Continental

Grand Prix 4000 S II Tire - Tubular

Despite recent advances in carbon clincher wheels, tubular tires are still the benchmark for race day road feel. Tubs do, of course, come with some drawbacks — not least of all being the risk of a flat during your target event — so Continental builds its 4000 S II Tubular Tires with a puncture-resistant Vectran yarn casing. Vectran is a sort of super cotton, made from liquid crystal polymers 240tpi for a supple road feel that doesn't wilt under duress.

The 4000 S II Tubs may be mass-produced tires, but the legendary Black Chili Compound means they grab the road like a boutique model made by artisanal French craftsmen sewing tires in their backyard. The casing is also seamless, which makes for a ride uniformity and impeccable tire seating that tires from those craftsmen simply can't match.