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.

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Tags: Continental,GP 4000 with Black Chilli
Categories: Bicycle gear reviews
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I have a set of Continental Grand Prix 4000 S “Black Chilli” tyres on my Look 555. These are the tyres that came new with the bike. I use this bike as my “weekend warrior” mainly and hence it is predominately a dry weather ride.

I found the Grand Prix 4000 S to handle well, grip well and corner well. I am pretty happy with these tyres and would look to replace them with the same when they are due for replacement.

February 23, 2009 – 4,123 km (front): Got my first puncture with this tyre which has been on the front of the Look 555 (dry weather ride) and now the Giant CRX 1 (all weather ride).  Can’t complain about that mileage.

January 31, 2009 – 3,958 km (front): The front tyre which was fitted to the Look 555 has now been moved over to the front of my Giant CRX 1. I estimate I should get another 1,000 to 1,500 km out of this tyre on the front.

January 21, 2009 – 4,318 km.  Heading home this evening from Joondalup, mind on the fairies and I hit a pot hole rather hard.  Moments later the rear was flat as a tack and I was struggling to unclip before taking an off.  Really can’t complain as this tyre is at the end of its life and I have had two punctures with it (dry weather riding in the city), so  2,159 km per puncture.

January 16, 2009 – 3,681 km

As part of my 1,000 km bike service I checked the wear on the tyres. Whilst the front is still sweet, the rear, which has done 4,036 km due to a short emergency period on my CRX 1, is getting near to replacement.  The right hand wear dimple shown in the photo below is now fading from existence, so I expect to replace these in the near future. I have ordered replacement tyres from ProBikeKit (same model) so should be ready for a change when needed.

January 1, 2009 – 3,085 km

Whilst up in Kalbarri the rear picked up a bit of glass and I got my second puncture.  Managed to have some fun and games getting it back on, resulting in a pinch flat to add to the initial one.  Front still looking good whereas the rear is squaring off some more.

November 22, 2008 – 2,578 km

They tyres have withstood the rigours of Perth roads quite well, with my first puncture at 2,578 km.  It was caused by a piece of getting into the rear tyre.  I had been using the bike as a commuter for the last day and half and with some rain about it was real possibility I guess.

The rear is just starting to show signs of squaring off, but the wear dimples are still clear and well formed.  You can see them and the hint of squaring off in the photo below.

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Tags: 4000S,Continental
Categories: Bicycle gear reviews, Bicycling
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