After about a year on the Challenge Parigi Roubaix 700x27 clinchers, I've decided I need something a little more durable. The Parigi Roubaix wasn't terrible, don't get me wrong, but it seems to give up some durability for it's amazingly plush ride.Enter the Grand Prix 4-Season from Continental. With a Vectran breaker under the tread, this tire is designed to resist punctures. A special carbon compound is said to provide greater wear resistance and grip in cold and wet.
Mounted on a HED Belgium rim, the same rim found on Bastogne and Ardennes wheelsets, the tire measures 27mm wide at 80psi, a little disappointing for my use. Since these are going on an Independent Fabrication SSR Club Racer with clearance for 32c tires, or 28c with fenders, I was hoping for a full 28. I'm curious what the width would be on a more standard 19mm rim?
Out of the box, they weighed in at 268g and 270g, only a few grams heavier than their claimed weight.
After about an hour on them, I could immediately tell the difference in ride between these Conti's and my old Parigi Roubaix. With both sets at 80psi, the Challenge rode more like a Dugast or FMB tubular (though of course not THAT nice), providing a ton of comfort. The Conti rides like, well, a Conti. Which isn't to say it's bad, but you won't mistake it for a $150 tubular. If you've ever ridden a Vittoria EVO CX back to back with a Michelin Pro3, you'll realize the difference between the Parigi Roubaix and the 4-Season.
Assuming all goes as planned, this tires will see a solid winter of use. We'll see if Continental hit the mark of a high-volume road/touring tire that rides nicely, but most importantly, provides grip in the cold and provides plenty of puncture resistance.
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