Today, doing my nice hilly 80 km loop, got that sinking feeling. A flat. My first since the beginning of August, 2006 ... Given that I do around 10 000 k's a year, that's around 15 000 k's since my last flat.

I'm impressed! Tyres certainly seem to hold up better than what I remember from my younger days, and I'm wondering if this is some kind of record!

B

PS Continental tyres (if anyone wanted to know). Mostly GP3000, but for the last 9 months, the new GP 4000s (note the "s" there).

You do know, of course, that having made this post you'll have at least two more flats in the next few weeks.

I was going to say the same thing but then I worried that even taunting someone else would bring the curse on to myself. Oops...now I've done it.

I can't say how long I have ridden without a flat as then I would be cursing myself.

Oh damn.

How do you like the 4000s? I just ordered a pair

I was paranoid I would get a second one on the same ride, and on one occasion even stopped to check my tyre!

B

Really fabulous. A big jump up on the 3000's (no s!) in rolling resistance, grip and comfort. I'm tempted to try some of the new Michelin Pro Race 3's, but am reluctant to change the 4000s's. Currently in about 4000 k's on this set, and they seem to have plenty of life left.

There was a big tyre shootout in a local French bike mag, where they did lab tests on grip and RR, and the 4000s's came out near the top, certainly amongst tyres that you could use on a daily basis. And speaking of punctures, I never did this well on the 3000's.

So .. guess I'm a convert.

B