I have been using these for about 5 years, but have tried other brands as well. These are the best I have found for puncture resistance and overall durability. (cheaper tires, especially those of Chinese origin, seem to handle my considerable weight poorly, as I have had several catastrophic sidewall blowouts with such tires). On the rear, I have had these last as long as 4,000 miles, while the one currently on the front has just gone over 10,000 and seems to have some wear left yet. If you inspect your tires for imbedded glass after each ride, flats will become unusual events. While not especially heavy, these tires have high rolling resistance and so I don't imagine they are for everyone. But if you want to ride without having to stop to repair flats, try these.
The high thread count casing and wrap-around 'tread' make this a durable product. Its low mass and low rolling resistance, coupled with the relatively firm compliance (relative to, say, an old 'Strada 66' from yesteryear) have made this my choice for current and future ongoing front-tire shoes. As my front tires seem to last many times as long as my rears, and since I resolve that I am "worthy" of riding tubulars for esthetic reasons, I love these taking the lead on my training rides, long or short! (Though I no longer have the passion to race, I would still use these were I still "in the pack!"
They glue up securely, and I've not had a delamination nor a seam failure. Pumped up well-beyond what a lesser would tolerate, they seem incapable of puncture! (Knock on wood! That was stupid of me!) The 'black chilli' compound seems to be a solid advance in rubber technology, too, combining traction and durability in ways best described as "magic!"
"Let it roll; down the highway"!!
These are really good tires. I ride year 'round in mostly hot/humid weather and also in the winter down south. I travel for work and bring my bike lots of time especially to NYC for 60, 70, or 80 mile rides. I run tubeless and use Orange Seal regular and Ive had great results. Yeah, punctures happen especially in urban riding (Jersey City, NYC, etc.) but if you keep your sealant level up, inside of tires clean, and don't over pressure, these tires have wonderful longevity. Also, they corner nicely and generally ride well. I have no need to explore tubeless ready tires any further after the GP5000 TR. If you are a nut about maintenance (which you should be) and keep track of your tires and mileage these should be good for 4000 miles before you get to the bottom of the wear indicator although I wish I could get any tire to the bottom of the wear indicator. +1 for the GP5000 TR.
After trying multiple tires (I ride about 18,000 miles/year), I've settled on the Conti GP5000 for its smooth ride, low rolling resistance and relatively good puncture proof tires. It's a bit pricier, but worth it overall given that I get about 6000 miles out of each tire. They're a bit difficult to put on, but fortunately I've not had to take them off regularly for any reason (especially punctures). They're grippy and you feel confident after a good bit of usage.
