Veloflex Pave Open

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Simply awesome. By far the best clinchers I've ridden. They are light and supple, but very durable. Let me explain. Some high-TPI tires are have more tread (the Vittoria Paves, for instance). But if you cut into the tread on the first ride, game over. It wouldn't matter how much tread it had. The Veloflex tires are a higher thread count and are more supple, based on my experience. So they roll over things that would cut into other tires. As a result, I rode two of these down to the threads in the past three months: That's casing threads peaking out from the tread because I wore through the entire tread. That's a good thing. Get it? I actually got 100% life out of the tread. I don't think I've ever had similar success with a Vittoria open tubular.

Strengths:
Weight. Stylish good looks (tan sidewalls). Suppleness. Low rolling resistance. Cornering.

Weaknesses:
You'll wear through the tread faster than you would on a non high-TPI tire. But it's worth it.

Similar Products Used:
Vittoria Open Corsa CX, Vittoria Open Corsa Pave CG, Bontrager Race X Lite Pro (made by Vittoria). I'm keen to try the Challenge Criterium open clincher too.

Price Paid:  $34.00 at online

Favorite Ride:
Country road, smooth pavement, no cars

Bike Setup:
'84 De Rosa Professional 59.5cm ~ Campagnolo Super Record w/Rigida Score Rims on Superbe Pro hubs (very light rims)

Summary:
I have two vintage rides with a '74 Raleigh Professional and an '84 De Rosa Professional along with an 01 Cinelli Supercorsa, a relatively modern offering based on vintage goodness with a more aggressive geometry. Between the three, it's a great sampling of ride/handling characteristics. I've been running Michelin Pro2 Race on the Raleigh and De Rosa exclusively as this was my previous best all around clincher tire for handling, low rolling resistance, ride, dependability, and price. I simply love the Pro2 Race. Well, I'm not prepared to give an ultimate longevity/durability comparison with the Veloflex Pave, but in almost every other category, I think I have a new favorite tire. These roll so damn nice and handle GREAT, easily outperforming the Michelin Pro2 Race in the corners. Both roll very well with excellent low rolling resistance but the Veloflex Pave seem to up the ante in almost every category, and glide on the road with a really surefooted feel, mimicking tube-like feedback (with purported 300 threads psi cotton, it's no wonder). Off the bat, they seem to be even quieter and glued to the road, and feel amazing. At a true 22 width compared to the Michelin Pro2 Race WIDER than 23, the Pave imparts the feeling of speed WITH no loss of grip/control (I will say the NEW Pro2 Race I've been using seem to be a more true "23" compared to the pair I got earlier this year). The rub on the Pave will obviously be longevity and puncture resistance, but I've already adjusted to watching the road even more carefully while avoiding the shoulder full of refuse. It's a lighter tire at a mere 180g and you can feel this on the road when spinning up. It's not hard to imagine the fact that this 180g tire is not going to have longevity as its strong suit. Still, if you do some net research, they can be had for a great deal, with a focus on replacing the rear. My bikes are around 60-62cm and I weigh between 180-185 these days. I try to stay in the 20-22mph average range and these tires do this with aplomb. I've got the natural sidewall version to mate with my vintage ride and they look GREAT. It's sure nice to get a hand-made tire, too. So far, I'm extremely happy with this tire and will definitely buy again, especially at the price. Highly recommended although I will add that buying thinking you'll get long lasting rubber will likely bring disappointment. It's not about that. On the other hand, Life's to short to ride crap, even every day riding. I'll add comments with more and more miles. Looking forward to those miles better than ever.

Strengths:
- Excellent grip in corners, bettering Pro2 Race
- Ultra nice ride, feel, feedback
- Low rolling resistance, feeling faster than Pro2 Race (not totally sure here)
- Beautiful to look at!
- Subtle, simple aesthetic ~ No Racer X Graphics
- Can be found for a great deal if eyes open
- Light as hell...

Weaknesses:
- Ultimately longevity not priority
- Jury is out on puncture resistance - good so far
- Hard as HELL to mount on the Rigida Score
- All else positive

Similar Products Used:
Most comparable would be Michelin Pro2 Race. Similar buys would be Vittoria Open Corsa CX and Gommitalia Calypso K (Vittoria no longer hand made/Veloflex are, supposedly in the ex-Vittoria factory)

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Price Paid:  $40.00 at not telling

Favorite Ride:
TUC

Bike Setup:
Steel/carbon bike with Reynolds DVC wheels.

Summary:
Using Veloflex Pave clincher 700x22. Three rides in I can tell that these wear like a Vittoria tubular. Perhaps they are slightly less durable. But then they are less expensive, more supple, and much lighter.

Strengths:
Very light and supple.

Weaknesses:
A race-only tire.

Similar Products Used:
Vittoria Open Corsa CX. Are there any other similar products?

Price Paid:  $49.00 at web

Favorite Ride:
anything outdoors

Summary:
The first one flatted at 35 miles on a piece of glass that admittedly would probably have cut 90% of the tires out there. That tire is ruined. I just flatted the second one at 200 miles on a little piece of chipseal - that one should not have penetrated.

Strengths:
Non US language on box

Weaknesses:
above

Similar Products Used:
everything

Price Paid:  $40.00 at Variety

Favorite Ride:
Tour d' Lac

Bike Setup:
Very nice.

Summary:
I noticed that others experience has been less than optimal. I use Veloflex Paves mainly as a front tire for all road riding. I use on the rear for long road races. I suspect that some of the users are not familiar with racing type tires and actually believe marketing and advertisements. A 180 gm cotton casing tire is not going to last long on the rear. Sorry folks, no magic bullet. The tires that many of these people are comparing too are 25% heavier.

I have had great experience with these on the front. On the rear they are excellent when new, but they are very light. I weigh 190 lbs and 6'1" so put some serious hurt on the tires.

Over the last few years I have had about a dozen.

Strengths:
Light and durable on the front. Not a rear tire for me except for races when they are new.

Weaknesses:
I suppose on the rear I am hesitant to use them.

Similar Products Used:
All major high end tires.