Continental GP5000 AS TR £89.95
An addition to the popular GP5000 range, the AS TR (All-season Tubeless-ready) is a beefed-up version of the high- performance GP5000 S TR, suitable for year-round use. The rubber is a little thicker and the familiar tread pattern slightly deeper for better wet-weather grip and there’s an extra layer of 110 TPI fabric used in the construction too. Puncture protection comes from the Vectran Breaker, a synthetic fibre that is supposed to be tougher, lighter and more flexible than the nylon used by other brands.
Our test pair came with reflective sidewalls for extra visibility, although the cream-coloured version doesn’t get this.
The GP5000 S TR is my usual summer tyre, but I have always found them tight to mount, so I wasn’t looking forward to fitting these. However, a bit of deft tyre lever work and a blast from the Airshot had them popping and cracking onto the rim fairly easily; at 60psi they measured the full 28mm while the sealant did its job and the tyres held air overnight. They did, however, require top-ups every few days.
Despite their extra protection, these tyres felt the quickest of those on test, with no suggestion they were holding me back on my club run. I feel confident I could run these all year round. The ride wasn’t quite as supple as the Ones or the Cinturatos, but they had a sprightliness that the others lacked. It may be the extra reflective section stiening up the sidewalls ever so slightly, but the Blackchili rubber felt great in terms of grip and speed, while the Vectran Breaker didn’t deaden the ride.
■ Available widths: 25, 28, 32, 35mm
■ Measured width on 17mm rim: 28mm
■ Hooked/hookless
■ Compound: Blackchili
■ TPI: 110