Road Tires

I had previously been riding the Maxxis Rambler 40 gravel bike tires. I was preparing for the Unbound Gravel in Emporia Kansas the end of May and wanted to go with a wider tire and read several reviews on the Panaracer GravelKing X1 Plus tire and ordered a pair of the 45mm. After getting the put on my rims, I did several gravel rides locally and immeditely could tell the difference in ride feel, cornering, and most of all how much faster these tires were than the 40mm Maxxis I'd been riding. Rode the Unbound Gravel 50 mile race with my youngest son (his first gravel or even bike event) and had a set of the X1's put on his bike as well. These tires were incredible on Unbound. Not a single flat, rolling resistance was outstanding and super ride feel. I'm a believer in these tires and highly recommend!

What more do you need to know in order to purchase Continental GP5000 STR tires yourself ?

By far the best tires on the market.

25 years ago I raced on Vittoria and Veloflex tubular tires. Then I transferred to a Specialized sponsored team which means I had the opportunity to race on custom made Specialized tubular tires and S works clincher tires. I can tell you that after a long break from being on the bike, I chose Continental GP 5000 STR tires to get a tubular like ride, But a more durable tire. Not to mention that the tire pressure is unbelievably low comparitivly speaking.

I just installed the 28mm tires on my girlfriend's road bike, followed by my road bike, and it was as if I was in a dream ' all four tires seated in the rim and inflated on the first try with a floor pump. No blasting air. No huffing and puffing. No eff bombs. Obviously, the Conti tires are going to perform on the road at a high level. I've been riding tubeless for 10 years, tried all the top brands and have been through hell (at times) getting them to set up. By now, I know all the tricks. But the installation experience with these just might be the thing that keeps me from trying any more tires.

They roll as you expect for the tread pattern. Hook up well in loose, chunky,rocky, and soft stuff. Did great on a long single track climb with mostly decomposed granite. No washing out front or rear. A little noisy and slower rolling on tarmac than other tires with shallower or closer set lugs. Definitely overkill if 30% or more of your riding is pavement or if the gravel is predictable. Both tires weight out the about 620g but it is a pretty robust tire for the intended use.