Training tire recommendation - Grand Prix 4 Season v. Gatorskins...
02-25-14, 10:43 AM
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Training tire recommendation - Grand Prix 4 Season v. Gatorskins...
Hi, all -
I want to upgrade my old, trainer-worn Vittoria Action HSD tires to something robust and suitable for training this spring. Have it narrowed down to Continental Grand Prix 4 Season and Gatorskins. They're comparable in cost, and relatively similar in reviews on Competetive Cyclist. Anyone have experience with both that can give me some opinions?
Thanks,
Scott
I want to upgrade my old, trainer-worn Vittoria Action HSD tires to something robust and suitable for training this spring. Have it narrowed down to Continental Grand Prix 4 Season and Gatorskins. They're comparable in cost, and relatively similar in reviews on Competetive Cyclist. Anyone have experience with both that can give me some opinions?
Thanks,
Scott
02-25-14, 11:14 AM
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4 Seasons have slightly nicer rubber, but are usually a few dollars more expensive. I assume your are looking at the folding versions of both of these. If prices are the same, I would go for the 4 Seasons.
02-25-14, 11:33 AM
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I got 5 pages out of a very similar "this tire or that tire" thread just a bit ago. Let's see you beat that. Heh. 
Actually, since you specified durable and I wanted comfort and speed, you could have a very complementary thread here... and don't forget to watch probikekit.com for their prices to dip for a few days.
Actually, since you specified durable and I wanted comfort and speed, you could have a very complementary thread here... and don't forget to watch probikekit.com for their prices to dip for a few days.
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FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
02-25-14, 12:07 PM
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Hi, all -
I want to upgrade my old, trainer-worn Vittoria Action HSD tires to something robust and suitable for training this spring. Have it narrowed down to Continental Grand Prix 4 Season and Gatorskins. They're comparable in cost, and relatively similar in reviews on Competetive Cyclist. Anyone have experience with both that can give me some opinions?
Thanks,
Scott
I want to upgrade my old, trainer-worn Vittoria Action HSD tires to something robust and suitable for training this spring. Have it narrowed down to Continental Grand Prix 4 Season and Gatorskins. They're comparable in cost, and relatively similar in reviews on Competetive Cyclist. Anyone have experience with both that can give me some opinions?
Thanks,
Scott
In general you want either the Gatorskin or GP4000S. Exceptions where the GP 4 Season might be the right compromise include racing criteriums in the rain (slightly better wet weather traction, but no tire is going to save you cornering on a wet manhole cover or cross-walk), Clydestales or tandems who want a 28mm tire but can't wait for the GP4000S II, and for detours over sharp gravel (it shares the Gatorskin's side-wall protection).
The Gatorskin is a puncture resistant tire with moderate tread life (> 5000 miles after moving to the back) which rides decent considering the durability and longevity.
The GP4000 is a fast nice riding tire which is very puncture resistant for its ride quality but doesn't last too long.
The GP 4 Season adds the Gatorskin's side-wall protection then combines the worst attributes of both - it's a slow tire (as far as decent tires go - it's not a Kenda) which is just slightly nicer riding than the Gatorskin and wears out in half the time.
Last edited by Drew Eckhardt; 02-25-14 at 12:18 PM.
02-25-14, 12:09 PM
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GP 4 Seasons cost twice as much as Gatorskins on a per-mile basis.
02-25-14, 04:48 PM
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There is also a Continental Grand Prix GT. It is in between the Gatorskin and the GP4000S: more protection than the GP4000S but not as much as the Gatorskins, better ride than the Gatorskins, but not as nice as the GP4000S. I used them a bit near the end of last season, and they seemed to fit the bill for an everyday tire in non-extreme weather.
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