Just a few days ago, Hutchinson presented its wider tyres - Conti is also following the trend. Continental is presenting two new tyre widths in the Grand Prix 5000 series. The GP5000 S TR comes in 35 mm, the GP5000 TT TR in 30 mm. Both models are now available worldwide through selected retail partners and the official Continental sales channels. The Grand Prix 5000 series comprises various road bike tyres for different areas of use. The S TR is designed as an all-rounder and is intended to combine speed with reliability. The TT TR is based on a reduced carcass construction for low weight and low rolling resistance. The abbreviation TR stands for Tubeless Ready. The 5000 S TR was previously available in 25, 28, 30 and 32 millimetres.
Continental GP5000 Allround in 35 mm width
The new 35 mm version of the GP5000 S TR weighs 380 g and costs 91.95 euros. According to the manufacturer, the larger width should enable lower air pressure and reduce vibrations. Continental sees the tyre being used on long, performance-oriented rides and on changing surfaces. The construction remains with the familiar S TR specification with a fast and robust design. The tyre should be suitable for racing in a variety of conditions.
GP5000 TT TR time trial tyre in 30 mm width
The GP5000 TT TR in 30 mm weighs 280 g and officially costs 113.95 euros. The width lies between the previous versions and is intended to offer a larger contact area. Continental promises increased stability and grip in fast bends. A special 2-ply carcass is intended to minimise rolling resistance. According to the manufacturer, the TT TR remains the fastest tyre in the GP5000 range. The design is intended to support a smooth, controlled ride over long distances.
Technologies and areas of application
All tyres in the GP5000 series use four core technologies. BlackChili Compound is designed to improve grip and rolling resistance. Vectran Breaker provides puncture protection. Active Comfort is designed to reduce vibrations. Lazer Grip is designed to improve grip when cornering. Hannah Ferle, Product Manager for road bike tyres at Continental, explains that the new sizes are a response to the trend towards wider tyres. According to Ferle, the larger contact area should not only lead to better vibration damping, but also offer performance advantages. The new variants are designed to enable precise adjustment of air pressure and grip to the track conditions.
TOUR test judgement GP5000 S TR
We have not yet tested the new model in the 35 mm width - the verdict on the model was generally positive. However, we noticed that the rolling resistance in the TOUR test was slightly worse than the previous model, which was not yet tubeless ready. The conclusion at the time: "In absolute terms, the rolling values are still excellent, as the old Grand Prix 5000 rolled sensationally well - at time trial tyre level, but with the puncture protection of an all-rounder."
Kristian Bauer
Editor
