Who Knew I Could Get So Excited About Rubber...?

Cards on the table, I’m a bit of a Continental GP tyre fanboy. I used to buy the GP4000s. In recent years, it’s the GP5000 variant.

Here is my very short review.

Quick question

Would you like to watch the video version of this post?

Good news, I’ve ‘got you covered’ (i.e. I have made that video.

Please to enjoy…

What Makes A Good Road Tyre?

My criteria for a good road tyre: they should be fast rolling, resistant to punctures and not an absolute ball ache to remove and put back on the wheel.

I’ve found that the GP5000s teeter along the speed versus puncture-resistance tightrope extremely well.

Clearly I’ve not done any sort of scientific test, and don’t have much experience riding other tyres.

But of all the elements of the Montgomery speed equation, I don’t think the GP5000s are slowing me down. I’ve done fast – for me – rides on them.

The general vibe – we’re in the age of vibes – in the market is that they’re a quick tyre.

Continental Grand Prix 5000

My tippet-top tyre (or tire) recommendation for road cycling.

Check price

If you click this link and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Gripping The Road

The GP5000s seem to grip the road well. I feel confident in the corners. I’ve not had a slide out since using them. Which I guess is an endorsement.

Again, I’ve not tried a lot of tyres. Until recently I’d assumed there wasn’t much difference in grip and corner-ability between brands.

Then I rented a bike on holiday in Spain and found the tyres – I don’t remember the make – skittish and not-at-all confidence inspiring. Which isn’t ideal on a fast descent.

I’ve not once had that feeling when riding the GP5000s.

Puncture Resistance

Puncture-wise, I can’t remember the last one. Which statement probably guarantees me a flat on my next ride.

Dunt matter. The point is that the GP5000s are sufficiently robust to withstand the war torn roads of Derbyshire without puncturing on every other mission.

I should say at this point I ride with inner tubes. I’ve not yet embraced the tubeless revolution.

I don’t think I’ve said anything that would be incorrect if you’re riding the GP5000 tubeless ready varient but you might want to check my work with more authoritative bike rubber experts.

Nor have I used the time trial or all season versions of the GP5000s. When it comes to rubber, I’m what you might call a basic bitch.

On the other hand, I have ridden both the 28mm and 25mm variants of the GP5000s but I can’t tell any difference in performance.

The 28s are possibly a touch more comfortable but that would be due to the size only, rather than some other aspect of the tyre performance.

Again – a guess.

Ease of Removal and Installation

Finally, as someone who has a weak grip and is manually inept, I can confirm that the GP5000s are straightforward to fit and remove from a wheel rim.

Unearthing from my memory palace certain PTSD-inducing experiences trying to fit hard compound all-condition tyres, and the panic of not getting the final couple of inches onto the rim, I’d say the GP5000s are a lot easier to install.

So to summarise, the Continental GP5000s tick all my boxes. I know they work so I just keep buying them as new tyre needs arise. A solid choice. Well, a flexible solid choice.