Probably the best tire I've used in the 30+ years of cycling. I've used Michelin for years and turned to Conti's after recommendations. Going from tubed to tubeless was the next best choice in the evolution of the tire. These Conti GP 500 AS TR have been a welcome change and have performed well over 7000 miles of use. I'm getting about 4k miles on the tires. There has been only one negative, but I'm not sure if it was the tire or a one-off. While stopping for a rest, at my vehicle, the bike in the full sun, on asphalt, about 80 degrees, the front tire spontaneously had a blow out. Latex (Stans) was everywhere. Probably just a one-off.
I bought this chain before purchasing the Silca Wax System. I didn't install it for several weeks while I waited on some other parts to completely overhaul my drivetrain. The chain was easy to install and the wax held up for several hundred miles before I topped it off with Secret Blend Lube. I could have waited another hundred or so miles before using the Secret Blend Lube as the chain was still clean and had plenty of wax still on it. This is a great chain to try out if you're considering trying out waxing, on standby as a spare or in your Mech./SAG bag or toolbox on multi-day rides or triples.
I know there's lots of debate about tubeless for road, but I have been quite happy since switching. As far as I can tell, I have had just one puncture event, with a hardware staple in 2 spots. Lost some air initially. Rotated the puncture site to the bottom of the wheel and let it sit for less than a minute, and was able to pump it back up with no further air leak.
Not sure what to expect as far as how often I should be "topping it off", but I have done it twice in 6 months. Also, don't have any other brand to compare to. But, found it much easier than repairing/replacing a tube.
I first thought, "Oh I should try latex tubes...everyone using them now, eh ? "
Yeah, well I did that, I hated them!!! De-mounted them and threw them away !!! They loose like 30 lbs overnight.
Then, okay, I want to go back to old traditional "smooth stem butyl tubes".
So I tried Pirelli for the first time. EASILY THE BEST butyl tube I have ever bought.
Easy to mount, smooth, and they don't loose much pressure over night...if any at all.
Great Tube !! Pirelli !
