Continental Grand Prix Tire

Okay, so this tire is not new for me. I've had it for a while, but have finally reached the breaking point. But before I get too hard into trashing this tire, I'd like to talk about Continental and their reputation first. Before I even really got into cycling "Gatorskin" was the word I had always heard when it came to "bulletproof" tires (which I hate that word, every tire flats). Not only because of their supposed durability, but their smoothness too. This reputation made me alright with replacing my Schwalbe Marathon with a Continental Grand Prix on tour. I would have preferred a Marathon at the time, but would have had to wait for it (hindsight being 20/20 I wish I spent more time places anyway and Boise seemed surprisingly awesome).

It wasn't long for the Continental Grand Prix to prove itself trouble. In Eastern Oregon, on the day labeled "The Day Everything Broke" (pedal, chain, headphones, rack, fender, everything), my Grand Prix was flat after emerging from a diner where I had went to cool my head. It was an added frustration I didn't need. The culprit? Not some huge nail, or giant piece of glass, but rather a tine shard of metal, so small I could barely see it. Well, so much for bulletproof (the next day in the same desert, I got a second similar flat).

This is common when riding the Grand Prix. 

Over time the flats just kept coming, especially once I got into the city and started bombing curbs and hitting potholes (I'm not going to be gentle, it's a touring/cross frame, it's meant to be beaten). The pinch flats were constant. I realized that the Conti tires need to be filled before every ride; that's frankly inconvenient. Once I figured this out the pinch flats started to slow down a little.

Once again though, as soon as I thought, maybe they'll last the tire wears through. Now every time I brake heavy on a descent, the tube gives way thanks to a nice soft spot the tire decided to reveal, this happened both today and yesterday. Sure I put some miles on this, but my Marathon on the rear right now came from Chicago, and it is still going much stronger than the Conti.

Tire is bust.

The one plus side is that the grip never let go on me. Not once did I lose my front tire hitting a bend, so there's that. But then add the fact that Continental customer service is none to be found, (I emailed them, to no return) I would avoid these tires at all cost. Never again. If I am going to find a lighter tire than the Marathons in the future, I'd probably try some Vittorias, but not Continentals. Luckily, Weds I get my Marathon Mondials, so expect a post of those in the coming future. All this means is tomorrow and Weds will be forced rest days, how sad.