|
|
PRODUCT REVIEWS: CONTINENTAL GRAND PRIX 4000 TIRE
Road Bike Action
February 4, 2009
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Continental designed their Grand Prix 4000 tire to exceed the traits
that made their original GP3000 so popular, and the result is a fast, light
racing tire suitable for use in all conditions. The original design
goals included lowering rolling resistance, increasing cornering grip,
achieving longer mileage and adding resistance to cuts and punctures.
The success of Continental’s design team in meeting these criteria is
witnessed by the fact that the GP 4000 is now the standard for big-mile
riders, and it’s now sold in eight colors in addition to basic black.
TECH
Continental
used their Activated Silica Compound (ASC) to add road-hugging grip and
to lower the rolling resistance of the 330 TPI (threads per inch) Grand
Prix 4000 tires. ASC is also responsible for increased grip in wet
conditions. Stick with basic black and you get the extra traction and
lowered rolling resistance of Continental’s “Black Chili” super-fine
carbon particle filler (Black Chili only in black version). Below the tread is a layer of Vectran cloth.
This liquid crystal polymer acts as a lightweight shield against nasty
glass cuts and punctures. It is common for Conti 4000 tires to be
gouged in may places without suffering a puncture. The Grand Prix 4000
is offered in several different sizes: 650x23c, 700x20, 23, and 25c—as
well as a variety of colors: black/black, blue/black, metallic
blue/black, red/black, Conti yellow/black, lemon yellow/black,
gold/black, bronze/black and silver/black. Our two Conti 4000 test
tires weighed 234 and 236 grams respectively, which is very light for a
700x25c clincher—especially one that is capable of taking a beating.
The price per tire is $52.95
THE RIDE
Mounting
the 4000 was difficult, and we had to resort to the use of levers to
install them on our rims. We expect them to stretch the longer we ride
them, but so far, levers are a necessity. Once mounted and aired up to
110 psi (staying under Continental’s maximum recommended pressure of
120)‚ we were rewarded with a fast and comfortable ride. We tested the
larger-volume 25-millimeter versions (standard is 23 millimeters), and
found them to perform quite well. Rolling resistance was recognizably
low and the tires felt very responsive in the variety of conditions
that we rode. Continental’s ASC–boosted tread delivered cornering grip
on fast downhill sections as promised.
RBA SAYS
Continental
Grand Prix 4000 tires are popular among the sport’s most commited
cyclists for good reason. They roll fast, the air stays on the inside,
and best of all, pushing hard with the 4000 is
confidence-inspiring—and for the vain among us, there should be no
trouble finding a color combo to match our kit.
PRICE: $49.95
CONTACT: www.conti-online.com
WEIGHT: 236-grams
BONUS POINTS: Fast rolling, puncture resistance, lots of colors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|