yes speediums are cheap, i actually bought them for 20 for the pair (thats too cheap). I actually put some conti ultra sports on (a brand new pair I had laying around) Im sure they will suck horribly as well but i am just fed up with the speediums.
my other bike has Vredstein Fortezza SE which were a bit pricier, but I have never had a flat, ever and i ride both bikes in brooklyn equally.
lesson learned, buy good tires