Road & Gravel Tires

Learn more about Road and Gravel tires specific questions and how to improve your personal riding experience here. 

The size of a road bike tire is normally shown as the wheel diameter alongside the tire width - e.g. 700x28c. In this example, 28c refers to the tire being 28mm wide. Dimensions are printed clearly on the sidewall of the tire.

Always refer to the recommended inflation pressures on the side of the tires. As cycling is such an invidivual topic there is no general recommendation on the air pressure that would fit everyone. In general, a wider, bigger volume road tire will roll faster and offer more comfort. This improved efficiency occurs because more of the tire can be in contact with the road, absorbing the bumps and imperfections. Very high pressure prevents the tire from being compliant over the road surface, creating a harshness that reduces comfort. The right pressure will ultimately depend on rider weight and tire type. A gravel tire will have a larger volume and lower pressure than a road tire.

The best grip occurs where there is the most amount of contact, or friction, between the road and the tire. Adding a deep tread pattern to a road bike tire would have the effect of removing material and reducing the amount of rubber that could be in contact with the road at any time. Where the surface is loose, such as gravel, a smooth tire would slide across the surface and compromise handling. In this situation, a deeper tread pattern is required to help the tire interlock with the loose material on the road surface and provide traction.

Tire wear is dependent on several key factors, including surface conditions, weight of the rider (plus load), weather conditions and how the bike is ridden. Continental tires are designed to deliver the best all-round performance, of which durability is a key component. To maximize the life of your tires keep the rubber free from debris and check them before and after every ride. Pay attention to the Tread Wear Indicators (TWI) so that you know when your tyres are ready to be replaced. A tire that has reached the limit of its wear will not only be a safety risk and more prone to failure, but will also have reduced all-round capability - speed, grip and puncture protection. 

Unfold the tIre. If using a tube, put a small amount of air into it in order to give the tube some shape. This reduces the risk of pinching the tube and causing a puncture before you have even ridden. Mount one side of the tire at a time. Start by working the tire onto the rim from the valve. Using both hands, sculpt the tyre onto the rim from opposite directions, meeting back at the top. After mounting one side of the tire put the tube inside and work your way back. Tire levers, in particular, risk pinching the inner tube or damaging the rim. If the last bit feels very stiff, try pushing the tire bead into the centre of the rim on both sides so that the diameter is slightly reduced.

The most commonly used tires are clincher tires (sometimes also described as "tube type"). They are ridden with a separate inner tube which you directly put into the tire when mounting it onto the wheel. 

Tubeless and Tubeless Ready (TR) tyres can be used without tubes. In order to improve puncture protection and to seal the tire against externally caused harms we recommend using ContiRevo Sealant. 
Tubeless Ready tires are designed to be used with and without additional tubes, as per personal preference. 

Tubular tires, a real classic in road cycling, are glued onto the wheel rim and would remain in place even if the pressure drops. Their tube is directly sewed into the tire. This special construction may improve stopping capability.

We provide the technical data on the single packagings of each our tires. 

With different wheel types available on the market Continental tires are serving different technical preferences. We hold options for both hooked rims as well as hookless (Grand Prix 5000 S TR). For the mounting carefully follow the instructions and recommendations available. 

Similar to as known from sports clothing some Continental tire models come with reflex options. They are either light or dark coloured and can help with visibility when riding in the dark. Additionally rather lighter clothing is a good choice. Also you could think of adding reflex strips to your bike, helmet or backpack.