Since launching the GP5000 tyre back in 2018, Continental has released subsequent derivations at regular intervals, adding letters after the original tyre’s name like an academic obtaining multiple degrees.
This latest GP5000 AS TR offering provides an updated and tubeless compatible 4 season alternative to Continental’s long standing and well-loved GP 4-Season tyre and is claimed to offer increased wet grip, more sidewall protection, improved visibility and better mileage than any other tyre bearing the Grand Prix 5000 name.
It definitely deserves a spot in our best road tyres buyer’s guide. The GP5000 AS TR proved to live up to its claims and performed excellently in typical wet and grimy UK winter conditions, but at around £90 per tyre depending on size some riders will be wondering whether it is worth the outlay.
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Continental GP5000 AS TR specs and weight
The GP5000 AS TR is essentially a toughened-up, heavier, and more durable version of the regular GP5000 S TR, sitting at a price point above Continentals’ current all season and tube-only offering, the GP 4-Season.
It’s available in four widths: 25, 28, 32, and 35mm. I’d have liked to see a 30mm tyre in the range, as I’ve settled on this as a ‘goldilocks’ tyre size for my preferred riding, but the 28 tested does inflate up to 29.2mm when mounted on wide rims.
The 35mm option is new to the GP5000 range and points towards this tyre’s intentions as one that would make great sense on commuters, tourers, or even gravel bikes that spend most of their lives on the tarmac.
The 25mm GP5000 AS TR has a claimed weight of 300g. By comparison the regular GP5000 TR comes in at 250g , and the non tubeless GP-4 Season tips the scales at 230g.
At a claimed 300g for a 25mm tyre the GP5000 AS TR strikes what I consider a sensible balance between weight and durability, and is almost identical to its competitors from Vittoria and Pirelli, with both the Vittoria Corsa Control TLR and Pirelli Cinturato Velo having claimed weights of 300g in 25mm and 26mm respectively.
Continental GP5000 AS TR construction and installation
While the AS TR retain’s Continental’s Black Chili rubber compound, the casing of the GP5000 AS TR has been beefed up with what the brand calls multi-layer overlapping ply construction, along with improved sidewall protection.
Out of the box, they feel thicker and tougher than the standard GP5000, but not significantly so, and this additional weight and tread thickness should result in a longer lasting tyre.
Those familiar with Continental’s first foray into tubeless road tyres, the GP5000 TL, will be pleased to hear that unlike its predecessors (which had a reputation for being a bit of a struggle on some rims) the GP5000 AS TR is a breeze to fit.
The tested 28mm pair were quick to install with no tyre levers required, and have held air well with no noticeable sign of sealant soaking into the casing. In keeping with the direction of road wheel technology, the GP5000 AS TR is compatible with hookless rims.
Continental GP5000 AS TR looks and extra features
On the cosmetic front, you’d be forgiven for mistaking these for regular GP5000 tyres. They share the same laser cut tread pattern, although the tread is cut deeper into the thicker GP5000 AS TR rubber compound, a feature the brand calls a ‘boosted tread’, in an attempt to provide extra grip. Both tyres have similar branding, and are available with the same black or cream sidewalls.
Where the black options in the two models differ is in the AS TR’s ‘Black-Reflex’ feature. This means that they have a reflective stripe around the sidewall. It is dark grey, so barely noticeable in daylight conditions, but under direct light flares up to sparkling silver.
This is a great addition to a winter training tyre and allows a touch of reflective visibility without having to spoil the good looks of a bike with an overt silver reflective stripe.
Continental GP5000 AS TR performance
On the road, the Continental GP5000 AS TR tyres have been reliable companions through some classic cold, wet, mucky British winter conditions.
They live up to Continental’s claims of providing excellent wet weather grip in the worst conditions, and their reinforced casing hasn't succumbed to any significant cuts, damage, or punctures despite my best attempts through riding some of the most broken, dirty, and pothole-ridden lanes in the area.
In comparison to the regular GP5000 TR, the AS TRs’ addition of roughly 50g per tyre and thicker casing are noticeable in a more damped and less supple ride feel, but in comparison to many winter training tyres, these don’t feel sluggish or slow rolling.
They’re definitely not lightweight summer race tyres, but I think that extra toughness and durability are worth their weight in gold on long rides in poor conditions where reliability is paramount. With all tyres there are compromises to be made, and the GP5000 AS TR feel as though they strike a perfect balance between performance and durability in grotty conditions.
The G5000 AS TR does perform very well, however their near-£90 per tyre price tag does put them amongst the most costly tyres in their category. They are £10 more expensive per tyre than their equivalent Corsa Control TLR from Vittoria, and nearly £30 more than the Pirelli Cinturato Velo, both of which are proven options, with the former having secured multiple Strade Bianche victories.
Continental GP5000 AS TR verdict
In testing, the Continental GP5000 AS TR proved to meet their claims as durable tyres which provide inspiring levels of grip in typical UK winter conditions, and the Black-Reflex sidewalls are a welcome touch to keep riders visible during the darkness of the winter months.
The AS TR tyres also had the bonus of being easy to fit, so in the unlikely event that you should have to fit a tube mid-ride this shouldn't cause much trouble. I’ve long been a fan of Continental’s GP5000 range and would be quick to recommend the AS TR to a rider prioritising a durable and hard-wearing tyre over outright speed.
In searching for drawbacks to this tyre I’m clutching at straws in performance terms, but would suggest their significant cost will be a barrier to many customers.
The GP5000 AS TR retails for around £20 per tyre more than many of its competitors, but with tyres having some of the most significant effects on the overall ride feel of your bike, I would argue that if you’re going to invest anywhere, this is the place to do it.
I would expect riders who can justify the expense to be very satisfied with the performance of the GP5000 AS TR.
Continental GP5000 AS TR specs
- Price: £87.95 to £92.95 RRP
- Weight: 300g claimed (700×25c), 346g as tested (700×28c)
- Sizes: 700×25, 700×28, 700×32, 700×35
- Puncture protection: Vectran Breaker
- TPI: 110
- Measured width: 28mm tyre measured at 29.2mm on 23mm internal width rim
