I ride the Conti GP Classics. If you like the GP 4000S II this is probably your tire, very similar ride. Personally, I'd don't like them all that much, I've been moving to Vittoria Rubino Pros (III & G), but those aren't skinwalls.

I can't tell you how they handle your roads but I can compare Veloflex Master to GP4000-II. I much prefer the Veloflex. I ran 25mm Gatorskins on my prime commute for several years because that's what was on the wheels when I acquired them. Can't say I liked them but they did seem bulletproof. Last year I replaced them with 25mm GP4000-II. They feel similar, maybe a bit lighter but with a certain character that I also felt in the Gatorskins, sort of like a bouncing basketball. The 23mm Veloflex I have on several other bikes feel smoother, softer. I can't say whether either rolls with less resistance because it's probably so little anyway compared to air drag. The Veloflex do wear faster but new tires every so often is still not a big price compared to, say, a whole new bike or a car payment.

I didn't really like the GP Classics I thought the ride was harsher than the GP 4000's. The V Masters as far as Clinchers go are the nicest Tires I've ever ridden. I've gone Tubular on all my Bikes now and will never turn back.

I've been enjoying the vittoria open corsa G+, they seem to last a long while for me as a heavy dude that rides a lot of rough pavement and even gravel with them. They come in tanwalls, greywall and all black now, apparently. Often on sale on the big UK sites for good prices. There is a speed version that probably wears faster but it might last longer under a lighter rider.

Hmm, interesting. The GP4000 are already a fairly hard tire. If the Classics are harder that wouldn't be my first choice for chip seal. I rode some equivalent conti tires years ago, but I'm sure they've changed by now. I do like the GP4000 very much, but they are not the smoothest ride in the world.

OP, I think you are asking for two qualities that aren't necessarily related. Continental tires generally speaking have longer wearing tread than most others, IME. I've found this true over many models over the years including tubulars. However, I don't think they'd necessarily be the most comfortable tires over chip seal. You might take a look at one of the Panaracers or Panaracer manufactured boutique tires. Those tend to ride noticeably smoother, but the rubber is softer and they don't last as long.

Also, tread wear and holding up to rough roads aren't necessarily related. Rough roads can kill tires by damaging the casing. Pretty easy to cut and wound sidewalls on potholes and rocks.

Haven't tried the Veloflex, so can't say. Could be a good option.

Don't be afraid to consider the Specialized Turbo Cotton in 26 with lightweight butyl or latex. Fast, they wear well, and the yellowish tan is very vintage looking to me.

I just posted my experience in a previouls thread so forgive me ifor those that already read this.

All my ride routes include lots of chip seal country roads. 2 seasons ago I bought a new Spec Roubaix full ultegra and road the stock Specialize Turbo (not S-works turbo) tires with light weight butyl the 1st year. I then bought and switched to Turbo Cotton tanwall last summer. What an amazing difference, smooth and fast. Then, I installed latex tubes and that took it to another level. Never flatted once and i'm sure luck played a part.

The cotton turbos tires got plenty of life left but I'm intrigued with tanwalls and wanted to try Vittorias since that was what I rode BITD. Couldn't find the Vitt Corsa "Speed" at reasonable price so I bought a pair of Vittoria Corsa G+ comp and I've got several weeks on them running light weight butyls. They're sluggish and I dont like the tread lines on the contact area. wish I couldve found the "Speed" version because that would've been in the same ballpark as the turbo cottons. I am now spolied because I road a combination (turbo cotton with latex) of something that the feel of running tubular back in the day. The Vittoria light tan sidewall is very cool looking though.

For those that appreciate the feel of fast tires as listed in the resistance tests and want a vintage tan-wall look.. don't be afraid to try those Speicalized Turbo Cottons. Lightweight butyl or latex.. they're fast, eat up the road vibration, and look good.

Sounds like a winner. Even if they wear a bit faster, you will appreciate the ride quality.