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.
Easier to change than tubeless ready version. Great if you don't need tubeless. So far no flats ??
Easier to change than tubeless ready version. Great if you don't need tubeless. So far no flats ??
I recently bought 4 Continental Grand Prix 5000 tires with 6 Pirelli P Zero TPU tubes and I wish I made the switch sooner. Put them on your bike - I'm sure you'll be impressed.
I've been riding since the 1970s and got into cycle racing in 2005 in the Salt Lake City area. (We left Utah because of the shutdowns, even though I love riding up the mountains)
These tires have excellent grip (much more than other tires I've run) and the TPU tubes make riding on the rough roads in the Safford Arizona area noticeably more comfortable.
I think this is the single best performance upgrade I've made in 20 years!
holding up very well so far. No issues with traction yet - and a heck of a lot lighter than my Duranos that I had for a while.
I've been using Continental Grand Prix tires for decades, and they continue to impress. The performance and road feel are exceptional, striking a perfect balance between speed and comfort. For lightweight tires, they are surprisingly durable, handling a variety of conditions with ease. On most of my rims (Hunt, Mavic), mounting and dismounting is not too difficult, which is always a bonus. These tires have long been my go-to choice, and I run them on all my road bikes. Highly recommended for anyone looking to elevate their ride.
The Grand Prix 5000 tube-type tire in size 700x30 on a 19mm internal rim measure 30mm width and 27mm height, The 700x28 measures 27.7mm width and about 25mm high on similar rims, so the 30mm tire is true. The tires were within 10 to 15 grams of claimed weight. They mounted easily to tubeless ready rims with Pirelli Smart (thermoplasitc) tubes. Changed to these from Veloflex, which are equally nice hand-made tires because I wanted a larger tire without going up to 32mm, which just seem to be overkill for a pavement-only racing tire. 30mm is appreciated on the rougher sections but for most roads with alligator cracks or better pavement, 28mm still seems more appropriate for me (168 pounds). The 30mm provides a very plush ride at the expense of weight and aerodynamics (if you care).
For years I ran the Conti Gatorskin tires as I was convinced that I needed the extra puncture protection. After hearing so many good things about the Conti GP 5000s I decided to try them a few seasons ago. The GP 5000s are now my go to tire.
I run the GP 5000s with either latex or TPU tubes and I inflate according to the SILCA tire pressure calculator. The roads that I ride on are typically either smooth bike paths or pavement/asphault roads and highways that I would consider to be average to good condition (live in Nebraska, so we get our share of pavement break-up).
Over the 3-4 seasons that I have run the GP5000s I have not experienced any more punctures with these tires that I had with any other tire...they are extremely durable and reliable. With the miles that I ride, I will generally get 1 full season out of the tires, sometimes I can extend the front tire farther as it gets less wear. Besides the same durability as other tires, these tires are incredibly smooth and roll extremely well. I don't see any reason to consider changing to any other tires.
Placed these on a Giant Revolt Advanced 2 gravel bike to ride long distance on pavement on alloy factory wheels. Replacing tubeless 40mm gravel tires to a road tire 700c 32 black sidewalls. Got them for long charity ride Bike around the Bay 177 mi weekend ride, Florida rail trail vacations. Daily training rides consist of 20-30 mi rides. Wide enough to soak up sidewalk cracks, and anything else flat I want to ride across in comfort. Paired with Conti race tubes. Total system weight rider and bike 250 lbs, pressures front 65 psi rear 68 psi. No flats during the training and charity ride avoiding broken glass on my rides as I see it in the path as well as I can. I ride mostly concrete bike paths, and asphalt. Do not take these on a small gravel walking paths or off the road they will tear up the side walls. Rubber is slightly tacky I only use in dry conditions good traction. There are two tread wear dimples near the logo find their location so you know where to look for them when your tire wears out for replacement, if similar wear to tubeless S TR I'd expect about 3400 mi. before replacement in my environment hot n humid. Been using Conti products for 25 years haven't diverted to other tire makers because they have not given me a reason to. Pricey, catch them on sale, use your points.
Ridden over 6,000 miles on all aspects of road surfaces and some unpaved with and without debris and not single flat. Stable at wide range of pressures from 60 to 90 psi. A little tough to mount the first time, better subsequent times (done for inspection after sharp debris and when converting ubes)
Excellent tires once you have them on! If it's cold while you're installing, a good tip is to either leave them in the sun for a bit to warm up and let the rubber expand, or run a hair dryer over them to warm them up! I was getting frustrated until I read the hairdryer tip, then it was so easy!
These tires are highly reviewed for a reason. They roll fast and give better than average puncture protection. You can't go wrong with them.
I bought a set of these for my road bike about six weeks ago. Size 28mm with translucent side walls. A couple weeks ago the rear tire developed a slit in the sidewall. This allowed the tube to protrude through causing a sudden blowout. I could not find anything in the tire that could've caused this. Nor was I aware of hitting or running over anything that could have damaged the sidewall. Therefore, I suspect it was a defective tire. I sent a message to continental tire online a couple weeks ago, but have not heard back from them.
Love these, now have them on 3 bikes in the house. I've noticed easy mounting, great grip, and long lasting tread. Will continue to purchase these if I need tires in the future, they are a nice upgrade from the 4000 version
Bought a set of Conti GP5000 clincher tires, transparent sidewall, about 5 weeks ago. A couple days ago I had a blowout on the rear tire. Upon inspection I found a crack in the tire sidewall that allowed to tube to blow out and go flat instantly. There is no explanation for the tire damage other than a defective or weak sidewall. The tire only had a few hundred miles on it, and is 99% ridden on paved roads. I have contacted Continental to see if they will provide a replacement tire under warranty.
Comparatively, to other tires, the Conti for the price is a steal when on sale. Now to the 28mm tire I upped to from a 25mm. Not only is it a bit more plush, I lost no overall speed average. In fact, may have gained a bit but will need to at my speed metric from my last new install of the 25mm size. Is there a better race tire and all-around tire in existence? Maybe, but as long as my Conti's keep providing exceptional ride and performance, I will never know! Try a set today!
I run the Conti tan side walls on my BMC SLR-01 and could not be happier. I run them with tubes at 78 psi F/ and 80 psi rear. The tires are absolutely the best I have ridden: I have ridden Vredesteins, Vittoria, Michelin Power Cup, Schwalbe, but these are by far the best. The grip, the excellent average speeds I have been posting, the durability, and the lack of punctures over the same courses have been exceptional.
I've been riding on Conti's for 2 decades and the newer 5000's for the 3rd year. Terrific tire all-round. They hold pressure, handle and roll rrally well - top shelf.
However, when new they can be a bear to mount!
A few pointers on this that will definitely help. If possible place them in direct warm sunlight for an hour or so to soften it /make a "bit" pliable. Rub the edge of the rim with lightly diluted dish soap. And [oddly] I've worn rubber dipped yard gloves while mounting the tire. Along with a solid mounting lever - all in all these work well and will illiminate the near impossibility if you don't!??
I recently had a rear tire pinch-flat with about 500 miles on the tire - the tube swap was a snap. No problems at all removing/remounting the tire.
Gr8 bike tire! Try 'em!
I use these tires on a vintage 80's high end road bike. At correct inflation they give a smooth, fast ride on my light weight, aluminum frame bike, and enhance its quickness and nimbleness around corners with their great grip on the road. I ride 50-100 miles a week in spring to fall; last version of these tires lasted me two seasons. There is nothing I do not like about these tires in my application; they are a perfect fit for my '84 Schwinn Mangusta 5000. Even the number matches and it feels like they were made with a bike like mine in mind.
Love this tire for performance and durability.
I struggle mounting them, but found Crankbrothers levers helpful and sometimes a tire jack.
Recently I've used them with tpu tubes which makes me feel I'm faster.
