Had been using some very expensive handmade tubular track tires, but the tread peeled from the casing on one of them and the other developed a mysterious split in the tread (never ridden outdoors, always on an indoor track). I had used Conti Sprinters before and decided to go back to Conti tires. I currently have these tires stretching on some spare rims so I don't have anything to say about how they ride, but I inspected them carefully and the quality is up to Conti standards.
I�ve been riding sew-ups for over 40 years. I�ve tried them all. These were, are and will continue to be the best. They are top quality in all aspects. They are hand made by true craftsmen. Yes, they are expensive, but they are perfectly balanced, perfectly crafted and will outlast and outperform everything else out there.
I have used a few brands of racing tubs, Vittoria, Panaracer and Continental over the past 7 years. The best quality of the Continental is that they don't puncture easily, after I am done with the racing season I will ride my tubs on my regular roads rides until they flat or wear out and usually they wear out, I can see the Vectran under the rubber, before they go flat. I like to start the racing season with fresh tires, I typically race 40 races each season, mostly criteriums in SoCal. The grip from the Competition is amazing, better that the Sprinter in my experience. The slick surface of the Sprinter seams to let go easier that the patterned surface of the Competition. But by far the best quality is puncture resistance especially compared to the Vittoria, I do not enjoy having to replace a tubular because it is time consuming and expensive to replace.
The Competition is a little pricey but, well taken care of, it gives good milage while having great traction and responsiveness. I've ridden lighter tires that felt excellent but wouldn't hold-up to the crap NoCal roads in winter and also ridden heavier tires that wore like a tank but also not responsive and traction in wet weather was spotty. I ride in the hills north of SF, which get a lot of run-off in winter rains ( lousy surfaces). I'm religious about wiping them down (run a gloved hand over them for a couple turns) at rest breaks and super gluing cuts when they're still small. I can get a good 7-8 months of 30-40 mile weekend rides (only time I have, unfortunately) from them. I run 155 lbs which I think helps (rough ride but Ti frame helps).
I've ridden both the 700 x 22 and 700 x 19. They are hard to fit the rim for sure. I like to fit them and let them stretch a few weeks while I use my other rims before I glue them. The only flat I've had is when I picked up a beer can while I wasn't paying attention to the road. It ripped the tire beyond what Stan's could seal. Good in wet weather. The black chili is very sticky.
I have had two blowouts on these tires are 110 psi and less than 500 miles on them. You might say my bad luck, but I don't have confidence in them. I weigh 190 so maybe these tires are best for little guys. I also think they are tight and hard to mount compared to most tubulars. They may design them tight to prevent roll offs, but I have been riding tubulars for many years and have never rolled a tire off the rim. Anyway, for me there are better options.
I flatted on this exactly 20 miles into my first ride. Still had near-perfect tread on it. I guess it was just bad luck, as no tire is 100% flat-proof.
Hoping to keep this wheel rolling another 2,500 miles.
Continental still the best 19mm tubular out there, still the best for narrower discs and older deep-rimmed wheels, and still the fastest for time trials on older, narrow rims. For newer, thicker disks and wheels, go with 21-23mm tires.
have used them for thousands of km - wear very well and are puncture resistant
these tires have a puncture resistant belt under the outer rubber and you don't need to replace them just because the tread wears off - the rubber is quite sticky and will grip just fine without the tread (formula 1 cars run on tires with no tread). So you can run them down to the belt without an issue. I only bring this up because I think some people are replacing them once the tread is gone.
Felt AR FRD bike zipp 202 wheels for climbing mainly. Keep pressure up longer than my prior Vittoria with latex inner tube.
I use this as my daily ride tire. I get about 1000 miles out of the rear (700 x 22), and I weigh 215 lbs. Great ride, roll, and cornering grip. I've gone through a few of the 22 mm tires. I might try the 25 mm next time.
Been using these tires for a few years for all of my training rides and races, best durability and very reliable on race day.
This is great all around durable tire.
Used it for racing, club rides, weekend rides.
Very nice road tire has proved itself to be a tough tire but yet quick. I hate that they are so pricey. Only reason Im not giving it 5 stars
First impression after 300 miles on them are excellent only reason for one less Star is they do have a bit of wobble to them . But the schwalbe tires I had before were way worse
I am still looking for a good tire. These rolled reasonably well but unfortunately on my second ride I got a puncture in the rear.
Solid tyre. Rolls fast. Lasts forever.
Haven't had any issue with flats. Typically after I put the miles on I peel them off and keep the still useable tyres for roller training and emergency spares (not that I've needed them).
Use it in my normal racing and riding.
Not as supple as some Italians, but certainly more durable. I've raced on Conti tubulars for 20 years, mostly Sprinters, and I've learned to be moderate with the pressure. I have a Gatorskin set that survive two Tours of Battenkill without a cut or scuff-'nuff said.
