These have got to be the hardest tire ever to get on a rim. I unfortunately did not learn my lesson after I pinched 3 tubes trying to get these on DT Swiss 1800 rims. I left this tire out in the sun, used soapy water to try and get this to slip over the rim. On the 5th tube, I finally got it on without pinching the tube. Aired it up and it is so out of round, like it is bulging to one side. Spinning it, it looks like a zig-zag pattern and not straight at all. Worst experience ever for a tire and it doesn't even have any pavement time, Returning
I use the Continental Grand Prix 4-Season with Vectran for all-around training on the road. They are virtually problem free, and are more likely to simply wear out than to puncture. I typically get over 5K miles on the rear wheel, and considerably more on the front. They also roll well, and work just fine for training races.
Durable and good traction.
These tires I found to be an excellent, mid-range price tire. Sure, you can go out and purchase a more expensive tire, but if you are riding to be in shape and even to get to a high level or recreational use, these tires are for you. I couldn't be more pleased, and I certainly don't want to spend the money I would have to spend to see if I could be more pleased. I save that for when I start serious racing competition.
Been using these tires for several years & they have held up to the worst the Northeast winter and spring can throw at them. I've also used them in Gran Fondo's, touring and other event rides, as they are reliable and lessens the hassle about picking up debris and flatting. Extremely smooth rolling as well. Would I recommend these, you bet.
These are wonderful tires. I have used them on multiple two week bike trips without a flat. I ride 28s and if they measured 28, I would give them 5 stars. Deducting 1 star for only measuring 26 on Velocity Aerohead rims.
15 months of riding, 4,000-plus miles, 700 x 28 tires, no flats.
I do wish Conti would again offer the all-black option.
Today I had the the rear tire tread split by a sharp rock on a logging road paved with golf ball sized rocks. When I guesstimated the wear on this GP 4, I realized it had close to 4000 miles :) I immediately ordered a replacement of this great tire!
My wife and I both use these in 28mm and have been through at least 10 pair in the last few years. They are awesome! I weigh around 170lbs and usually run these at 7570psi. I ride them on pavement, dirt, gravel, etc. Lots of mixed terrain riding in NorCal and these have never let me down. They aren't much heavier than any 25mm tire that could handle this kind of riding and they feel much better than skinnier tires. They are way more supple than endurance tires I have tried from Specialized and Schwalbe.
I replace a pair of Bontrager Allweather Plus tires which were not very good in the wet. The GP 4 Season was easy to install and it was immediately apparent these tires run small-700x28c is more like 25 width. In fact they are slightly smaller than the Michelin Pro4 SC 700x25c (which I'm told runs large) on my other bike. No matter, that makes for great rolling and these tires are super grippy on dry and wet. Too early to tell about puncture resistance but so far so good.
I have just over 600 miles on these tires now and no flats!! I have the 700 x 25, and they ride very smooth. I've always purchased the Continental Gatorskins. Those tires were O.K., and I'd get an occasional flat with them, but I really like the Grand Prix 4-Season with Vectran much better!! The Gatorskins are a smooth tire without any treads, while the 4-Season has treads to give you more grip in case of rain and road debris. I might me a bit slower with the 4-Season tires, but I don't race and am along to enjoy the ride.
I've been devoted to the Conti 4 seasons for a few years now. They run long, are incredibly puncture resistant, ride smoothly, and grip well. The only minus is that compared to some softer tires, the grip/smoothness is not as great. But as those soft tires have lasted me only 500 miles, and these guys will go for 2000 rear, 4000 front, it's a good trade off. Buy them on sale before you need them and save a bundle.
This tire has very good puncture resistance and durability. I rode it on the trainer last season with very little noticeable wear and then rode it outside. I cannot say that it is the fastest tire and it is somewhat weighty, but I view the extra weight as a bonus in the off season.
My Father-in-law, a wife and I only use these tires. They provide a great mix of traction, performance and longevity. Putting over 2000 miles a year on my bike I have never gotten a flat with these Continentals! Even hitting rumble strips going 45mph they held up and protected the tubes. I would recommend replacing them annually as you will see the tread wear after a few thousand miles and the stiffness also decline through heavy use.
I bought these to use for commuting/training since I was told they work better in wet weather than Gatorskins (which I used for years in Seattle). Due to some holiday travel, my first use of the 4-seasons was in Las Cruces, NM. I got my first flat 10km into my first ride (rear tire, thorn puncture) and my second flat 50km later (front tire, thorn puncture). Bummer, I only brought 1 extra tube since I was running brand new tires and the shops were closed for 36 hours (Thanksgiving).
After picking up 4 new tubes, I headed out for a Black Friday ride and got 2 more thorn punctures in the first 55km of the ride. I turned back at this point since I was down to 1 spare tube and managed to make it home without another puncture.
These tires will NEVER go with me again to the desert.
In October, these tires go on. I've ridden through snow, ice, and plenty of wet. Super stable and fairly long lasting. Get these and never look back.
I live in Seattle where the weather can be dry, wet, slippery, severe cold (seldom) and gritty roads. I hate flats so I use a heavier tire on the road as a preventative. I am a USA Cycling Coach as well as train and race. These are not race tires at all yet you can't beat them for all season training tires. I ride roughly 8-10 hrs per week and I get approximately 2-3 flats per year with these.
I've been told to get other tires and put in inserts, etc yet I say action speaks louder than words. If it works don't fix it. I use my 4 seasons as a great all weather training tire and always have a back up on hand.
I use the GP 4-Season for fast recreational riding and commuting in the a fallwinter cold and wet weather as a replacement tire for the Conti 4000S. The tires have an excellent ride and great traction even on wet pavement. All of the Continental tires have very good puncture resistance but the 4-Season tires have been clearly better per mile. Especially given the fact that during the winter avoiding glass and road debris is a challenge in the darkness of early morning or evening. Overall they have a secure and comfortable ride and give up little as high performance road tire. If frame clearance permits the 700x25 are recommended over the 700x23 as the ride quality and puncture resistance is better.
The only tire for any season!!
I use these tires on my supported touring bike (aluminum Trek with small rear trunkpaniers), and on my racy bike (carbon fiber Bianchi) when riding out-of-town centuries. Haven't ever had a flat with these (knock wood) and they ride and handle very comfortably. Very stable in the wet, also. Excellent wear characteristics. They aren't particularly cheap, but they are a very good bargain overall.
