Froggie, my Look 555 today received his first service for 2010 at 11,390 km.  The last service was at 9,481 km, so much longer between services than is normal for me with my bikes.  I try to do regular services at 500 km intervals (winter-spring) and 1,000 km services during the summer-autumn period.  Anyway, this service consists of:

1. Degreasing the chain using a Park’s Tool CM-5 Cyclone Chain Scrubber and Australian Export degreaser;
2. Application of Rock and Roll Gold chain lube to the chain;
3. Checking of chain wear with a Park Tools CC-3 Chain Wear indicator.  All is looking good at this point, but the cluster is starting to show signs of wear.
4. I went over the bike checking the bolts and screws – nothing loose which is nice to know;
5. I re-tuned the rear derailleur following the replacement of the cables by Wembley Cycles.
6. Adjusted the brakes. The rear brake is still feeling a bit stiff, so tried a bit of chain lube in the shifter. That may have done the trick but the feel of my testing.
7. Deflated the tires and checked for embedded glass. Removed about three pieces from the rear tire (GP 4000) which is starting to show signs of cutting up.
8. I finished off with a clean of the bike. I

No other issues where noted. Tyre wear is okay and brake pad wear is okay.

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Tags: Continental,GP 4000 with Black Chilli,Look 555
Categories: Bicycle maintenance
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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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