Continental Terra Speed in review

Continental and the Terra line of gravel tires stand for gravel performance like no other. And it shows on the Terra Speed. It’s right at home in the gravel race peloton, but can it also deliver on Continental’s promise of speed in our group test?

**Continental** Terra Speed | 493 g | € 65,95 | Manufacturer’s website

With its genuine tan wall, the Continental Terra Speed looks classy, and thanks to the natural colour, it doesn’t look as fake as the tan wall of some of its competitors in the test field. And, fortunately for all the purists among us, the tire is also available in classic black. But the Terra Speed has a lot to offer besides just looks. The shallow tread pattern is clearly trimmed for speed, but without throwing trail performance out the window. Interestingly, its big brother, the Terra Trail, has a very similar tread pattern, just significantly more pronounced. As a small side note: the Continental tires clearly won the spontaneous smell test at the judges’ table.

SPEED! – But is the Continental Terra Speed capable of more?

It is clear that the Terra Speed isn’t made for muddy conditions, but it performs convincingly throughout – on everything from gravel to asphalt. Any terrain that is fast and compact or slightly gravelly is where this tire excels, putting a big grin on the rider’s face. This includes fast corners because the round and uniform profile allows the tire to lean into corners with ease – provided you’re on gravel or hardpack! The round profile lends the tire an agile and predictable feel, ideal for winding routes.
The Continental Terra Speed narrowly misses second place in terms of rolling resistance with the Challenge Gravel Grinder (2nd place), being separated by just 0.1 W, even though the Continental is a little under 40 g heavier. The tires are almost on par in terms of puncture protection, too, showing a similar resistance to both pinching and puncturing.
However, the Continental Terra Speed clearly outperforms the Italian competition regarding compliance: even at high pressures, the Continental is still capable of absorbing small bumps and vibrations.

Tire Characteristics

intended use

asphalt/hard pack
trail

rolling resistance

slow
quick

pinch protection

low
high

puncture protection

low
high

handling in wet conditions

slippery
grippy

Conclusion

With speed in the name and generating minimal rolling resistance, it goes without saying that the Continental Terra Speed belongs to the speed category, and it’s probably the most versatile model in this category. The tire is equally convincing in terms of looks. Overall, it’s a fast, efficient, and all-round grippy tire, probably making it the best choice for many riders.

Tops

lots of grip and excellent efficiency
great looking tread and round profile
superbly predictable handling

Flops

the tread extends very far down the shoulders – no one corners at that angle.

For more information head to: continental-tires.com

In our introduction of the best gravel tire on test you can’t just find our most interesting findings and our overall conclusion, but a good view on all tires tested.

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words: czajac Photos: Jan Richter