conti GP5000 break in period

50x11

Just fitted these new from my bike, the feel very glossy and have more excess rubber in the middle of the tyre than any other i have ever used.

Should I do anything to break them in for riding? Or should I just get out on them and ride, cannot be bothered crashing due to new tyres. Thanks.

wongataa

Just go out cycling. Don't overthink things.

50x11

wongataa said:

Just go out cycling. Don't overthink things.

Thanks bud, that's what I want to do but the thought of being on slidy rubber while out there is annoying.

Main reason I ask is it's much more noticeable on these tyres than any other I've used.

fenix

As soon as they've rotated they'll not be glossy.

Just take it steady on your first ride to get used to them but really they'll be fine.

If you crash it will be down to you and not the tyres.

Darius_Jedburgh

fenix said:

If you crash it will be down to you and not the tyres.

Sorry fenix.

First rule of cycling....it is never your fault if you crash. It is the road, the weather, your gears, your tyres, your riding partner or car drivers (especially panzerwaggens).

Personally I blame Zola Budd.

50x11

Darius_Jedburgh said:

fenix said:

If you crash it will be down to you and not the tyres.

Sorry fenix.

First rule of cycling....it is never your fault if you crash. It is the road, the weather, your gears, your tyres, your riding partner or car drivers (especially panzerwaggens).

Personally I blame Zola Budd.

To be fair the last crash I had, it was the drivers fault. But then he might blame what exciting stuff was happening on his phone when he hit me.

50x11

fenix said:

As soon as they've rotated they'll not be glossy.

Just take it steady on your first ride to get used to them but really they'll be fine.

If you crash it will be down to you and not the tyres.

Cheers, they just stood out as glossy to me, considered some wet and dry but not going down that route.

I'll take it easy for a while, wonder if it's worth riding some roads round me with the grippy corner stuff down. Or might just do intervals round the outdoor track.

Dorset_Boy

They're brilliant tyres, and very grippy even in the wet as descending the Col de Telegraphe in the thunderstorm after the end of the Valloire stage last year proved.

skeetam

50x11 said:

Just fitted these new from my bike, the feel very glossy and have more excess rubber in the middle of the tyre than any other i have ever used.

Should I do anything to break them in for riding? Or should I just get out on them and ride, cannot be bothered crashing due to new tyres. Thanks.

I've noticed they have this strange waxy finish on them, soon rubs off with a ride

First.Aspect

I oil my tyres regularly for maximum longevity.

Works for my kitchen worktop also.

Darius_Jedburgh

When I put oil on our kitchen worktop my domestic goddess hits me with a frying pan.

First.Aspect

In all seriousness, I've been riding bikes for nearly 40 years, driving for nearly 30, and never remotely considered bedding in tyres.

At most you are worried about a release layer, from the mold. Most likely it is actually a surface finish from manufacturing.

See for example the shiny F1 tyres as the roll down the pit road.

50x11

First.Aspect said:

In all seriousness, I've been riding bikes for nearly 40 years, driving for nearly 30, and never remotely considered bedding in tyres.

At most you are worried about a release layer, from the mold. Most likely it is actually a surface finish from manufacturing.

See for example the shiny F1 tyres as the roll down the pit road.

Thanks bud, I know what you mean, I've only got 10 years riding, but I've never had tyres out the box that seem so gloss finished.

imposter2.0

The gloss will last about 30 seconds. Maybe less, I haven't actually timed it..

hhelbein

I just put on a new pair of Conti 5000 clinchers on new wheels and went out for a 50 mile ride on Saturday. No issues. Seemed pretty grippy.

50x11

Yeah I've done some rides now the excess rubber and sheen wore off quickly, just took it easy in the corners. Very impressed noticeably faster my gatorskins.

So far so good.

amrushton

It's mould release agent and can be removed by rubbing a cloth soaked in white vinegar around the tyre. Or you could ride some of the roads near me and the coating will be gone in 60 seconds

bobmcstuff

50x11 said:

Yeah I've done some rides now the excess rubber and sheen wore off quickly, just took it easy in the corners. Very impressed noticeably faster my gatorskins.

So far so good.

Anything is better than Gatorskins

Yeah they are really smooth tyres, I've been very impressed. It's a while since I had the 4000s on but I think they are possibly a bit better.

50x11

bobmcstuff said:

50x11 said:

Yeah I've done some rides now the excess rubber and sheen wore off quickly, just took it easy in the corners. Very impressed noticeably faster my gatorskins.

So far so good.

Anything is better than Gatorskins

Yeah they are really smooth tyres, I've been very impressed. It's a while since I had the 4000s on but I think they are possibly a bit better.

Very true, I had 4000's years ago on a better bike before I took a break. I'd say after the rides I've done on the 5000's they're certainly the best tyres I've ridden.

Dorset_Boy

A hosepipe would be better to ride on than a Gatorskin!
I loved GP4000s' but the GP5000s are even better.