Western Bike Works with a great deal on it. The effect was immediately noticeable. Physically, its huge. The ride was more forgiving and ultimately comfortable on long rides. The tires also gave confidence in handling fast and sharp cornering. The only con with this tire is it does not fit my other bike frame. I've questioned the company however they're also dumbfounded as I am.
Review by Gary
The Vredestein tires have been a great step-up for my bike. I am extremely satisfied. So I say these tires are triple good for these reasons.
1 good is - the high TPI count - very supply and the road feel is great.
2 good is - low rolling resistance is very low.
3 good is - puncture protection with low rolling resistance.
My previous tires were, Specialized Armodillo and Performance Pro Plus.
I have rode about 300 miles so far on these tires including one full Century. I am so pleased how my bike feels I purchased a backup set on the last good sell at Western.
Review by Look566
I was thinking of making the switch to 25mm tires on my carbon race wheels...but could not find a tire at a price point that made it worth the change...then I came upon these bad boys...I am hooked. These are awesome tires and have used them for training and for racing....Vredestein has won me over! I am grabbing another pair to be ready for next season.
Review by Mike
I had never heard of this model before, but I have been happy with previous tricomps and the price was great. I have to say they are every bit as good as the standard tricomp. Lightweight, but very durable and fast. I've only got a few hundred miles on them so far, but very little sign of wear, not cuts, and no flats. Traction is very good even in the wet.
I'd definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a high performance road clincher, whether for racing, spirited club riding, or training.
Review by Fran Rudy
Easy to put on, and very tough tire