We are big fans of the entire Soma tire lineup. The Supple Vitesse, Cazadero, and Shikoro remain amongst our top tire sellers each year. With the expanding all road segment, cyclists are looking for more durable tires, wider than typical widths, and reasonable weights for the entire package. The Supple Vitesse is available in both the SL casing and the EX casing. The EX gives you slightly longer wear, while the SL is the super light casing which averages approximately 20 grams lighter than then comparable EX tire. The tubular casing gives you low rolling resistance even with the all-road tread pattern that hooks up great with many various surfaces.
These are similar to Grand Bois Cypres Extra Leger and Compass/Rene Herse Stampede Pass Extra Light tires and, as far as I know, use the same ultra supple Panaracer casing. The SL tread is quite different though and I feel the Compass/RH and GB tires might have an advantage in supple comfort. The difference is slight, however, and these are a great value for basically the same performance. They measure 31mm at 50 PSI on 17.5mm inner width H Plus Son TB14 rims. That's more evidence that these are the same casing; same on-rim inflated size. Quite off the mark of 33mm and noticeably smaller than true 33mm Rivendell Jack Brown Greens for instance. These have a thinner tread in the middle than GB or Compass/RH and, I imagine, slightly less puncture resistance as a result. But they are fast and supple in the same vein.
Summed up: These are a good substitute for Compass/Rene Herse Stampede Pass Extra Light or Grand Bois Cerf Extra Leger. Ultra low rolling r
Yes, I would recomend this to a friend.
Likes: Looks, Grip, Rolling Resistance, Weight
Works for: Hard Pack, Asphalt
Dislikes: Durability
5
May 10, 2020
reviewed by: Jawkneedick
Not recommended tubeless. Worked fine when inflated, required inflation daily, tried several different sealants and finally contacted SOMA who recommended Panaracer Smart Seal. Ordered said sealant, dismounted and cleaned tires and wheels, reassembled and was able to get up to two days of riding befored needing air. I ran these for 1500 miles, needing to inflate daily except when the sealant was new an plentiful. When maintenance time came around I threw them in the garbage. They had plenty of tread, rode OK, but not so good for tubeless.