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review
Fortezza Senso Tyre£40.00
VERDICT:
Superb tyres: grippy, puncture resistant, perfect for winter
Weight:
213g
Contact:
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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As the name suggests, the Vredestein Fortezza Senso All Weather tyres are intended for use in all weathers and are one of five models in the Dutch rubber-maker's competition line-up. Over weeks of testing in conditions varying from dry to wet to icy, I have been impressed by their sure-footedness. They've also withstood the grit and the best - or worst - of the pot holes around the south-east.
They are on the expensive side but can you put a price on decent rubber over the wintery months? My answer is not if you get this level of performance.
Cornering is assured which is another benefit given conditions in the wet can be trickier than normal. The all weather compound has been designed to provide low rolling resistance with super grip in all conditions. They did just that, providing smooth rolling on the flat but when you lean the bike you get just as much assurance. The clinchers were easy to fit but not loose, which also inspires confidence.
The Vredestein Fortezza Senso All Weather tyres come in four colours and are available in 23mm and 25mm widths. I was testing the 25s and did not suffer any loss of speed due to the slightly bigger tyres. Despite not being a thick or heavy tyre the durability has been very impressive. They have been run at 100psi which is below the manufacturer's maximum limit but this hasn't affected performance.
You can't put a price on the that comes from tyres this sure-footed. The lack of nicks or cuts in the rubber are testimony to their longevity too. Yes it could be good fortune but I'd say it was swayed but the decent rubber compound.
I have many miles on the clock with these tyres and no punctures; that says it all.
Verdict
Superb tyres: grippy, puncture resistant, perfect for winter
road.cc test report
Make and model: Vredestein Fortezza Senso
Size tested: 700x23c
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
There are always reservations when tyres come with this sort of price tag. However the Vredestein Fortezza Senso tyres were just great. Easy to fit, long lasting but providing plenty of miles of reassurance.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Available in different sizes and colours the Sensos have been a treat to use. Fitting was easy but they have provided plenty of miles through all conditions and kept rolling. No punctures and no real nicks is testimony to the compound used which has withstood the worst of wintery, pot-holed conditions without fuss.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
What has added to the impressive performance despite the high mileage is the assuredness in all weather, especially the wet. The tread on the shoulders allows you to corner with confidence. The lack of nicks or cuts in the rubber are testimony to their longevity. Yes it could be good fortune but I'd say it was swayed but the decent all weather rubber compound.
Rate the product for durability:
9/10
The Vredestein Fortezza Senso tyres have been through a serious amount of rain, grit and pot-holes without complaint. There have been no punctures which may be good fortune, but I have punctured using other tyres in this time.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
8/10
Not the lightest but not penalised either.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
They rolled very well.
Rate the product for value:
9/10
Agreed you are paying a price for them but they represent good value.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Would use them all the time.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Grip and assurance without losing speed.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Price might put some off.
Did you enjoy using the product? Still do.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
A great bundle in one tyre with grip, assurance and longevity. Yes there is a price to pay for all of this but worth considering.
About the tester
Age: 45 Height: 178cm Weight: 80kg
I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three My best bike is: As above
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT
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7 comments
I've ridden these for over a year on my main road bike, no punctures. Although the rolling resistance is apparently poor, they feel pretty lively to me. I really rate these - especially for the price, Ribble often have them on sale. Having gone through continentals, michelins, etc, these have been faultless.
I totally agree, they ride well but I've had so many punctures with them. I can't recommend them at all.
Have to disagree with this review, at least on the durability part.
When i ordered these tyres last fall i had at least 5 punctures in the first 750km. I contacted Vredestein about this and they sent me a new tyre, without questions asked which is great service i must say.
After i changed this it was a little better. Still more punctures then usual though and before the 3000 km mark i noticed a bump in my rear tyre, removed it and the thread holding it in the rim was shredded at a few sections, so end of that one as well.
Overall I would defenitly not recommend these.
Love Vredestein tyres! The Fortezza Senso Xtreme weather model offers an even grippier option for foul conditions. Ribble is the place to buy them.
Got a pair from ribble beginning of the winter. They are superb. Enough said.
I got a PAIR of these tyres from Ribble for £42, been riding them through winter, they're fast, comfortable and I've only had one puncture, piece of flint that went in vertically and would of gone through pretty much any tyre. The other brilliant thing is how compliant they are, on and off the wheel easily, no levers needed. Best tyres I've had yet, been through all the usual Schwalbes, Continentals etc. Reckon I'll try the Lites for Summer. 25mm in Red look awesome too...
Ribble have some cracking deals on Vredestein tyres on at the moment, including these for about £ 42 a pair. More here
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/pp/road-track-bike/vredestein-vredestein-t...