Review of Continental Grand Prix 4000S Bicycle Tire with Black Chili (700x23, Black)

Continental Grand Prix 4000S Bicycle Tire with Black Chili (700x23, Black)
By: Continental Average Rating: 5.0 Total Reviews: 4
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Great road bike tire!

On: 2009-11-13

I bought these for my Trek 2200 road bike, and
they replaced the Bontrager (=Trek) original
equipment tires that I had continued to stay
with. I decided to switch because I wanted
more confidence in the tire during a high
speed turn. This particular tire is a new
variant of the Continental 4000, in that they
are using a new rubber compound, hence the
"S" designation.

I really like this tire. It has great traction,
you can even feel how tacky it is with your hand
compared to other tires. It also seems to
have lower rolling resistance, although that
is admittedly subjective and hard to measure.
From a performance and satisfaction standpoint,
these are the best tires I have ever purchased,
and I would buy them again.

The tires are "tight" and when you install
them, they dont just slip over your rims
easily. I not only experienced that, but
thats what a bike shop mechanic told me, too.

Roadscrape

On: 2009-09-17

I did a good bit of research and narrowed my choice down to the Conti 4000 S and Vittoria Open Corsa Evo. I found a great deal on pair of Contis for much less than the Vits, so ordered the 4000 S in 700x23. Im fairly sure the 4000 S and 4000 in black are the same tire with different graphics - but the 4000 in colors do not have the same material compound.

Over 3,000 miles on this set and still amazed by them (rotated when rear started to square). My other bikes have wider tires (28 and 30) yet the Conti GP 4000 S in 23 mm rides more smoothly (Im 178 lb., run it at 100 psi - note that maximum pressure on bike tires means max. for 220 lb. total weight - vary the psi according to your weight+bike weight).

The 4000 S has amazing ride quality and durability on chip/seal and old broken pavement as well as new blacktop. Ive hit fresh gravel (sharp edged stuff indeed), plenty of road holes, patches of broken glass, small pieces of sheet metal and who knows what else - yet can find any cuts on either tire (never seen a Michilin or Specialized pull that trick). Thankfully I no longer live in goathead country, but these tires I bet would handle goatheads as well or better than other racing/training tires.

Great traction even on wet roads. Confidence inspiring handling on mountain decents. Noticably low rolling resistance and excellent road feel compared to any clincher Specialized, Hutchinson or Michelin that Ive ridden - yet the 4000 S is also more durable. How do they that?

Not tried the Vit Open Corsa or the Challenge tires, but they would make for an interesting comparison, indeed.

No flats, ever, on these tires - thats a first for me. That includes a 24 hour race on city streets in downtown Atlanta, as well as the usual suburban and country road regular rides.

Ive not babied these tires in the least. If anything, my confidence in the 4000 S has caused me to push them harder than any tire Ive ridden in the last 25 years. Ive no logical reason to try any other tire other than my own curiosity.

Theyre not inexpensive, but keep an eye out and you can find a deal on a pair at times, such as Pro Bike Kit offers.

Great Touring Tires

On: 2009-09-10

I bought these tires after suffering through enumerable flats with a set of Michelin Pros. I liked the Pros for their light weight, but found that I was averaging a flat every 100 miles or so. I bought the Continentals for both me and my wife, and have been using them since the end of July. So far no flats! These tires are fairly light for a touring tire. Also, to my surprise, I found them fairly easy to mount. I would recommend them if youre looking for a general purpose touring tire.

Love it...

On: 2009-07-15

I commute about 27 miles a day. I need tires that can take the broken glass and road crud in stride without flatting. I used to use Armadillos but they were so heavy and slick in the rain. Then I used Gatorskins, which I loved.. until they stopped making them. Once my Gatorskins wore out I thought Id save some bucks and buy some less expensive tires. Result... flat... flat... flat... flat. Ended up replacing tubes on a weekly basis. So... I sprung for this more expensive tire. It is just as good as the Gatorskin used to be. Once I put it on, Ive not flatted again. Rides really smooth too. It is also relatively light and the black tire is really sticky and holds the road in the rain. I have confidence, not only that the tire wont flat on my way to work, but that even in rainy conditions, I wont be sliding on grates or road paint. Finally, a nice touch... theyve included a small depression in the tire that helps you know when it is time to replace the tire. That is a helpful feature... lets you get the most from the tire without overdoing it (as I tend to do).