Searching for the perfect road bike tire but feeling lost in the maze of choices? Don’t worry, our guide, featuring Continental as an example, will help you find the optimal tires for your bike. We’ll tell you exactly what really matters when choosing a tire, and show you how the right model can help you squeeze every last drop of performance out of your bike.
Choosing the right road bike tire should be a simple task, but many manufacturers don’t make it easy. Between marketing buzzwords and confusing names, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Take one of the most popular road bike tires ever: the Continental Grand Prix 5000. This classic comes in four different versions: GP 5000, S TR, TT TR, and AS TR. On top of that, Continental have recently introduced the Aero 111, their latest high-performance aero tire. That’s a lineup catering to every situation, bike, and riding style. But which one is the right one for you?
Much like our extensive gravel tire group test featuring 20 models, we’ve taken a close look at Continental’s road bike tires, and focussed on their performance models. We’ll help you figure out which tire suits you best. Beyond the traditional split between training and race tires, we’ll dive into the world of cutting-edge time trial, aero, and all-season rubber to find the perfect match for your needs.
Road Bike Tire Basics – What Makes the Difference?
Choosing the right road bike tire involves more than just considering the classic triad of rolling resistance, weight, and puncture protection – there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.
Rolling Resistance and Grip: These key factors are heavily influenced by the rubber compound. As a rule of thumb, the softer the compound, the better the grip – though often at the expense of rolling resistance. Depending on the intended use, a road bike tire will either prioritise grip or speed. Top-tier tires, often the most expensive ones, aim to unite the best of both worlds, delivering exceptional grip without compromising speed. This is made possible through fine-tuning the rubber compound and incorporating multiple compounds within a single tire.
Weight: This largely depends on the tire’s construction and the materials used. Race tires are typically lighter but in return offer less puncture protection. On the other hand, the classic training tire is heavier but is more durable, and offers better defence against thorns, glass, and sharp rocks.
Puncture Protection: Here too, it comes down to how much you prioritise performance. Greater puncture resistance is achieved by adding extra fibre layers and more rubber. However, this inevitably means that the tire won’t roll as fast.
Aerodynamics: While tire aerodynamics is a relatively new concept, it’s quickly gaining traction. These days, almost every manufacturer offers a dedicated aero tire. The focus is primarily on the tire’s shape and the transition between the tire and the rim. For tips on how to optimise this setup, read our ”Perfect Wheel and Tire Combo” article. The latest high-speed road bike tires also feature a special tread pattern design, like the Continental Aero 111, which uses integrated vortex generators to cut through the air with maximum efficiency.
Compliance: Historically, improving comfort through tires wasn’t much of a concern for road bikes. However, with the rise of wider tires and lower pressures, modern road bikes can now gain significant compliance. Since it’s been proven that wider road tires roll faster on rough surfaces, compliance has become a hot topic– and a welcome one at that.
Durability and Longevity: High mileage comes down to abrasion-resistant rubber compounds and simply using more material. In practice, this often results in road bike tires that are both heavier and slower. Training tires traditionally excel in this category, offering great durability for everyday riding.
Price: Performance comes at a cost, and that’s especially true for tires. The fastest and lightest road bike tires are typically the most expensive ones. However, if you don’t need or want top-tier performance, there are plenty of high-quality, long-lasting options available at more affordable prices.
Tubeless: Tubeless setups are becoming increasingly more popular in the road bike sector, particularly in conjunction with wider tires. They often provide lower rolling resistance and allow you to run lower air pressures for better comfort, which makes them a practical alternative to inner tubes. Most premium tires are now tubeless-ready, though they’re slightly heavier than traditional clinchers. Tubeless setups require special valves and sealant to fill up small punctures in real time. Price-wise, tubeless tires are usually slightly more expensive than their tube-based counterparts, but the benefits can outweigh the extra cost.
When it matters most – Road Bike Tires for the Final Sprint
Classic race tires or ultra-fast TT tires? What does TT even stand for, and what advantages do modern aero tires offer? So many questions– because even race tires aren’t all the same. Whether it’s a criterium, road race, or triathlon, the demands vary significantly.
Classic Race Tires: The All-Rounder – A road bike tire that strikes an excellent balance between puncture protection, grip, rolling resistance, and lightweight construction. For many riders, this is the go-to tire for all conditions and an excellent choice if you’re looking for one tire to do it all. It offers the perfect compromise, proving both fast and reliable in equal measure. However, it does have its limits too. In truly tough conditions, like wet gravel and sharp debris, it might struggle. Durability and puncture resistance are also slightly sacrificed in favour of efficiency, so this type of tire won’t last as long as a dedicated training tire. It’s also generally pricier than training models. In this category, Continental deliver with their GP 5000 and its tubeless-ready version, the GP 5000 S TR.
Time Trial Tires (TT): In this category, it’s all about minimising rolling resistance– everything else takes a backseat. This is achieved by reducing puncture protection and using as little rubber as possible. The result? Maximum efficiency at minimal weight , but at the cost of limited durability and shorter lifespan. These tires are traditionally found on time trial and triathlon bikes (hence TT = Time Trial), though some pros also use them for road races. If you’re after the fastest possible setup, these tires are worth a closer look. Models like the Continental GP 5000 TT TR are designed for ultimate speed. Interestingly, some climbing bikes also opt for these ultra-light tires to shave off every possible gram. For instance, the Orbea Orca HMX comes fitted with TT tires for uncompromising climbing performance.
Aero Tires: Designed with aerodynamics as the top priority, this tire category is often developed in collaboration with specific wheelsets. Tires like the Continental Aero 111 are engineered with optimised shapes and integrated tread patterns to glide even faster over the tarmac. While the rolling resistance is slightly higher than that of TT tires, the overall efficiency is designed to be unmatched.
Aerodynamics are most critical at the front of the bike, as the rear tire is partially shielded by the seat tube. For this reason, the Continental Aero 111 is designed exclusively as a front tire. At over € 100 per tire, that’s a small silver lining– it’s easier to justify than spending over € 200 for a full set of road tires. However, it’s worth noting that, according to the manufacturer, aero tires can lose performance with relatively little wear. Still, for those seeking cutting-edge technology and maximum efficiency, aero tires are an excellent choice. Pairing an aero tire up front with a TT or classic race tire at the rear is arguably the best setup for fast stages.
Come rain or shine – Road Bike Tires for All-Road and Training
Thanks to their optimised weight and special rubber compounds, race tires are lightweight, fast, and grippy. However, the main drawback is the limited puncture protection and durability. If you ride and train regularly, you’ll find yourself burning through expensive race tires much faster. And if you’ve ever slashed a pricey aero tire on a glass shard on your second ride, you’ll know the frustration–not just from having to replace it, but also from the dent it makes in your wallet. Even small sections of gravel can leave you sweating.
This is where training and all-road tires enter the stage. For example, the Continental GP 5000 AS TR, perhaps the most well-known “all-season” tire, is designed for extra puncture protection and significantly improved durability. It also performs well in poor weather and tough autumn and winter conditions, offering excellent grip and reliable, safe handling. These tires are ideal not only for racers during training but also for all-road enthusiasts seeking maximum versatility. If you’re still searching for the perfect bike to pair with your tires for limitless all-road adventures, be sure to check out our all-road bike group test!
So, should you own two different sets of tires? A pair of puncture-resistant, affordable tires for training and a set of expensive, high-performance rubber for race days? That’s definitely a smart choice– not only to save money but also to ensure a reliable, hassle-free experience during training. However, there’s a catch. The difference in grip levels and handling between training and race tires can make the switch from training rides to race day feel unfamiliar. And in those critical moments when confidence is key, that unfamiliarity could cost you.
Road Bike Tires – Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing the right road bike tire ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and riding style. Here’s a little breakdown to help you decide:
For High-Mileage Riders:
If you train a lot or clock up serious mileage, durable tires like the GP 5000 AS TR are your best bet. They’ll save you from changing tires constantly and reduce the risk of annoying punctures. Plus, they offer reliable performance in all weather conditions, so you can ride confidently no matter what.
For Weekend Warriors:
Looking for the best balance of speed, reliability, and value? A race tire like the GP 5000 S TR is the optimal choice. It delivers professional-level performance at a fair price while still offering decent puncture protection for everyday use.
For Racers:
If ultimate efficiency is your goal and cost isn’t a concern, go for an aero tire at the front and a TT or race tire at the rear. This combination is the fastest possible setup, perfect for race day when every second counts.
For Those Who Want It All:
If you want the best of both worlds, consider pairing training tires and race tires – ideally using two bikes or two wheelsets. This way, you can switch between options depending on the conditions or your plans for the day.
At the end of the day, while there’s a lot to consider, the good news is that road bike tires have come a long way. Even though the details differ, there’s no such thing as a truly bad tire anymore. So, you can’t really go wrong– choose what suits your riding style and enjoy the ride!
Conclusions
At first glance, the world of road bike tires can feel like a maze of marketing claims and confusing product names. But with a little knowledge, you’ll navigate the tire jungle without problems. Manufacturers offer the perfect tire for every situation,whether you’re after pure racing speed or all-road versatility for gravel and tarmac.
Ultimately, the choice is yours: Racing or all-road? The right tire choice will boost your riding enjoyment, save you money in the long run, and maximise your performance.
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: Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Richter
