Did I buy counterfeit GP4000s tires?
03-18-12, 02:21 PM
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Did I buy counterfeit GP4000s tires?
I bought these 23c GP4000s tires from an eBay seller. They were advertised to not come with the Continental packaging, but they were a reasonable price (pair for $90 shipped) so I took my chances. Anyways, I have a weird feeling about the tires. There are a few details that seem odd. First, the silver lettering on one of the tires is messy and wavy. Next, there are little nipples along the center from the molding process. My other 25c GP4000s tires did not have these injection molding nipples, but only had the thin line that runs along the center. Third, these do not say "MOUNT ONLY ON HOOKED RIMS" like the 25c tire. Finally, these tires didn't have the same awful smell of a new Conti tire. They smell more like normal rubber tires, not the distinct Conti smell.
What do you think? Is the 23c version just different than the 25c or did I perhaps get some counterfeit tires?
Molded writing on the 25c tire:
What do you think? Is the 23c version just different than the 25c or did I perhaps get some counterfeit tires?
Molded writing on the 25c tire:
03-18-12, 02:24 PM
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you paid $90 for tires off of ebay?
can't you buy them for the same price off of PBK?
can't you buy them for the same price off of PBK?
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03-18-12, 02:25 PM
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I cannot recall ever seeing a mold nipple on a Conti either. AFAIK, don't all (new) Conti's have that tan-ish sidewall as well?
03-18-12, 02:29 PM
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I wouldn't be shocked if they are fake. They make fakes of everything these days...
Contact Conti with the pics and check. Report the seller to them if they are fakes.
Contact Conti with the pics and check. Report the seller to them if they are fakes.
03-18-12, 02:54 PM
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I just checked a couple of Conti GP4000S 23c tires in the retail pack and the injection molded nipples are there, the pattern inside the tire is present, but the warning to use only on hooked rims is not present. I'd say they're legit but as mentioned by AEO, you can probably get them for the same price from PBK.
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03-18-12, 03:06 PM
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I contacted the eBay seller to see what the deal is. Depending on the response I'll probably end up returning the tires.
03-18-12, 03:07 PM
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It just so happens that I have a bunch of brand new GP4kS tires in my closet right now ( ~$70 shipped, per pair from PBK last year)....
They have nipples,
The pattern on the inside matches yours,
No "MOUNT ONLY ON HOOKED RIMS" is there, nor have I ever noticed that on any of these tires (been using 'em for several years now),
The printed lettering is not as wavy as in your picture, but I've seen them like that before. Also the "Continental" and "Grand Prix 4000S" labels hardly ever line up directly across from each other.
...I'd say your tire looks A-OK from here.
They have nipples,
The pattern on the inside matches yours,
No "MOUNT ONLY ON HOOKED RIMS" is there, nor have I ever noticed that on any of these tires (been using 'em for several years now),
The printed lettering is not as wavy as in your picture, but I've seen them like that before. Also the "Continental" and "Grand Prix 4000S" labels hardly ever line up directly across from each other.
...I'd say your tire looks A-OK from here.
03-18-12, 03:09 PM
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Looks like the nipples are supposed to be there on the 23c version:
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za....ID=8721&MODE=
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za....ID=8721&MODE=
03-18-12, 03:10 PM
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It just so happens that I have a bunch of brand new GP4kS tires in my closet right now ( ~$70 shipped, per pair from PBK last year)....
They have nipples,
The pattern on the inside matches yours,
No "MOUNT ONLY ON HOOKED RIMS" is there, nor have I ever noticed that on any of these tires (been using 'em for several years now),
The printed lettering is not as wavy as in your picture, but I've seen them like that before. Also the "Continental" and "Grand Prix 4000S" labels hardly ever line up directly across from each other.
...I'd say your tire looks A-OK from here.
They have nipples,
The pattern on the inside matches yours,
No "MOUNT ONLY ON HOOKED RIMS" is there, nor have I ever noticed that on any of these tires (been using 'em for several years now),
The printed lettering is not as wavy as in your picture, but I've seen them like that before. Also the "Continental" and "Grand Prix 4000S" labels hardly ever line up directly across from each other.
...I'd say your tire looks A-OK from here.
03-18-12, 03:13 PM
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My Conti 4000s's have mold nipples, and I've gotten one or two that had slightly wavy lettering. I don't see much of a reason to suspect your tires are fake, altho they certainly could be.
03-18-12, 03:17 PM
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I bought a replacement one last week (23cm) from PB and there are "whiskers" along the center of the tire and the lettering isnt perfect either. Probably manufactured during Oktoberfest 
03-18-12, 04:13 PM
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This might be the case, but you'd think QC would be doing a better job on a tire that retails for over $70.
03-18-12, 04:36 PM
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The lettering is hardly indicative of how many miles the tire will produce.
03-18-12, 04:37 PM
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Throw the stick!!!!
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03-18-12, 05:46 PM
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I've had store-bought fully packaged conti GP4000s with pretty wobbly silver writing. I wouldn't worry about it.
the tires might have been spec'ed on a bike, taken off and sold as new.
the tires might have been spec'ed on a bike, taken off and sold as new.
03-18-12, 07:16 PM
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I also have 4000's (genuine) and the writing is messed up like yours, plus the production nibs are still there. I remember when I mounted them they had the same interior look as pic. # 3.
03-18-12, 08:16 PM
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Handmade in Germany.
If they were made in the afternoon the writing is likely to be wobbly due to the customary lunchtime beer.
If they were made in the afternoon the writing is likely to be wobbly due to the customary lunchtime beer.
03-18-12, 11:45 PM
#23
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"I've purchased several tools and other parts from this same eBay seller and never had a problem."
And the seller stated that you could purchase the tires IN the packaging, that the ones you've purchased were removed from the packaging to supposedly save you a little on your mailing cost. Enjoy your purchase and chil(i).
And the seller stated that you could purchase the tires IN the packaging, that the ones you've purchased were removed from the packaging to supposedly save you a little on your mailing cost. Enjoy your purchase and chil(i).
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This post is a natural product. Slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and are in no way to be considered flaws or defects.
This post is a natural product. Slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and are in no way to be considered flaws or defects.
03-18-12, 11:53 PM
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Wiggle had them for around 35US$ each a few months ago with no packaging.
