ContinentalSpeed Ride Tire (Folding)(Return to Product Page)

For the price point, this is a decent tire, but the first time I rode it I got a flat from a sharp piece of flint. This was in December in Wisconsin, so there was sand and debris and a bit of icesnow on the road, but still I didn't expect a flat the first time out. Patched the tube and have take about 4 short rides without flats, and overall, I like the way these roll. I previously had Conti Top Contacts on this commuter bike (an older hybridpath bike), but wanted to try something a bit wider but still light folding tire. Next time, I'll stick with the Top Contacts and pay more, because in many years of riding Top Contacts folding, I've only gotten one flat.

Great upgrade from 32mm stock tires to the Speed Ride at 42mm on a basic 700c flat bar commuter bike. This expanded the capabilities and comfort to ride more challenging dirt single track and gravel trails. For the cost of tires, I feel as though I have a new bike - like a poor man's gravel bike! The Speed Ride tires are good on pavement too. The width and greater volume helps to smooth out the bumps.

I tried these tires on my Surly Karate Monkey 29er. I have been using this bike as a general purpose road and

gravel trail bike. Until trying the Speed Rides I was never satisfied with the other urban , commuter or cyclocross tires

which I was using (including some fairly high priced). I tried the beaded cheaper version of the tires. I was very happy about how quickly these accelerated and climbed hills. I have about 500 miles on them so far and have not seen any unusual wear on the tread.

Put these on a Trek 920 for a 200 mile Midwest tour. Worked great for gravel roads, shoulders, etc. but still felt fast on the paced paths. Not too heavy. Seems pretty durable, did well in the rain. I'm happy with them.

They measure at 38-39mm so they fit on my 2012 Stevens Prestige Alloy frame and fork. There's a good solid 18-316 clearance to the chainstays so some mud won't be a problem. Super sticky Kanza mud might present a problem but I'm not going to do 'that' to my body anyway. Good high-volume fast-spinning gravel tire. Less precious than my Grifo XS tubulars which I would use if the course was hard-pack clay with no sand or loose point gravel. Pretty happy.

I used the Speed Tire for commuting to and from work. I work 5 miles from home, but take a gravel path from door to door making it a 18 mile trip each way. The Speed tire is perfect for the gravel to pavement environment between home and work.

Price, ride, weight. this tire gets high marks on all fronts. favorite gravel tire - volume really lets you carry speed on descents.

I have a 23 mile, each way, bike commute that is 50% clear pavement, 25% bad pavement, and 25% on single trackcinder bike path. The commute is quite busy, so I don't get to choose my line half the time, the line is chosen for me.

I am faster on my cyclocross bike fitted with this tire than I am on my light road bike. When the line of cars is deep and slow, I drop into the gravel, dirt on the side and keep going. They roll over everything. I run them at max pressure (85psi) so I give up some of the bump absorption, but I don't care if the line is through a pothole, over broken pavement, clear road... it just doesn't matter. Over 500 miles so far and no flats and no sign of wear.

I'm impressed enough with the tire, that they are going onto a Salsa Mountain tandem as our race tire for the Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnee in August.

Bought these to replace original tires on my Giant Roam. This is my all around bike and is a beast. Dropped about 2lbs just by using these and they are great. I have ridden with my gravel buddies, done around town trips and commuted to work. No flats, fast, no complaints with about 500 miles of riding. If you need a do it all tire that is inexpensive, this is it.

Used on the allegheny passage Route

Rolls great and cushion ride

They are light and roll fast and I've not had a flat yet. I got the 42mm tires for my mountain bike and use these to ride gravel and some unmaintained roads.

Just finished up a 40 mile gravel grinder on these tires with about 4000 feet of climbing. First impressions are great. Really like having the extra width/volume to smooth out washboard dirt roads and rough descents. I felt like I could bomb down steep/rough sections with more confidence since the tire was soaking up bumps a whole lot better. Ran these at 40 psi front/rear and they are very smooth. The diamond tread rolls great on road/dirt/gravel and the tiny side knobs have just enough grip for gravel roads while not getting in the way when you're on the pavement. For the price these are really hard to beat, especially considering the folding bead.

-1 star for the weight-advertised at 420 grams, mine weighed 445 each. Also the width of these tires mounted on my Ksyriums measured more like 38c. Still a good bit wider than a standard cyclocross tire, but pretty far from the 42c they're labeled.

Great combination of grip and roll. Very smooth for my daily commute, and performs well in gravel and dirt also. Very pleased with these!

I love my speed ride 42's. They have opened up a world o access to gravel and dirt roads in my community. I bought a second set to put on my wife's bike because they smooth out rough roads and increase confidence.

Limited mileage so far, but these are a nice commuter tire for less than ideal roads, dirt trails, alleys, etc.

Replaced some OEM wire bead tires with these. Dropped weight and gained comfort and speed.

700 x 42 Mounted on wtb rims Salsa Journeyman. Smooth and grippy ride.

I mean, look at the price. This tire handles gravel, trails, single track, and tarmac like a champ. It's not the lightest, far from it, but that's its only draw back. Only one pinch flat in the 150 miles since I've mounted them on a set of wide rims on a giant TCX. Compared to the stock 35mm tires I had on, these are a dream compared to those.

About what you'd expect for a $20 tire.. like anything you get what you pay for. I got four flats on one (four day) trip, and one more soon after I got home. Three of them I could excuse for being loaded on gravel, the other two were under normal circumstances. I coughed up the $$ for gatorskins on my other bike and have no flats in two years. Lesson learned!!

Being an avid roadie, I resist tires larger than 700x28, but as the time changes I have to outfit my cyclocross with a tire that will take the pot holes and uneven pavement I cant see in the dark while commuting to and from work. The first ride was 35 miles and left me pleasantly surprised at the minimal rolling resistance, so I have to rate these at five stars. Dont have an idea about puncture resistance so I put slime liners in tires. Final word is, Continental manufactures quality tires, and is why it is the only tire I buy for road biking, and now cyclocross.