The Grand Prix 4000S II Tubular sits at the apex of Continental's tire pyramid. The research, the materials, the engineering- all applied to the development of this amazing tubular tire. If you have waited for the ride quality and handling of a tubular with the technical advancements of the Grand Prix 4000S II clincher, you have found it here. The sheer volume of technology applied is almost ludicrous.

We can start at the core. The casing is wrapped 4 times using tightly woven 240 tpi poly-cotton fabric. It offers a very firm but resilient ride, and is perfectly round. There are no seams, so it glues to the rim surface with ease; with no hops or inconsistencies. To directly protect the casing, Conti has placed a strip of Vectran Breaker which is essentially a protective belt made of super strong and extremely lightweight, pliant material. This multifilament thread weave has five times the tensile strength of steel, but is lighter and more flexible than comparable nylon thread. As a result, the protection level is extremely high, but at a miniscule weight penalty, and ride quality isn't compromised at all.

As for the tread, Continental's BlackChili compound ensures that the 4000S II Tubular has exceptionally low rolling resistance, yet offers phenomenal grip in wet or dry circumstances across the entire rubber surface. Along with proprietary synthetic and natural rubber compounds, the secret to the properties of BlackChili comes from special nanometric carbon soot particles, which are optimized in shape and surface properties for each tire it is used in. In the 4000S II, the focus was on grip and rolling resistance. Thanks to these polymers and carbon fillers, the BlackChili ends up offering some of the strongest and most durable tread rubber available while keeping rolling resistance minimized. The compound itself negates small punctures and tears that plague other racing tires. Conti expects you to see high mileage from this tire, and as with the clincher, tread wear indicators allow you to monitor your tire's lifespan.

A few notes about ride quality with these tires. The casing is supple, yet firm enough to hold shape and yet still transfer positive road feel, but it will not flex much in corners or under load. For some riders, this is something they have to ride to understand. Many tires have a softer feel, and cyclists equate this to cornering control and traction, but the reality is that the rubber compound is a greater determinant of adherence, and BlackChili delivers all you will ever need. Conti does not want the tire to deform, but to remain in-shape, and allow the rubber to do the work. Not sold? This knowledge was adapted and built into cycling tires, but the compounds and techniques were developed for Moto GP, the pinnacle of motorcycle racing where Continental has been a serious player for years. Grip, control and speed are everything in Moto GP. Okay, some nerve is required as well, but that holds true when descending through switchbacks at speed while wearing Lycra as well.

Look, we all have our favorite tubular, but the one tire the entire staff can agree on is the Grand Prix 4000S II. The grip, feel, durability and the confidence inspired cannot be understated. If you race and train on your tubulars, this is the one tire we recommend. You won't find better tech, workmanship, or value at any pricepoint.