These are definitely the best tires I've ever used on my gravel bike. In 40mm size, they are extremely easy to mount tubeless with a JoeBlow pump. No struggle, no fighting, they seat immediately. The traction on mixed surfaces is incredible. I've taken them on wet single track where no gravel bike has any business being, and they gripped like a mountain bike tire. On packed dirt and gravel they are very cushy and smooth. Conti has another winner with the Terra Trail.
I ride an average of 150 miles per week. Through the years I've ridden on many tires and brands. The new 5000 is great. First thing I noticed is the more "true to size". My 25mm 4000's always measured around 28-29 after mounted...which is fine with me actually. My rims have a 19mm internal measurement. The 5000 in size 25mm with the same rims now measures about 26mm. These tires are super smooth and stick fantastic on the fast descents which is confidence inspiring. There's probably never been an absolute perfect tire but this Conti comes close to the mark. I use it for just normal everyday riding. I don't race. However, I'm competitive and push myself on most rides. My last pair of Conti, the 4000, lasted just under 3,000 miles and I only flatted once from the notorious goat thorn. With the Conti's I always switch them out way before the wear indicators are gone. If you can get a set on sale I would say there's great value for your steed.
I was hesitant to trust tubeless on the road but it's been pretty bomb proof. One puncture that wouldn't seal (a slice, really) in over 10K km of riding. Those are far better results than I expected. I feel like these wore more quickly than the 4000/4000s clinchers I've used the past few seasons, but I'll trade that for the dependability, traction and overall excellent performance. Mounting these on my ENVE 5.6 rims was brutal. So much so that when I sliced that tire, I took it to a shop to install the new one (and, while they did it in about 15 mins, they commented that it was really tough to do). So 5 stars for riding performance minus a star for being so tough to mount.
