Test Continental GP 5000 AS TR tubeless winter tires

With the GP 5000 AS TR, Continental promises a tire capable of facing winter without sacrificing performance. TestTested over 2,500 km in cold, wet and often greasy conditions, this tire route Tubeless tires in 700x28 mounted on 25mm wide hookless rims reveal a paradoxical profile: heavy on the scales, but surprisingly fast and reassuring on the route.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr

In the Continental range, the GP 5000 AS TR is presented as the winter tubeless successor to the famous GP 5000.While retaining the family's flagship technologies, such as the Black Chili compound, Vectran reinforcement, and Lazer Grip micro-sculpting, it significantly improves grip and puncture resistance in challenging conditions. And as is often the case with Continental, durability is a given, a point we were able to verify during these two months of testing. test, conducted largely on routedamp and soiled by the numerous works that traditionally mark the end of autumn and the beginning of winter in the Paris region.

The brand designed this tire as a comprehensive solution for year-round riding on varied terrainWhereas the GP 5000 S TR remains clearly geared towards pure performance, and the GP 5000 TT TR is even more focused, designed primarily for time trials, it joins a now very comprehensive range, offering a wide choice between tubeless and clincher tires. The GP 5000 AS TR thus appears as the tubeless counterpart to the famous and still impressive GP 5000 4 Seasons. Connoisseurs will appreciate it. But Thanks to its significantly improved performance, it could also win over many riders to tubeless tires, which are often considered complex to mount or maintain.And we were the first.

Faced with the competition, the GP 5000 AS TR occupies a very specific niche. The so-called tires four Seasons They already exist. They are sometimes very robust but often penalized by a high weight and a rolling resistance that is significantly lower than that of summer tires. Continental sought here not to sacrifice efficiency, aiming for an ambitious compromise : to get closer to the behavior of racing tires while offering a level of resistance and safety comparable to the best references in the field of endurance.

=> Buy the Continental GP 5000 AS TR for €59,99 instead of €99,95

The DNA of the GP 5000 adapted for winter

The Continental Grand Prix 5000 AS TR is a tire tubeless ready, usable both tubeless with sealant and with a tube, and clearly intended for the routeIt is based on a 2x220 TPI casing, common to the S TR and AS TR versions, which aims to combine robustness and flexibility. Its Black Chili compound, an exclusive blend of polymers and carbon particles, allows forto simultaneously achieve low rolling resistance, excellent durability and a high level of grip, both on dry and wet surfaces.

Puncture protection is ensured by a Vectran reinforcement. reconThe carcass is made of a material known for its high cut resistance without compromising the tire's flexibility. The Lazer Grip structure, laser-cut into the sidewalls, enhances cornering grip by reinforcing lateral traction. Finally, the Active Comfort technology integrated into the casing helps to filter vibrations and shocks, significantly improving comfort on long rides.

The Continental GP 5000 AS TR is offered in four sections, 25, 28, 32 and 35 mm, and in two finishes, with black or cream sidewalls.

In its 700×28 version with cream sidewalls, the GP 5000 AS TR displays a verified weight of 343 gramsThe black-sidewall version is slightly lighter. Once set up tubeless with sealant, The total weight is approximately 390 grams per wheelThis relatively high figure is largely explained by a reinforced casing and a thicker tread, designed for mileage and resistance to adverse conditions.tagTubeless tires, however, allow you to ride at lower pressures and fully enjoy the advantages.tagis of this technology, with the key advantagetage of comfort, a reduced risk of puncture and increased rolling efficiency.

Endurance and sportiness

Compared to tires route Modern tubeless tires, such as the GP 5000 AS TR, occupy a particularly interesting intermediate position. They prove to be more robust and safer than competition-oriented models like the Specialized S-Works Turbo TLR or Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed, while offering significantly better performance than the most robust endurance tires, primarily designed for winter training, such as the Vittoria RideArmor TLR, Hutchinson Challenger, Pirelli Cinturato Velo TLR ou Specialized S-Works Mondo.

The GP 5000 AS TR stands out by combining low rolling resistance and high protectionThis is something many competitors can't offer simultaneously. It draws inspiration from the original GP 5000, a benchmark in performance and versatility, while thickening the casing and optimizing the rubber compound for cold temperatures. This tire is for those who want to ride hard and for long periods, but without sacrificing a certain level of safety.

=> Buy the Continental GP 5000 AS TR for €59,99 instead of €99,95

On the scales and on the route : a successful paradox

In the facts, The GP 5000 AS TR in 700×28, mounted on Zipp 353 hookless rims with a 25 mm internal width, actually measures 31 mm in sectionIt's noticeably wider than a modern racing tire, but this further enhances the feeling of security in corners, even on... routeSlippery surfaces. This actual width adds to a relatively high overall weight. Compared to a GP 5000 S TR, the summer version of this tubeless tire, the difference reaches nearly 70 grams per tire, or about 140 grams per wheel. Yet, from the very first pedal strokes, this extra weight seems to disappear. The tires remain responsive during accelerations, without any noticeable loss of energy.

On rims without hooks, the inflation pressure is limited to 5 bars, which, depending on the tires, can prove difficult to manage when frequently riding out of the saddle, accelerating in high gears or sprinting to signs. However, the Continental GP 5000 AS TR benefits from sidewalls that deform relatively little under these conditions., which explains why it retains a sporty character in the sensations it provides, even with a pressure closer to 4 bars.

These sidewalls don't compromise comfort, however, as the GP 5000 AS TR also performs very well in this regard, even on very rough surfaces. This is a particularly valuable feature when covering long distances.

In terms of pure performance, and over 2500 km covered in real winter conditions, often wet and sometimes very muddy, rolling resistance proved to be surprisingly lowThe tire maintains high performance, avoiding the sometimes sluggish "winter tire" effect and bib tightsThe acceleration remains brisk, the speed is maintained naturally, and you retain the feeling of riding a performance-oriented model despite its intended purpose. four SeasonsOnly very steep slopes, approached at low speed, slightly highlight the extra weight of the pair of tires, but this remains marginal.

Grip is one of the major strengths of this GP 5000 AS TRWhether it's cornering on cold ground, wet asphalt, or sections covered in dirt and leaves, the tire provides very reassuring grip. Confidence in the handlebars is immediate, allowing riders to maintain control.tagIt's fluid and fast, without constantly holding back. This is probably one of the most tangible benefits of the low-temperature optimized tire and the refined side profile.

Puncture resistance and wear resistance prove excellent over time.No incidents were reported during the entire period of testDespite difficult conditions, the tire maintains a very satisfactory appearance and performance after 2500 km. The front tire shows barely any signs of wear. At the rear, two tiny cuts are visible, but without any impact. As for the wear indicators, they show that the tires are still far from the end of their lifespan, which we can reasonably estimate at at least 7000 km based on our experience. The reinforcements and tread thickness are thus fully justified, confirming that This model is truly built for real endurance..

=> Buy the Continental GP 5000 AS TR for €59,99 instead of €99,95

Winter without compromise

The Continental GP 5000 AS TR is a heavy tire on the scales, but light on the road. This contrast reflects a well-developed design: Prioritizing robustness and safety does not preclude very high performance., while the exceptional grip on route Cold and humid conditions enhance overall performance.

This is a model designed for those who want to maintain a stylish look in winter, while keeping a safety margin and peace of mind on the road. routeslippery or dirty. A tire that proves winter is no excuse to drive slower or for shorter periods.Its official price is high, but it is in line with the trend of all high-end tubeless tires at the moment.

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