I bought these tires (25c)based on the stellar reviews not just on this site, but every other site I scanned on the web! And, I'm glad I did. I mounted them a week before I rode a 68 mile gran fondo in the rain, and the grip on the wet asphalt was superior to my old tires. Now, a month into riding on them, I will probably not mount anything else.
I know several reviewers have stated that the rolling resistance is a lot less with these tires, and there is even a web site that makes the comparison with other tires httpwww.bicyclerollingresistance.comroad-bike-reviewscontinental-grand-prix-4000s-ii-2014.
For me however, I really didn't notice that as much as I noticed the comfort and vibration absorption. So far I have been keeping them at around 110 psi and they are so much better than the stock Vittoria Diamante Pro Light, 700 x 25c that came stock on my bike and are only 12 grams heavier per wheel (my actual weights, not specs.).
Overall, I would highly recommend this tire to anyone who wants a solid all-around tire. Good grip, no flats (so far), low stated rolling resistance, what's not to like? Buy them.
These tires are fast, smooth and affordable.
Long lasting, great traction, very durable.
I've got a pair of these on my Ti frame road bike. I ride 100 miles a week in cycling season (4000 miles last year). Lots of back country roads, some with good smooth pavement, some chip and seal, occasional gravel. Top speed so far 45mph. No flats in over 4000 miles.
These tires have low rolling resistance and are pretty cut resistant. The tread wear indicators are nice. I like these tires so much I bought 4 more when they went on sale.
I my opinion the best balance of rolling resistance, weight and puncture resistance.Great quality.
These tires perform great in dry conditions, and resist punctures well enough. They offer good grip and feel secure in the corners. The 25's also provide a supple ride without feeling squishy. They are soft and wear relatively quickly, and are prone to damage if you lock up a wheel, but perhaps not more than other racing tires. These are also relatively easy to mount and dismount, even without levers on some wheels. After having tried several other popular brands, I will be riding these from now on.
Stock up when they're on sale, and move fast because popular sizes/colors sell out quickly.
best tires out u can buy!
I use only the Conti 4000 series tires for my 100 or so mile per week fitness/local touring rides. They grip well in the wet and provide the comfort and road feel that I like on any paved surface while also keeping the weight down.
Also use Continentals on the cross bike and they've withstood much abuse
I use these tires all year for both training and racing. I do a thorough inspection before every ride and rarely get a flat. I'm very happy with them.
My only complaint has been from last years model. I had a side wall blow out at high speed on the front tire. Luckily I kept the bike upright. But, it could have been really bad. The tire was relatively new and it shouldn't have happened. Hence, the four star rating instead of five.
I replaced the tire with this years model and am so far happy with the product.
Supple, comfortable, and responsive. I haven't put in enough miles to comment on longevity. If this stands the test of time I'll give it 5 stars. I'm hopeful that it will be a 5 star tire...
They are fast and I love the way they feel on the road.
I purchased these on sale (instead of my usual tires, which are Vredestein Gran Fondos or Tricomps). I am used to having little to no issues with flats, I can count the number of flats I have in a year on 2-3 fingers, and it usually after some wear on the tires (the Vredesteins are built like tanks). Within 100 miles I had flats and issues with these Conti's I will never buy Conti again... which is a bummer, as I know a lot of folks swear by them.
When I switched to continental 4000 S II tires, my speed increased. Very dependable tire. I also went from a 23 to a 25 which also helps having a little more rubber to the road and also increased my speed!!! You won't be disappointed with this tire!!!
These tires are durable and hold up well, I run slightly lower pressure to ride on rough chip sealed roads and find these tires hold up better than most while training. Increase pressure and use them for local organized rides as well. Good all around tire which I would recommend.
I rode Pro3's and then Pro4's in 23c for years. I decided to make the move to 25c and heard good things about the 4000's so after I pinch flatted at 30mph on a corner on the Pro4's I decided it was time to mount up the 4000's. I do a lot of climbing (avg, 1000' per 10 miles) so when I first jumped out of the saddle on a 10% grade I actually looked back to see what was going on. I really felt like I was dragging something and couldn't believe tires made that much difference. I'm not sure whether the move from 23c to 25c made the difference or if it's the Pro4's are that much better than the Conti's but my next set of tires will be the Pro4's in 25c.
The jury is still out on durability but I can say that I flat more often on the Pro4's than the guys I ride with. That said I'd rather replace a tube now and then as long as I can climb like a goat.
Both tires are easy to put on the rim using only hands which is what I prefer to avoid pinched tubes. Although I've never ridden Conti gatorskins I've heard they are hard to put on.
I like the overall road comfort on this tire! Was disappointed that I got a flat the first week I had them on!
I use this tire as my racing and training tire. Long lasting and extremely puncture resistant. It can handle more psi than advertised as well. I have this tire on all of my road bicycles.
Bought a pair of the new Ess Two to replace my long-wearing set of GP4000S Chili's and was dismayed to find that Continental has changed the size for the updated version. What used to be a generous tire (often referenced as a 24C width) and a perfect fit for my Scott is now just another skinny little sub-23mm tire. Size up, if you can.
Fwiw, I typically get 3000k miles out of a set, and the only punctures I've had over the several sets I've used have been two pinch flats, both from rushing out for a ride and not checking my tire pressure. Would like to assume the new model has kept the Black Chili's epic grip characteristics and Vectran's robust puncture resistance. Five stars for legacy performance and value...
I have recently switched to the Conti GP 4000 Sii 700x25 and I have nothing but good things to say about them. I had been riding Conti's GatorSkins 700x25 and thought that was an awesome tire, but the 4000 Sii is superior. I bought the GatorSkins because I wanted something durable with great flat protection and they certainly excel in those areas. I have had GatorSkins for 3 years and about 10,000 miles. Went through 2 tires on the rear and never did change the front and it was just now starting to get a bit of a flat spot. Also, only 1 flat over those 3 years. However about 6 months ago, I had to get a new rear rim because a spoke pulled out and I borrowed a rim from a LBS and it came with a GP 4000 S on the rim which I rode on for a few months with no issues or flats. My bike seemed faster and more comfortable, but I did not think it was the tire. But as soon as I switched the rear back to the GatorSkins I realized just how hard of a ride they are. I instantly felt slower and the ride was much harsher. I ordered the a pair of the 4000 Sii's right away. On my first ride, I could instantly feel the difference, the bike just seems to go! It almost seems effortless compared to the GatorSkins! Not only does it roll faster, it is a much smoother ride. I felt so much fresher at the end of a long ride due to the lack of road vibrations. Only time will tell if the 4000 Sii offers comparable mileage and flat protection to the GatorSkins, but many reviews and my 2 month loaner pointed to similar results. These are expensive tires, but they provide a ton of value by improving so many aspects of my riding, I feel it is money well spent!
