Yet another tire thread

I'm currently running Michelin Lithion tires front and rear. I have about 2000 miles on the rear, with several ugly cuts in it, and 3500 on the front, and I'm getting ready to replace them both. I've had one recent flat in each. I don't ride in super-high-debris areas, but there can be glass, metal bits, and some thorns, just like most places I suppose.

I've been happy enough with the Lithions, but they're all I really have experience with in recent years. I don't want a heavy tire like the Gatorskins, but I don't see the point in putting super-light tires on my Aksium rims, either ;) I'd trade a bit of tread life for performance advantages, and I'd be willing to spend a little more money than the Lithions cost, but I don't want a tire that's going to be puncture-prone straight out of the box.

Just wanted to throw the question out since there hasn't been a tire thread lately :p Plus, Vredestein Fortezza SEs are on sale at Performance. In blue, to match my frame. Anyone have anything to say about those, good or bad, or how they compare to the Lithions? Any other comparable tires you like?

I just started riding Maxxis Courchevals. They have kevlar but are pretty darn light. Unfortunately they ain't cheap. But I also considered other Maxxis tires as they had good reviews.

Normally I suggest Western Bikeworks/Bike Tires Direct as they seem to have lower prices on most tires. But they aren't taking orders right now as they had a fire in their warehouse.

I just got new wheels and with them Continental Grand Prix 4000 s. I love them. Pretty light but good wear and tread for traction.

My husband likes Maxxis Detonators for flat protection but rather light. I rode them for a while and managed to cut one, I just have horrible depth perception and usually run over the thing I am trying to avoid. I switched the back wheel to Armadillos (and will the front wheel soon) but I loved the ride of the Detonators. The blue ones match the Cannondale we have nicely. :) DH has only had flats after 2,000 miles when they needed to be replaced and he got some nasty glass in them. DH even races his since he doesn't race super seriously and doesn't feel like changing tires for a race. Does just fine in Cat 4 with them.

DH rode those Verdsteins for a while and had some flat issues, he is much happier with the Detonators.

I can't believe you got so many mile out of the Lithons, I only made it to 1,400.

FYI, according to each manufacturer's website, the foldable Ultra Gatorskin in 700x23C weighs 230g, which is the same weight as the Michelin Lithion (also 700x23C and foldable).

My experience is with the standard wire bead Gatorskins, and they have performed flawlessly so far for over 1750 miles.

The Lithion seems like a great deal, though.

1+ for the Conti Grand Prix 4000's. My first set lasted over 2,000 miles and I just replaced them this summer with red trimmed CGP 4000's that immediately elicited many oohs and ahs, and "I want those" from some of my riding buddies. Racers would not like them, but I LOVE them. They are tough as nails, give me confidence riding in wet weather or going over debris and flats are rare. They come in several cool colors also.

Good, because GP4000s is what I wound up with. That's what the LBS had in stock when I stopped in on Sunday - in blue to match my frame :D

It doesn't look like it'll stop raining in time for the club ride tonight (but we really really need the rain, so that's okay) but I'll mount the tires up anyway!