I purchased from ProBikeKit.com two Continental Grand Prix 4000 Black Chilli tyres by mistake. I had meant to order a pair of Grand Prix 4000S to replace the ones previously fitted to my Look 555. 

Anyway, why do Continental use such similar names for tyres? What is really the difference between the two?  The Continental Grand Prix 4000 Black Chilli which I purchased by mistake weigh 205 grams, are 330 TPI and contain a Vectran Breaker puncture protection.  The GP 4000S is also 330 TPI with a Vectran Breaker and Black Chilli compound.  The weight is not given on the Continental Bicycle website.

The above notwithstanding, how have these performed?

Summary

The original tyre fitted to the rear lasted for 4,682 km before I replaced due to the increased puncture rate (three punctures) and the wear indicators virtually disappearing.  At the same time I rotated the front to the rear and hope to get a few more kilometres out it.

Overall I couldn’t determine any difference between these tyres in terms of ride performance with the Grand Prix 4000S with Black Chilli. If anything the Grand Prix 4000 Black Chilli are lasting longer.

A hard call but I am planning to try out another set of Grand Prix 4000S with Black Chilli to see if they last longer and puncture less.

* The cost per kilometre is estimated using the Wiggle replacement cost ($51.71) as at September 19, 2009.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Tags: Continental,GP 4000 with Black Chilli
Categories: Bicycle gear reviews
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Cell Team Knicks - Photo sourced from Cell Bikes

I purchased my XXL Cell Team (Yellow) knicks or bike shorts from Cell Bikes in September, 2008 for a landed cost of $29.90.

Purchasing experience: I ordered a pair of the yellow knicks from Cell Bikes and got them fairly quickly via Express Post. However, upon receipt, I found the sizing to be on the large size (I ordered as per the sizing chart ), so I  contacted Cell Bikes to have them exchanged. They replied promptly and agreed to this, but indicated that I was I am expected to pay for the return of the pair I received (fair enough) and I that I was expected to include a postal satchel for the return of the replacement ones. I was a bit surprised by this as this is not something I have experienced before, e.g, Torpedo 7 don’t do this, and really I don’t feel that is good customer service, more so, given I went with the sizing chart.  So this is at least a heads-up to be careful when purchasing from Cell Bikes online.

An update on my purchasing experience: I received an email from Mark McTamany, e-Commerce manager at Cell Bikes.  Mark has indicated that they will review their sizing chart and have offered me free postage on my next purchase from them. That seems fair enough and it was good to have prompt communication and a comprise offered.

Initial Impressions | Field Experience

Initial Impressions

First inspection of the knicks shows that they are made of a Coolmax material or more specifically lined with a Coolmax material; that is the chamois is CoolMax Invista.  The actual knicks are 80% nylon, 20% elastene. .  The legs have gel gripper inserts which are meant to be more comfortable for longer rides (according to Cell Bikes).

All the stitching appears to be finished off well with no obvious loose threads, seams coming apart or similar signs of poor finish.

Field Experience

For me, weighing ~ 95 kg they just did not work for me, no matter which bike I rode. Any rides of 15 km or longer and these knicks just did not provide an acceptable level of comfort.  I very quickly relegated them to short trips duty (no more than 10 km) and then in late December 2008, having owned them for three months binned them as the stitching was coming apart.

I had being washing them as I do all my bike shorts after a days riding, but these just didn’t stand up to the wear or the washing like my other knicks do.

Based on this experience I will not be buying Cell bike shorts again.  Just not worth it for me.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Tags: Bicycle clothing,Bicycle gear reviews,Bicycle shorts,Cell
Categories: Bicycle gear reviews
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