I also like the Nashbar Prima 2 Plus. It is a low cost, fairly high performance tire. The Performance Forte' Kevlar is tough as nails but will offer less of the benefits you seem to be looking for because of a thicker tread and sidewall, and I have not found the Primas to be fragile in any sense of the word. They can wear down to have a flat spot quicker than other touring tires, but that may indicate a "grippier", softer, high performance tread.