Continental’s Grand Prix series has long stood for performance and reliability. The current GP 5000 S TR is the flagship model for road cyclists chasing top-level all-round race performance. Made in Germany and packed with technology borrowed from the world of motorsport, Continental promise outstanding efficiency, grip, compliance, and ease of installation. Much like the offerings from Schwalbe, Hutchinson or Pirelli, the tire features a clean tread design with subtle dimples in the sidewalls. But how does this all-rounder hold up in direct comparison to its closest rivals?
Top-Tier Performance, Start to Finish – The Continental GP 5000 S TR in our 2025 Road Tire Test
In our test, the Continental GP 5000 S TR put in a stellar performance across the board. With a rolling resistance of just 11 watts, it’s one of the most efficient tires in the field, second only to its time trial sibling, the GP 5000 TT. And you can feel it on the road: the tire accelerates with ease and holds speed effortlessly, making it a joy to ride fast for long stretches. When it comes to grip, the GP 5000 S TR has to bed in a little. During the first few kilometres, it can squeak slightly in corners and feel a touch slippery due to its fresh compound. But once worn in, it delivers excellent traction, both on smooth tarmac and light gravel. While the Schwalbe Pro One TL offers slightly more outright grip, the Conti remains consistently predictable and secure. The cornering behaviour is precise and controlled, and the handling feels agile and race-focused. Its quick steering response adds to the tire’s sporty character, giving you a confident, connected ride feel.
The tire’s compliance is on the firmer side, though never harsh – similar in feel to the Hutchinson Blackbird Race. It delivers a racy, direct ride without sacrificing too much in terms of comfort. Fitting it is where the GP 5000 S TR really sets itself apart. Like all Continental tires, it goes on easily by hand, seals instantly and even works reliably without sealant – a true standout in the test field in this regard. Visually, it stays true to Continental’s understated image, with discreet branding and a measured width of 31 mm that gives it a bold, confidence inspiring stance on the rim. Puncture protection is another major highlight of the GP 5000 S TR, turning out to be the most puncture-resistant model on test, performing consistently well in both pinch and penetration resistance. That kind of protection does come with a trade-off in weight, at 300.9 g, it’s on the heavier side, but the added peace of mind, combined with top-level efficiency, makes it a price worth paying.
Tire Characteristics
Rolling Resistance
Pinch-Flat Protection
Puncture Protection
Grip
Conclusion on the Continental GP 5000 S TR
Tops
- Outstanding efficiency
- Excellent puncture protection
- Good grip
- Very easy to install
Flops
- None
Made in Germany | Tested size 30-622 | Tire width in mm¹ 31 | Tire height in mm¹ 22 | Tire height + test rim depth in mm² 67.2 | Weight 300.9 g | Price € 89.95
1 measured dimensions with 5.0 Bar, 2 Test rim: HUNT 40 Carbon Disc 622 x 22TC (Rim height 45.2 mm)
Find out more on continental-tires.com.
The Test Field
You can find an overview of this comparison test here:
The 13 best road bike tires head to head. Reviewing the best tubeless and clincher tires for road bikes
All tires in review: Challenge Criterium RS | Continental GP 5000 S TR | Continental Aero 111 | Continental GP 5000 TT TR | Hutchinson Blackbird Race | MAXXIS HighRoad Gen 3 | Michelin Power Cup TLR Competition Line | Pirelli P ZERO TLR RS | Pirelli P ZERO Race RS | Schwalbe Pro One TL | Specialized RapidAir TLR | Specialized S-Works Turbo TLR | Vittoria Corsa Pro TR
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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Fock
