Continental Grand Prix 5000 Tires: An Honest Owner Review

As a successor to the highly regarded GP4000, this tire benefits from the latest technological advances while building on existing successes. The Grand Prix 5000 offers riders a comfortable and fast ride, consistent grip in all situations, and excellent puncture protection and longevity.

Yes, Looks Are Important

As you can see from the photos, I own a set of Transparent Continental tires. Unlike black-walled tires, this model has a tan color on the sides, which shows the inner material of the tire and gives it a distinct look.

Apart from its aesthetic appeal, the Transparent Continental tire is also highly functional. It offers excellent grip on the road, making it easier and safer for you to ride your bike. Another advantage of this tire is that it doesn’t get as dirty as other “traditional” tan-walled tires due to its darker color. 

The Continental GP 5000 also holds up well against a variety of road conditions, particularly here in Japan, with a ton of salt on the roads heading into winter. Even after nearly 2000km, they still look almost new.

Ride Quality, Comfort, and Durability

Many people believe that the tread design of a tire is only for aesthetic appeal and does not contribute to its actual performance. However, research conducted by Continental indicates that tread design is still important.

I personally used these tires for several months in the mountainous regions of Japan and found them to be highly effective. Even on wet and slippery days, I felt confident riding through corners. Though not as advanced as racing tires, they still performed exceptionally well.

The GP 5000 tire is versatile and features a specially designed layer that offers protection against sharp objects such as thorns, glass, and rocks. The material composition of this layer is 20% superior to its predecessor.

While these tires may not be as smooth or lightweight as some others, they are highly resistant to punctures. I did not experience a single flat tire while using them on bumpy mountain roads. (As always, fingers crossed)

Puncture Proof? So Far, So Good

If you’re looking for a high-end tire, the Continental GP 5000s are definitely worth considering. It boasts some impressive features, including a Vectran anti-puncture layer with 20% more puncture resistance.

Additionally, the GP 5000s has a new Active Comfort layer that absorbs vibrations, resulting in a smoother ride. Despite the added layers, the GP 5000s maintain their fast and efficient rolling resistance. It’s particularly well-suited for cyclists who prefer lower tire pressure and provides a reliable and comfortable ride.

I’ve been running the Continentals for about four months now and haven’t punctured yet (fingers crossed as I type this). I run my pressure a little higher at 100psi and find the GP 5000s to be smooth, fast, grippy, and, so far, puncture-free.

Fitting?

I have been using the 28mm version of the regular clincher tire for my bike. When it comes to changing tires, I have found it to be a quick and easy process. Within minutes, I can replace my old tires with new ones and have them securely mounted on my rims.

However, I must admit that for the final part, I had to use a tire lever for convenience. The tire’s tight fit made it hard to mount just using my hands, but a tire lever made the process smoother and quicker.

Rolling Resistance: Does It Really Matter? YES

Having ridden the Grand Prix 5000 for around 2000 kilometers, I can assert with confidence that these tires have low rolling resistance.

On the road, the tire moves smoothly, enabling effortless acceleration of the bike. Regardless of the width of the tire chosen, all of them can be identified by Continental’s signature pattern on the sidewalls.

Living and riding in the mountains, one of the best things about these tires is their exceptional performance while cornering. They maintain speed and stability, thus facilitating increased cornering speeds.

I’ve also noticed that when I ride in the city, which is very often, my bike’s momentum carries me forward more than usual. This means that I have to apply the brakes a tad firmer and earlier than I normally would to avoid any mishaps.

Who Are The Continental Grand Prix 5000 Tires For?

As a roadie, finding the right tire can make all the difference in your cycling experience. The Continental Clincher Grand Prix 5000 tire is a reliable and durable option worth considering.

While it may not be the most flexible or fastest tire available on the market, it is a high-quality option that you can trust. The Continental Grand Prix 5000 tire offers both strength and dependability, making it an excellent choice for cyclists who want a tire that provides both speed and peace of mind.

Having used these tires for four months now, I can attest to their durability and puncture resistance, having yet to experience a single flat tire (fingers crossed).

Overall, the Continental Clincher Grand Prix 5000 tire is an excellent choice for any road biker looking for a high-quality and reliable tire.

Brenton Barker

Brenton is an Australian with 20 years of experience working with professional athletes. These athletes have combined to win more than 15 international events. He holds a Degree in Sports Coaching and was the Head Advisor to the Japanese Government Sports Institute and was the former Manager & Head Coach to Australia’s Governing Sporting Body. Brenton currently consults with several professional athletes and clients from varying backgrounds and sports. Check out Brenton’s ride on STRAVA.