For years now, tire companies have tried to convince us that clinchers can ride and perform as good as tubular tires.  They don't.  However, clinchers rule T2 because they are less expensive, more convenient and are less intimidating then tubular tires.  Like most other gear in our sport, clincher tires have gotten better rapidly over the last 10 years and Continental is one of the companies pushing the clincher tire envelope.  Continental tires have long been among the best performers and the Grand Prix 4000 certainly keeps them at the front of the pack.

So, what's different about the GP4000?  Vectran, a composite fiber used in spokes and bike frames, is used for puncture resistance.  Vectran has the ability to provide a layer of protection while remaining supple.  Supple means smooth and comfortable but it also enhances Vectran’s inherent toughness because a supple casing absorbs and rolls over things that would puncture a stiffer casing.  If that isn't enough, Vectan is also very light, resulting in a lighter tire .

The promise is a light, fast rolling tire that lasts longer and punctures less often than non-Vectran tires.  Promises, promises but does the GP4000 deliver?

My first ride on the GP4000 - actually the first 100 feet - proved to me that this tire is different.  It felt unbelievably supple and fast.  Sometimes, a product really stands out and stands out immediately.  I was a bit shocked at how good the tire felt when I hadn't even gone a mile yet.  The GP4000 only got better as I clicked off the miles.  The rolling resistance of this tire is very low and its confidence inspiring grip imparts a feeling of speed.  For all of the first ride and most of the second on the GP4000s, I was overwhelmed by its performance. 

Then I flatted.  Actually, I ripped a big hole in the rear tire that required me to scrounge around the road side for a cigarette box to use as a make-shift tire boot (patch on the inside) to keep the new tube from pushing through the same hole and blowing out again.  On the next ride, I punctured the rear again.  Maybe I should've replaced the Marlboro patch with something more substantial or maybe the puncture resistance promise just wasn't true.   I wouldn't be surprised if a tire this light, this supple is prone to puncture.  Logic would say there would have to be trade off, right?  Maybe not.  In the nearly 1300 miles since the second puncture, which was probably my fault anyway for not repairing the tire properly, I've had no flats.   That is certainly as good or better performance as I've experienced when it comes to the life span of a tire.  Continental must expect the tire to resist punctures long enough to wear out because it even provides wear indicators in the form of two circular indentations in the casing.  When the holes disappear, the tire is worn past its useful life.  Mine still have a fair amount of life left, even in the rear.  I ride early in the morning mostly and, due to the lack of light, I tend to ride through all sorts of debris that I would otherwise avoid.  Generally, I don't get to wear out a tire.  My tires are usually cut and sliced up before they wear out. 

Another impressive attribute of the GP4000 is how the tire ages.  Typically, as a tire gets older it gets harder and loses grip.  The GP4000's I'm riding feel nearly as supple and grippy as the day I first rode them.  I could easily see replacing the rear and getting another 1500 miles out of the front.

I'm a black tire sort of guy, but if you like colors the GP4000 is available in quite a few. 

The verdict - fast and supple, excellent grip, good life for a high performance racing tire, above average puncture resistance and very light weight.  Are the GP4000s as good as tubular tires?  Maybe not, but they are very good and you don't have to glue it to the rim.  It's a great race day tire that is tough enough for everyday use.

I've included a link on the right to the Continental Tire UK site.  It had the best information on the GP4000.  As usual, I refer you there for all the details. 

Mark