Soma Fabrications

Supple Vitesse SL 700c Tire

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.

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.