Continental 4000S tire question

[Keith Andrews]

Since the group has been posting tires questions lately, I thought
I would ask about this tire now on sale at the Cycle Fixx on line store.
The propaganda reads as follows:

#1 Selling clincher for racing and training in the USA. Durable, light and supple. If you like the Grand Prix 4000, you're going to love the Grand Prix 4000 S clincher tire - the latest incarnation of the Grand Prix 4000 shares the same Vectran construction as the standard GP 4000 but now features 'Black Chili' compound.
This compound which was first developed in Conti's motorcycle division resulted in increased carbon at a molecular level in the butyl rubber which translates to: Reduced rolling resistance 26%, increased grip by 30% and increased mileage by 5%. A new innovative clincher tire that allows you to ride faster and longer! Size 700x 23c. Color black.

Thanks for any feedback.

Keith Andrews

[Orin]

That doesn't seem to be a very good price at Cycle Fixx.
biketiresdirect.com's regular price is a little less.

The "Black Chili" version GP4000(S) are very nice tires in the 25mm
size at least and I'd pick the GP4000 700x25 Black Chili version over
the Grand Bois 700x26. The 25s run true to size to a little wide
depending on rim width and pressure (really close to 25mm at 80psi on
an Open Pro, close to 27mm on a Velocity Dyad at 120 psi). They ride
nicely at 80 to 90 psi on my single and at 120 psi on the tandem - the
120 psi rating is useful in this respect.

Don't expect them to be flat proof. Shards of glass and similar will
get through the Vectran belt, though I suspect they saw their way
through rather than going straight in. Given the number of flats I
get, I couldn't say they are significantly better or worse at
resisting flats.

Personally, I wouldn't bother with the 23 size for these tires if the
25 fits.

I also wouldn't bother with the non Black Chili versions of the GP4000
- Continental's own marketing quotes say the Black Chili is better and
the price is the same.

Orin.

[Kevin Foust]

I've been running a pair of yellow GP4000 in 23 on a set of wheels that I'm torture testing.  I had inherited the tires on a bike I bought so fortunately I didn't have to pay for them.  Frankly, these tires are worst tires in the wet I've ever ridden.  They completely lack corning traction in the rain.  They also don't inspire any confidence in the dry either.  I haven't worn them out yet, but when that happens I won't morn their passing.

[George Swain]

Hi Keith,

I agree that Conti GP 4000 would be better in 25 mm. Not sure about
the "S". Never ridden that version. The price is high though.
bikeisland.com has both tires in stock for under $45 with free
shipping. My Contis have arrived in less than 3 days when I've
ordered there.

George

[Seth in Seattle]

I just mounted a set on my bike (23c). Got them at Bike Tires Direct.
I have about 400 miles on them...lots of climbing, descents, chip 'n
seal roads. Great riding, seem to be pretty puncture resistant. What
I like about them is that they are very sure footed on fast descents
with lots of curves. They stay with the road on fast accelerations and
on standing climbs and are also smooth riding, despite the high
pressure (130 and rated for 160). I put a bit more in the back, then
in the front...130/120 for traction and ride (at least in theory).
I'm a big fan of Conti tires...particularly the 4 Season for brevets.
To date, I've never flatted one.

In a nutshell, I highly recommend the 4000S. We'll see how they wear
with rotation.

Seth

On Jun 14, 9:51 am, Keith Andrews <kav...@yahoo.com> wrote: