The gravel crunched under my tires – a sound I’d come to know intimately after decades wrestling rubber and road. Today’s subject, the Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR. Not exactly a gravel tire, granted, but curiosity, like a nagging headwind, propelled me forward. I’d been skeptical, honestly. Another tubeless offering? Another “breakthrough” in rolling resistance?

The immediate impression, after unboxing? Sleek. Almost too pretty to dirty. The black sidewalls, a classic Continental look, were immediately recognizable. Mounting these 700x28s onto my existing carbon rims proved surprisingly straightforward. That tubeless readiness is a blessing, making the setup far easier than older, more finicky systems. The Black Chili compound is the real star, though. You can feel the grip. It’s a noticeable difference, a tangible stickiness, especially in damp conditions, that the older GP5000, excellent as it was, just couldn’t match.

We’re talking about millimeters here. Fractions of a second shaved off a climb. But those millimeters, those fractions, add up. The ride quality is exceptional; a perfect balance of comfort and responsiveness. I’ve thrown them into corners, hammered them through potholes (testing is, after all, a tough job) and they’ve performed flawlessly. The lateral stiffness is impressive, which contributes to the secure feel.

Now, the elephant in the room: price. They’re not the cheapest tire on the market. Not by a long shot. A bit of a sticker shock, even for me. However, consider the lifespan. Good tires can last, and the puncture protection seems genuinely improved. Tubeless setups also tend to reduce the risk of pinch flats – a potentially costly repair avoided.

The only real drawback? The initial inflation process. Getting the bead to seat perfectly can require a bit of patience, and a strong track pump is almost essential. My recommendation: invest in a good pump and maybe even a compressor if you’re doing regular tire changes. It pays off.

So, who is this tire for? Serious road cyclists. Racers, enthusiasts, anyone seeking the absolute best in performance and ride feel. If you’re chasing KOMs, or just enjoy the sublime feeling of a tire that disappears beneath you, then the Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR is a purchase you won’t regret. Now, get out there and ride.