Yes, I didn't believe the hype either, but the old tyres got easy punctures through the canvas which smiled through after I cleaned the mud and dog turds (Shame on you lazy dog owners!) off them. Nice and grippy, new and fat. BTW,the red rolls in the photo go on the inside of each tyre and give the extra protection to the tube. Just make sure that the valve goes back on the outside, as it fouls on the brakes if you try to hide them on the inside. Doh! The only problem is the extra turd-thickness due to the tread-depth. Best take a fork with you! Eeew.