Grand Prix 5000
Origin
GP 4000 S II had dominated for 4 years (2014-2018) and was widely considered the best road tyre money could buy. Continental took huge risk replacing it. Internal codename was '5K' during development. R&D took ~5 years. Eurobike 2018, Friedrichshafen, Germany (early September). Press fleet rides in southern Germany. 12% lower rolling resistance, 20% better puncture protection, same Black Chili grip and wear vs GP 4000 S II Korbach, Germany — Continental's tyre R&D HQ (operational since 1872). Lead developer Peter Wagner (head of bicycle development) cited in launch materials. Vittoria Corsa G+, Schwalbe Pro One Gen 1, Michelin Power Competition, Specialized S-Works Turbo Schwalbe Pro One TLE, Vittoria Corsa Pro TR, Pirelli P Zero Race TLR, Specialized S-Works Turbo RapidAir, Michelin Power Cup TLR
Specifications
- Weight
- kg
The verdict
- Lowest or near-lowest rolling resistance in independent tests (bicyclerollingresistance.com, Tour Magazin, Gran Fondo) — has held #1-3 since 2021
- Excellent puncture protection — Vectran Breaker stops most road debris, glass shards, thorns
- Black Chili compound: doesn't force compromise between speed, grip, and wear — class-leading on all three simultaneously
- Long wear life — typically 5,000-8,000 km on rear tyre, 8,000-12,000 km on front (about double most competitors)
- Most popular tyre at WorldTour level — used by majority of pro teams 2020-2025
- Hookless compatible (S TR) — works on modern Zipp 303/353, Roval Rapide, ENVE SES carbon wheels
- Made in Germany — quality control consistency, claimed weights match actual within ±5g
- Wide OEM spec presence — comes standard on most premium road bikes from Specialized, Cannondale, Cervélo, BMC, Trek, Giant
- All-season variant (AS TR) extends Black Chili reputation into wet/cold conditions with proven grip
- Stable bead — once seated, holds pressure well and doesn't burp under hard cornering
- Excellent cornering feel and confidence — supple casing reads the road accurately
- Tight bead fit — TL was notorious, S TR is better but still harder to mount than Schwalbe Pro One on most rims
- Higher RRP than competitors — €89.90 for S TR vs €69.90 Schwalbe Pro One TLE
- TL variant (2019-2022) had stiff ride and heavy weight — many negative reviews of TL still circulate but are NOT applicable to current S TR
- Casing less supple than Vittoria Corsa Pro TR (cotton/graphene casing) — Vittoria feels more 'planted' on rough roads at the cost of puncture resistance
- Single Black Chili compound (no dual-compound) — some riders prefer Schwalbe ADDIX Race or Vittoria 4C Graphene 2.0 in extreme cold or wet
- Aramid bead sometimes pops loudly on initial seating — sounds alarming, usually harmless if rim is tubeless-rated
- Sealant can drop fast in dry/hot climates — top up every 2-3 months recommended
- Sidewall tan-wall variants discontinued ~2023 — all-black only now (cosmetic)
- AS TR sizing runs slightly narrow vs claimed — 32mm measures ~30.5mm on 21mm internal width rim
Who it’s for
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