Over the years I've ridden Michelin, Continental, even Schwalbe and still go back to Vittorias though I can't say exactly why. I did have the Extreme ? or Enduros but they were damnable to get off and on the rims, the bike shop suggested that it's the rubber compound they use. I'm not hard on tires and get good mileage, 3000 easily and have pushed it close to 4000.
Replaced Gatorskins with Four Seasons. My Vigorelli came with 25mm slicks, upgraded to the 28mm Gatorskins. Ran the Gatorskins for 5600 miles. Bought 28mm Four Seasons, but the rear tire was too large for the rear brake housing on Shimano 105s. Western Bike Works exchanged them for 25mm. Pumped up to 100 psi, the tire width is 26.51mm, measured with electronic caliper. Perfect tire for how I ride. Love them. My training rides are 40 miles, over Houston streets, then concrete bike lanes along the bayous. Club rides 30 - 50 miles long.
I have used these tires in the past but got away from them. These have always been dependable but a bit on the heavy side. I have a newer bike that I originally fitted with 32mm tires which were a bit bounce on downhills. I moved to a 28 mm and I seem to be getting less bounce with out sacrificing comfort.
After a week of riding this tire-and getting caught in the rain-I have to say I am very impressed. Not sure how Continental managed to improve on the 4000, which I've been a fan of for years, but these tires have noticeably more grip than other tires I've tried. Even while descending in the rain I was able to rail the corners with confidence. They also felt a bit faster on dry flats roads as well, but that's a subjective. I can't speak on durability or flat protection yet, but as an improved version of the 4000, I don't think either of those will be an issue.
