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For years, our most popular and versatile tubular tire was the Continental Competition. Hand-stitched by about a half dozen dedicated ladies in Germany, the Competition was a workhorse of a racing tubular that combined decent wear characteristics with nice road feel and excellent traction. We wondered if anything would ever supercede the Competition as it really had not changed much in the past decade and it did everything so well. It was a virtually problem free tire, the sole exception being that it was often out of stock because the women who made them could only stitch so many a day and finding additional folks to do the work was a challenge.
Then in 2006, came the GP4000SR tubular. The GP4000 Tubular proved that even the best can be improved upon and even the best race horses can be put to pasture. Within instants of the release of the GP4000SR Tubular, the venerable Competition became a second fiddle.
What makes the GP4000SR tubular so special Instead of hand-stitching, Continental vulcanized the two sides of the GP4000 Tubular casing together. Vulcanization is a mechanical and chemical process that basically heats the casing to a very high temperature and then brings the two sides together. They then use sulfur (or some other agent) to harden the rubber and casing until the two edges are bonded/melted into one, creating a seamless casing. Vulcanization offers three big advantages:
1) By being able to mechanize the process, tubulars were better aligned and more centered than hand-stitched tires. This meant better tread alignment, easier installation and more consistent quality.
2) Stitching is bulky and produces a high spot on the tire and can even lead to bumps in the tire itself. By getting rid of the seam, the tires are rounder.
3) Tubular tire production was no longer a six woman show. Production could grow.
The GP4000SR Tubular did not stop at just innovating with vulcanization. The exceptionally sticky Black Chili Compound rubber and tread from the latest generation GP 4000 clincher was brought over to tubulars for the first time and Vectran flat protection was added into the 240 TPI casing too. All of this makes for the most versatile and puncture protected tubular currently on the road.
The GP4000 Tubular, like almost all Continental tubulars uses a butyl tube. Vittoria and others often use latex because it is so light and forgiving, thus minimizing rolling resistance and weight. The advantages of butyl though are that it holds air better than latex and the tubes, especially around the valve stems, tend to be more durable. When it comes to tire pressure, even though it can take up to 170 psi, Continental recommends (and we agree) that you ride the GP 4000 Tubular at 110 psi for the best ride and lowest rolling resistance.
All hail the new king – for two years now the GP4000SR Tubular has been our best selling tubular. We recommend a pair on your wheels and a flexible, light and less expensive Continental Podium as your spare.
Then in 2006, came the GP4000SR tubular. The GP4000 Tubular proved that even the best can be improved upon and even the best race horses can be put to pasture. Within instants of the release of the GP4000SR Tubular, the venerable Competition became a second fiddle.
What makes the GP4000SR tubular so special Instead of hand-stitching, Continental vulcanized the two sides of the GP4000 Tubular casing together. Vulcanization is a mechanical and chemical process that basically heats the casing to a very high temperature and then brings the two sides together. They then use sulfur (or some other agent) to harden the rubber and casing until the two edges are bonded/melted into one, creating a seamless casing. Vulcanization offers three big advantages:
1) By being able to mechanize the process, tubulars were better aligned and more centered than hand-stitched tires. This meant better tread alignment, easier installation and more consistent quality.
2) Stitching is bulky and produces a high spot on the tire and can even lead to bumps in the tire itself. By getting rid of the seam, the tires are rounder.
3) Tubular tire production was no longer a six woman show. Production could grow.
The GP4000SR Tubular did not stop at just innovating with vulcanization. The exceptionally sticky Black Chili Compound rubber and tread from the latest generation GP 4000 clincher was brought over to tubulars for the first time and Vectran flat protection was added into the 240 TPI casing too. All of this makes for the most versatile and puncture protected tubular currently on the road.
The GP4000 Tubular, like almost all Continental tubulars uses a butyl tube. Vittoria and others often use latex because it is so light and forgiving, thus minimizing rolling resistance and weight. The advantages of butyl though are that it holds air better than latex and the tubes, especially around the valve stems, tend to be more durable. When it comes to tire pressure, even though it can take up to 170 psi, Continental recommends (and we agree) that you ride the GP 4000 Tubular at 110 psi for the best ride and lowest rolling resistance.
All hail the new king – for two years now the GP4000SR Tubular has been our best selling tubular. We recommend a pair on your wheels and a flexible, light and less expensive Continental Podium as your spare.
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