Price: $128.95 each
Width: New 30mm width
Weight: 280g
Tubeless Ready and Hookless Compatible: Yes
Suitable Riding Conditions: Time trials, triathlon, road racing, and track cycling
Availability: Online and retail
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Responding to Riders’ Demands for Wider Tires
Continental recently expanded the range of its Grand Prix 5000 TT TR tires from 25 and 28 to include a 30mm width. This expansion responds to riders’ desire for wider tires that offer added comfort without sacrificing speed, grip, or durability. Since the TT TR is designed for speed, time trials, triathlons, road racing, and track cycling, it utilizes a stripped-down casing to achieve the lowest possible weight (280 grams) and rolling resistance.
Real World Testing
I installed the TT TR 30s with tubes on Bontrager Aeolus XXX 4 wheels for my Trek Domane road bike. It was a typical new tire installation; I checked the rolling direction (marked on the tire), and of course, the last 3-4” are the toughest to get onto the rim. Persistence prevailed, and the new tires were installed and ready. One nice feature, if you haven’t ridden Conti’s before, is that they have wear dimples (two dimples along the tread) to help you gauge when it’s time for new tires. I say this is a gauge because you should check your tires frequently, not only for wear but also for punctures or cuts.
Before installing the TT TR 30s, I was running another brand’s 28s. To ensure I had the proper PSI, I checked the Silca tire pressure calculator. If you haven’t used this site before, it’s great for calculating PSI for any tire on any surface. I find it most helpful for gravel rides and races.
The wider tires let me significantly lower the PSI, which translates to a more comfortable ride. I felt the difference immediately. Since it is construction season in Chicagoland, there was plenty of opportunity to test these tires on freshly ground asphalt. Usually, roads like these make your teeth chatter; however, the lower tire pressure made the ride less jarring.
After 400+ miles of testing, I can honestly say that switching to wider tires did not slow down my average. The tires are fast and grip the road. They are also very durable with no noticeable cuts to the rubber.
GP5000 S TR Gets Wider, too
Continental also expanded its GP5000 S TR tire line to include a 35mm width. It delivers reduced vibration and increased comfort by enabling lower pressures without sacrificing speed or puncture protection, supporting longer, smoother rides. These new tires weigh more than the TT TR (380g) but retail for slightly less ($116.95).
Technologies for the TT TR and S TR
The GP5000 TT TR and S TR use Continental’s technologies, including the Black Chili Compound for optimized grip and rolling resistance, Vectran Beaker for puncture protection, Active Comfort to absorb vibrations, and Lazer Grip for enhanced cornering.
Bottom Line
After testing Continental’s new 700×30 GP5000 TT TR tires, I can honestly say wider is better. Going from 28s to 30s has made for a more comfortable road ride without sacrificing speed.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.