I had a chance to connect with Vittoria at CABDA a few weeks ago, and their representative mentioned that they were planning to release a hookless compatible cotton road tire similar to the Corsa Speed, but not with Speed branding. So it wasn’t entirely surprising that Continental was working on what could be a sea change tire for wider adoption of hookless road rims.
Given the caveats, so of which I included in the image above, are heavy, but it’s definitely a start. While I still wouldn’t recommend buying a new set of hookless road rims if you’re planning to ride 25C tires, it’s not the massive hardship it once was, and I wouldn’t have any issues grabbing a set of 28C/30C tires to roll on my hookless gravel rims if I wanted something a bit more plush over the winter.
All that hookless stuff out of the way, the other advancements seem enticing as well. Massive claimed improvements in weight, rolling resistance, and puncture protection; which if true, means I need to grab a few pairs of these ASAP. Well, once they hit volume and I can find them at a reasonable price ;).
Also, I’m kind of ashamed to admit that those “transparent” sidewalls look amazing.
Ok so I’m looking at buying a second set of wheels for my gravel bike. Currently running 700C alloys with 45mm WTB Riddlers which are great for gravel, of course. My problem is I also ride a bunch of tarmac when I can’t get to the gravel, so I’m thinking about a set of HUNT carbon hookless rims paired with the new Conti GP 5000 S TR in 32mm. I’d run them tubeless. The catch is that the rims I’m looking at are designed for gravel (25mm internal width) but that shouldn’t impact their tarmac riding ability. My hope is… Read more »
You’ll definitely be faster on tarmac with a slick road tire. If you’re only planning to ride them on the road, I’d go for a lower volume tire if speed is the priority (I roll 25c most of the time). If you’re planning to use it for a mix of road & gravel, a gravel slick might be a better choice because it will have much better puncture protection. Definitely some trade-offs involved either way. FWIW, I’d expect the GP 5000 S SR to come down to a more reasonable price by spring. The GP 5000 TL was super expensive… Read more »
Some background. I have a carbon road bike with 25mm tires and more recently the gravel bike with a steel frame and 45mm tires. Since I got this bike I’ve been riding it almost exclusively, to the point where I’m considering getting rid of the road bike and switching wheelsets on the steel depending on surface. IMO 25mm are simply too skinny for the type of roads around here (I live close to you). There are just too many cracks, seams, bumps, etc for a comfortable ride. The carbon gravel wheelset with 25mm internals recommends min 30mm tire. I figure… Read more »
25c definitely isn’t the right tire around here if comfort is the driving priority. Funny how there are no potholes when I ride 38s :). 32 would definitely be plush on the road, but there is a cost in speed. Like most things, have to figure out what balance of speed, puncture protection, and comfort works for you. Depending on where you ride gravel, a 32-38c gravel slick might be the right general purpose tire. As long as you’re not hitting the corners too hard it would definitely fine for Harms or the DPRT most of the year, and would… Read more »
I ride a lot of DPRT and North Branch, plus a few others. Next year I’d like to take a stab at the Horrible Hilly route so definitely some kind of slicks for that. Now I’m eyeing the Vittoria Terreno Zero 38 as a multi-purpose tire. I hope it can hold up to DPRT without too much sliding.
FYI – Vittoria doesn’t make any hookless compatible tires (https://www.mamilian.bike/review/2020/12/vittoria-terreno-dry-gravel-tires). They told me they will have some next year.