Test Long life of the Continental GP 5000 Tubeless

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: @3bikes.fr

Some differences

If the tire version and the Tubeless version of the GP 5000 bytaghave the same name, the same design of the screed and the same deep black color (thanks to the new Black Chili gum blend), they do not have the same carcass. The tire benefits from a 330TPI carcass (number of nylon, cotton or other threads per inch – 2,54 cm) with three layers of 110 TPI, while Tubeless is satisfied with 180 TPI (three layers of 60 TPI). However, we know that the thickness of the carcass plies is inversely proportional to the number of TPI. Although already flexible, the Tubeless carcass is therefore less so than that of the tire.

The sidewalls and lining of the Tubeless are also thicker and airtight. The beads are however a bit more flexible, in order to facilitate the assemblytage and the adjustment of the Tubeless on a compatible rim, even if this is the most delicate part of the Tubeless technology as a whole. Mounted on a 21 mm wide rim at the braking strip, the GP 5000 TL actually measures 26 mm in section for 25 in theory, with a slightly more “rounded” shape than the tire version.

The montage

Unlike all tires called "Tubeless Easy" and which require the mandatory addition of a preventive liquid (or "sealant" to ensure the seal between the tire and the rim), The GP 5000 TL are true Tubeless tires that can be used without liquid..

However, the advancetagand preventive, it is a system which fills small perforations by itself and which allows you to continue driving as if nothing had happened.

The advancetagand the weight clearly goes towards the classic tire, at least in this section.

Our GP 5000 TLs were weighed at 300g (302+299g) in 700×25, and about 40ml of sealant is needed on each wheel, making a weight of about 340g. At the same time, a GP 5000 with a tire weighs around 220 g, to which you have to add an inner tube (between 50 and 100 g). The advancetagand the weight clearly goes towards the classic tire, at least in this section.

On compatible wheels, the montagThis is always done in two stages, given the very low tolerance allowed by the system to ensure its sealing. First start with the side opposite the valve, and always slide the bead inside the groove in the rim bed.

Normally, with the help of a hand, tire levers are not useful at this stage, although some brands recommend using a product that makes it easier to change the tire.tage (as for car tires). Once the two beads are installed on the rim, you have to "snap" the tire onto the rim, that is, stick the rods against the hooks. A simple foot pump is not always enough, but it is not always useful to use a pump with a tank to send a large volume of air at once. For our part, inflation with the compressor was enough to slam the two tires on Mavic Ksyrium UST wheels, and without the slightest problem.

Finally, once the tire is properly installed, we choose to insert preventive liquid so as to first seal the watertightness of mytage, and then self-repair in case of a small puncture while riding. To do this, unscrew the valve core and insert about 40 ml of liquid. Then turn the wheel while empty so as to distribute the liquid well inside the Tubeless tire.

Following this montage, we found very low pressure losses after a few days. About 2 bars less after three or four days without using the bike.

The disadvantages of tubeless

Even if the problems linked to this technology tend to disappear little by little, in particular thanks to the standards followed by the manufacturers during the manufacture of rims and tires and which ensure more and more compatibilities, Tubeless in general is not completely blameless in certain situations, and in particular in the event of a puncture on the route, when the cut is too big for the sealant to really do its job. In this case, there is no other choice but to slide an inner tube inside the Tubeless tire to be able to go home. Problem: It can sometimes be very difficult to get the tire beads off the hooks, even when deflated (or punctured), especially on the edge of the route in the rain, and equipped with simple plastic tire levers. Then, you have to manage to put the tire beads back on the rim as described above, but without the comfort of a basement or a bike shop workshop. In short, the most important thing to remember is that Tubeless is not flawless, nor is it a miracle technology for avoiding punctures. The system has other advantages, however.tagis, as is the case here with GP 5000 TL.

Comfort and ride

In just over 3500 km, we didn't have a single puncture with the Continental GP 5000 TL, and in particular the one that would have left us on the edge of the route to the point of coming to defy themtester! And judging by the state of the bike after each ride, it is even likely that the preventative did not even have to come into action. Indeed, in the case of a small puncture blocked by the liquid while riding, the bike can be lightly sprayed with whitish liquid. On the other hand, The rear tire is well marked by various surface cuts. But without consequence.

The GP 5000 TL stands out firstly for its comfort and then for its low rolling resistance. The reduction in vibrations is achieved by the absence of an inner tube, and by a slightly greater thickness of the structure which allows you to ride with less pressure in the tire, but without it deforming excessively.. This is actually quite surprising, because you can ride at 6 bar without feeling the sides collapse when you lean on the pedals to place a start or a sharp restart.

And this quality also prevents you from being too tempted to inflate more strongly, in order to gain in efficiency. Because The GP 5000 TL runs smoothly on flat and hilly terrain, tests independent even showing that it is one of the best performing tires on the market.

Sensation bytagfor our part, with an impression of ease both on the large rolling straight ends and on the small ones routes poorly coated. The central tread appears firm and smooth, and seems to slide on the bitumen, especially since it is associated with an impression of softness when touching the route. The GP 5000 TL is nervous, lively and fast.. An excellent surprise as we were initially rather reluctant to go tubeless in general.

However, we remain a little behind when it comes to discussing its grip qualities, particularly in the wet. Switching from GP 5000 tire to Tubeless alternately on two bikes, we were surprised several times on routes wet with the latter, even with a lower inflation pressure. As if we were sensitive to the theoretically slightly less flexible screed in terms of pilotage. Where we never had the slightest grip problem with the tires at a little over 7 bar, it was necessary to go down to less than 6 bar with the Tubeless to avoid slipping several times on routes oily and moist.

In short, the GP 5000 TL did not inspire us with complete confidence in this area (unlike the tire), even if we note all its other qualities: comfort, performance, ease of usetage relative, puncture resistance and endurance. It's not quite the same product in the end, but if you're planning on going tubeless, it's a great choice.

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Our thanks to the store Future Bike in Longjumeau (91), for the part devoted to the worldtage.