Continental has always made great tires for tandems. The only problem I noted in the past has been with the brown colored side walls on some tire. It seems that UV light would break down the sidewall fibers causing them to break prematurely. These Continental Grand Prix 4-Season Special Edition Black has eliminated this problem by covering the side walls with a black rubber coating. I also find that when using the 28 and 32mm tires on regular width rims allows for a round tread profile. This offers good straight line and cornering stability.
I bought these on sale and put both on my road bike. In almost 5,000 miles I only got 2 or 3 flats Before the rear needed replacing. The front lasted a bit longer, but soon needed replacing, too. Definitely great flat protection and long wear-especially for the sale price.
I ride the roads and bike paths but I like the confidence this tire gives you to even ride off the pavement if you have to.
This tire is among the fastest, grippiest, and durable tire I have used.
Super quality tires with incredibly long wearing
Great tires, very durable. Mine have lasted like iron. Only one flat in the last twelve months. Fantastic for the rough conditions and heat we deal with. Highly recommend them.
Use these year round on both my bikes. Swapped out my cotton tires for these to reduce flats in the summer too.
These tires are really good at not puncturing and yet are reasonably light, have good grip in dry and wet, and roll well. Sure, you can race something lighter but for everyday riding, training, and commuting that is still fast and fun, these tires are perfect! Virtually as tough as gatorskins but much better in all other dimensions.
No cons - I've had several and continue to love them.
Puncture proof and long lasting! Highly recommend!
On the roads in and around Los Angeles. The 4Season has a thicker sidewall than the 4000 - better flat protection for the heavier rider or urban rider. Easy on, easy off - much better than the Gatorskins. Pricier than Gatorskins but you'll be glad to have spent the extra money on a lighter, durable, and more pliable tire.
These tires will obviously not be as light as the GP4000's or GP5000's that I put on my road bikes but on my commuter bike they are perfect. They provide a really nice ride. If you get caught in wet weather they channel water away from the bike very effectively. A really solid tire. Get them on sale and they would be hard to beat.
The 32 or 28 size is the tires to use on a tandem bicycle. The ride is good and wet traction...with a reduction in tire pressure...instills confidence. Especially like the black side wall. Punctures are a thing of the past.
Handling and Puncture Resistence
These are a nice riding, durable tire. I have them on 3 of my bikes now. Get them on sale and they become an outstanding value.
Recently installed these and with over 100 miles I am extremely willing to say that these roll smooth,they are light, I can run high psi and quiet to boot! If looking for a tyre I highly recommend these.
I switched from by usual Continental Gator Hardshell to these because they were on sale, and can't tell the difference. I have about 2000 miles on the Continental Grand Prix 4-Season Special Edition Black and very little wear on the tread. The sidewall seems a little more beat up than usual, but I don't know if it's me or the tire.
I've used these tires (either special edition black or original) for over 5 years. The hold up well, get relatively few punctures, and ride very well.
I'll certainly continue using these in wet or dry weather!
Went up to x32's from my summer x28 (GPs). Been on some long rides with them in both real cold (single digit) and fall (50's) conditions and they are awesome. Early to tell but expect to get a lot of life out of them. Had no issues keeping pace with a pack on summer skinny race tires.
Second time around for these tires after having run the first pair for 5000 mi. Feels like a smooth roll and grips well on asphalt. Durable for off road like short, safe connector trails. I tend to reorder a tire that works at least once before going new unless I have a recommendation that motivates me to change.
Have used a different brand of tire for many years, too many flats, needed something with less flats.
Ordered these in a 700x25c this year to try. My first ride on them I noticed much less rolling resistance.
I have ridden them for 2200 miles this year and have not had any flats. I use these on a Cannondale Cad8
bicycle ridden only on paved roads. These will be my go to tire on my road bike now.
