If you have ridden the Grand Prix 4000S II then you know it has everything you demand from a competition level clincher tire: low rolling resistance, outstanding grip, puncture resistance, and excellent tread wear. The firm-ish sidewalls do not flex much, so they never pinch tubes due to flex. Now, take all of those attributes and add the fact that they are very light (205 grams for a 700x23mm), plus easy to mount, and you have a industry leader by anyone's standards. It is hard to have a conversation about this product without using words like, benchmark and industry standard.

Continental's BlackChili compound ensures that the 4000S II has exceptionally low rolling resistance, yet offers phenomenal grip in wet or dry circumstances across the entire rubber surface. Along with proprietary synthetic and natural rubber compounds, the secret to the properties of BlackChili comes from special nanometric carbon soot particles, which are optimized in shape and surface properties for each tire it is used in. In the 4000S II, the focus was on grip and rolling resistance. Thanks to these polymers and carbon fillers, the BlackChili ends up offering some of the strongest and most durable tread rubber available while keeping rolling resistance minimized.

Under the rubber tread, Conti has placed a strip of Vectran which adds to the already outstanding puncture resistance. Vectran is essentially a protective belt made of super strong, extremely lightweight and pliant material. The end result is a tire that speeds along in the straights, keeps you in control in the corners, and protects better than any tire in the category.... Read More