mossi

Checking at Amazon, I noticed they are now offering these tires at $20 compare to ~$50 list price. I used the Fusion Comp and the Fusion 2 and both were OK although the Fusion 2 held less. I am not sure what are the differences compare to the regular Fusion 2. I recall the Ultra suppose to weight less but with the same characteristics. It seems that Hutchinson are not offering the Ultra any more. Yet, at such a price should I go for it?

alcjphil

I put a set of these on my bike last year to replace a set of Fusion2's. The first thing I noticed was that they roll with less road noise than the regular Fusion2 and they seem to be a bit more supple. Cornering grip is about the same. All in all, a great tire, they use the same casing as the fusion2 with a different coating on the sidewalls. It is claimed that they have less rolling resistance. The reason that they are no longer being made is the Hutchinson has started selling the Fusion3 which I am assuming is very similar to the Fuson2 ultra. Some people don't like the look of the tire, the silver sidewalls don't go with all bikes. There was also a red version.

NothingTooFancy

I've got about 4000mi on a pair of blue fusion 2 kevlars. I know it's not quite the same tire but they've done well. They are quiet, light, and have low rolling resistance. They have picked up a few cuts along the way, but I've never had a flat with them. The rear is finally starting to get near the end of its life.

HigherGround

Interesting. This past weekend I had a Fusion 2 Kevlar develop a 5mm cut in the sidewall, which was letting the tube protrude through. I caught it before the tube popped, but I was pretty disappointed since the tire had only about 250 miles on it. It may have just been random luck (or lack thereof) on my part; "stuff" happens.

I've tried booting tires with a piece of an old tire in the past, but it seems like the edges of the boot eventually abrade the tube and cause a leak. I tried booting this tire with some nylon repair tape tonight, but it may have slid out of position. I'm going to try that again, and if it looks good, I'll switch it to the back wheel. I'm hoping the tire isn't toast, but I have my doubts. I like to bomb the descents, and I don't want to have to worry about my tires.

mzeffex 

If it helps I ruined a GP4000 after 6 miles, same issue. Sidewall rip.

HigherGround

As the example above illustrates, I'd say that we're all taking some degree of risk with any tire. Hit a piece of glass or a nail in the road the wrong way, and psssttt! At $20 each, I'd say go for it.

chefxian

Hutchinson Tires are the worst. I got a pair of Equinox last year from Nashbar and flatted 3 times in one week. My Vredesteins and my Vittorias have never had that problem. Decided to get the Kevlar's, well they are a little wider then other brands and had to deflate my rear tire to remove it past the brake pads.

av8torjim

I've been buying them from Bonktown.com for $19.99 and really like them. I've got about 1,500 miles on one without incident. I hit a piece of metal on a group ride (middle of the paceline and no one called it). I cut the sidewall and it trashed the tire. Not the tire's fault. They are comfortable, seem to have good grip in the wet and dry (I've ridden them quite a bit in the rain). I don't know why they are so cheap, but I've stocked up on two extra sets.

Yellowbeard

Apparently if you buy these tires you are guaranteed to get 3 flats per week and they won't fit through your brakes. Caveat Emptor

mossi

I ordered a set of 2. For their price - I got nothing to loose.

mossi

Already over 250 miles on the Ultra. No complains. A great deal (for $20 each). The only downside is their color - light gray... probably not the best selection with my dark blue bike.

Where can I find another set for the same price?

Val23708

I gave up on Hutchinson tires a few years back. I think they were the Fusion Comps. They cut like an emo teen.

Atol

Get some Vittoria Zaffiros instead. They're just about the same price as the Hutchinsons.

midgetmaestro 

I run the Kevlar version on all of our bikes...I've not had a flat yet *knock on wood*

mossi

I thought the Fusion Kevlar (held ~1,500miles) and the Comp (which I was very happy with) are not produced any more. I guess the ones avialable in the marked are 2-3 year old stock. Shouldn't this bother us?

ImprezaDrvr

Ordered 4 when they were $20 a piece on bonktown and one of them had two spontaneous sidewall splits. Not bad for $20, but you may or may not get much use out of them.