Supple Vitesse EX 700c Clincher Tire

The Supple Vitesse EX is a fast and light clincher with a supple tubular casing. Its superlight casing not only reduces rotational weight, but also reduces its rolling resistance and does an amazing job at smoothing out the road. Made by Panaracer Japan.

• Supple tubular casing

• High Mileage carbon rubber compound with all-road tread pattern

• Kevlar bead

• Black w/tan sidewall or black sidewall

• Sizes: 23c to 42c

• Weights: 23c (215g), 28c(270g), 33c(290g) 38c(320g) 42c(380g)

• Made in Japan by Panaracer

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Supple Vitesse EX 700c Clincher Tire

  • 700x33's

    “I have been using the 700x33 Supple Vitesse EX on my ‘roadish’ wheels. They use supple tubular casings like Compass. They look very similar to Compass except the tread. They are super fast , wonderfully comfortable and durable on bad pavement, gravel and even have endured rough singletrack. All at never more than 50 psi!!”

    RollinRat, ,

  • from Treefort customer

    “ I was looking for light, supple, fast tires at least 35mm actual width for paved and gravel pleasure riding. These tires fit all the requirements and were affordable too. The previous tires were Challenge Paris Roubaix which measured 30-31mm on my H Plus Son Archetype rims. They have been my benchmark tire. Their limitation was poor stability on fine gravel or sand patches. Otherwise the Paris Roubaix tire was great. The surprise with the Supple Vitesse SL was that they did everything the Roubaix did AND was better on gravel. They are really as fast, as quiet and smoother on pavement. My rear tire has a hop caused by a narrow area or dip, but it could be the tube and I haven't done troubleshooting yet. 250 miles or so, no flats. So far, they have surprised me in a positive way and I'd have no reservation in recommending them. ”

    tloscheider , ,

Supple Vitesse EX 700c Clincher Tire

  • Seven Day Cyclist UK Reviews Supple Vitesse EX

    Based upon my experience with the Shikoro, I was expecting a quick and compliant ride but the Supple Vitesse exceeded all expectations. Even at their maximum inflation, 95psi.

    Responding with every increase in tempo, the casings deliver an incredibly supple, refined quality, synonymous with old school tubulars and taking washboard surfaces in their stride. So compliant, I was convinced that we’d succumbed to a very slow puncture, during the first few rides.

    ​ However, periodic prodding of the casings confirmed otherwise. All things (frame material and other factors) being equal, this left me feeling markedly less fatigued and much fresher (especially around the neck and shoulders) after 40, 50 and 60 miles.

    ​ Grip is similarly impressive, encouraging me to push hard on descents, safe in the knowledge they’d suck wet, greasy tarmac like the proverbial leach. The first 150 miles were suitably soggy but the Supple Vitesse held their line impeccably, even hurtling along at 35mph along my favourite 1 in 7.

    ​ Switching to single track lanes with muddy centre strips, I employed more restraint, but they’ve coped better than I’d expected, with gloopy, slimy stuff. Even when I provocatively reversed the directional arrows.

    ​ Some minor “twitch” was apparent up front, especially when I was weary and traversing lanes carpeted in freshly impacted bovine dung. The usual cautions apply when tackling man hole covers and similar raised ironworks, though to be fair I’ve caught a few, turning quite aggressively with minimal loss of traction. Things never turned spiteful, let alone to into a big shimmy.

    Adding Yak pattern trailer and 15 kilo payloads to the equation, things became a little more “interesting” but easily controlled and a moot point when correct rotational direction is observed.

    ​ Experimenting with the pressures and venturing off-road, the magic carpet ride was very welcomed along light, forest trails. Frankly, I’d go wider, 38, or 42mm where clearances allowed and if you were looking towards unmade roads/trails on a tourer or contemporary cross/gravel derivative.

    ​ Puncture Resistance

    ​ Despite off-roading and brushing their casings infrequently, it was six weeks before I succumbed to my first flat. A slow puncture, caused by a very sharp flint that had sliced into the casing. Localised hedge trimming saw two further, caused by long thorns. Deep enough, that I sealed the hole, with some super glue.

    Conversely, I’ve ridden through shards of glass and other town typical debris without paying this penalty. Something that astonished me, given their lack of aramid, or puncture repelling layer.

    Summary

    The Soma Supple Vitesse offer fantastic ride quality. Though not overly expensive, they face a lot of competition. These 32mm Panaracer T-serv Pro Tite folding, are arguably, better value, for training and faster commutes.

    ​ Nonetheless, the Supple Vitesse are well worth considering if you want a lightweight, quick rolling, yet compliant tyre. The sort that will bring out a bike’s sprightly persona. That said, of the two, I’d be inclined toward their Shikoro cousins, or similarly armoured design for more adventurous/winter riding.