Continental are a singular model in biking. The proudly German firm has its roots deep within the highest echelons of German manufacturing for over 150 years. The model’s know-how and growth centre in Korbach is the house to the most recent developments which have improved the standard of biking tyre efficiency via the fixed developments to each supplies and processes of manufacture. Being a big world participant within the tyre marketplace for all automobiles, Continental have manufacturing services world wide, nonetheless these all adhere to strict high quality pointers from the Korbach plant.
Continental is a giant firm. It’s possible you’ll suppose you understand how massive they’re. However they’re larger than that. They make use of almost 250,000 individuals globally. Okay, so the tyre division of Continental isn’t all of that. The tyre division solely(!) has round 50,000 workers and has gross sales effectively into billions of euros – So, Nonetheless, fairly massive.
Continental don’t simply make tyres. They’ve divisions working in numerous areas throughout the automotive business from infotainment and connectivity to electrical power storage programs within the newest Electrical Automobiles.
Continental Timeline
1871 – Continental based in Hanover, Germany. Amongst numerous comfortable rubber items and rubberised materials, Continental manufacture stable tyres for bicycles.
1882 – The rampant horse motif is first used as Continental’s emblem.
1900 – The primary German airship – the LZ 1 – makes use of Continental rubber balloon materials for holding the fuel.
1904 – Continental produce the world’s first automotive tyre that has a patterned tread on it.
1909 – Continental start their relationship with the world of artificial rubber. Utilizing artificial rubber created by Bayer laboratories, Continental efficiently vulcanise it and make some early prototype tyres.
1921 – Continental pioneer the usage of twine fibre carcass which ends up in a a lot much less stiff tyre carcass in comparison with present linen carcass designs.
1926 – A substance known as ‘carbon black’ is added to Continental’s tyres which ends up in higher sturdiness and ageing. It additionally makes them look REALLY black which most people appear to love.
1936 – Artificial rubber is lastly launched correctly into Continental’s manufacturing course of.
1943 – Continental file a patent for tubeless automotive tyres.
1955 – Continental start manufacture of tubeless automotive tyres.
The fashionable period
In more moderen years Continental has seen competitors success throughout all areas of motorcycle using, there are actually too many successes to record, nonetheless listed here are some milestones from a UK perspective.
1980’s – Noticed the primary version Continental Grand Prix clincher which provided tubular-like efficiency for street riders.
1992 – Olympic excessive efficiency 110g monitor tyres on the well-known Lotus bike of Chris Boardman – Gold Olympic 4000m Pursuit.
2005 – Continental made their subsequent massive leap with artificial rubber know-how. The identify for the entire challenge was ‘Black Chili’. Basically Black Chili is a rubber compound constructed from a proprietary mixture of pure rubber and artificial rubber with a magic ingredient of carbon soot particles.
2015 – Continental Competitors Tubular tyres TDF winner Chris Frrome Group Sky
2016 – Continental Competitors Tubular tyres TDF winner Chris Froome Group Sky
2017 – Continental Competitors Tubular tyres TDF winner Chris Froome Group Sky
2018 – Continental Competitors Tubular tyres TDF winner Geraint Thomas Group Sky
2019 – Continental Competitors Tubular tyres TDF winner Egan Bernal Group Ineos
2021 & 2022 – World Tour Group Tyre provide; Group Ineos, Groupama FDJ, Arkea Samsic, Bahrain Victorious, Movistar, Wanty
2022 Continental Highlights
GP5000 S TR
The race outcomes for the GP5000 S TR tyre converse volumes for its efficiency on the highest degree. Each the Paris Roubaix and the World Time Trial Championships have been received on the GP5000 S TR. Continental managed to make this tyre 50 grams lighter, extra grippy and extra puncture proof than the earlier version. Continental achieved this wizardry via a complete re-design of the tyre, shifting from three layers to 2 and eradicating the inside layer of rubber which allowed the earlier GP5000 TL model work with out sealant. So like different tubeless tyres the GP5000 S TR wants sealant. The tyre options Black Chilli tread rubber and the Vectran puncture resistant strip.
GP5000 Clincher
The GP4000S II was an excellent tyre, a lot liked by street riders all around the world. So, when Continental launched the GP5000 clincher in 2018 and introduced; 12% higher rolling resistance, 20% elevated puncture safety along with improved grip and luxury, oh and it’s lighter too, it’s honest to say eyebrows have been raised. Nonetheless, almost 4 years after the GP5000 tyre launched, these claims have been very well-founded. The GP5000 clincher is an excellent street tyre, particularly when matched with a light-weight inside tube, such because the Continental Supersonic.
Gatorskin Clincher
Puncture safety is an important ingredient for tyres, significantly in winter when roads are in worse situation and chilly fingers make punctures harder to swap inside tubes. Continental Gatorskins have developed an unrivalled status for resisting punctures. The reduce resistant Duraskin layer protects the entire tyre, whereas the puncture proof Poly X Breaker (a densely woven, extremely resistant, polyester fibre) resists penetration via the tread, stopping punctures. With a weight of 250 grams for the 25mm folding gatorskin, they’ve confirmed to be extremely popular amongst UK street riders.
Terra Gravel
Continental’s gravel bike tyre vary is offered in 27.5″ and 700c, it’s also cut up into two kinds of tyre; The Terra Path TR has smaller centre knobs and chunkier aspect shoulder knobs for grip in quite a lot of circumstances and surfaces together with muddy trails. The lighter treaded Terra Pace TR options smaller, extra spaced knobs, decrease rolling resistance and is extra suited to dry, dusty and unfastened gravel tracks and trails.
‘Beefed-up’ MTB Vary
2022 has seen a sharper concentrate on MTB tyres, largely due to collaboration and suggestions from skilled athletes such because the Athertons. The most recent vary is designed TR (Tubeless Prepared) round 27.5 & 29er wheels with widths of two.4 and a pair of.6. The mannequin identify on the sidewall is joined by 3 symbols which determine the kind of tyre. The tyres can be found in DH, Enduro and Path casings and completely different rubber compounds.
The Xynotal is right for arduous, rocky terrain with massive knobs to offer a grippy contact patch on arduous surfaces. The Kryptotal are all-rounder tyres, the one ones to be entrance and rear particular. The entrance tyre providing stability and management. The rear has completely different sized knobs and detrimental areas to supply grip over diversified terrain for enhanced braking energy, grip and stability. Argotal is designed for unfastened surfaces together with dusty circumstances – the broad, open tread sample permits for self cleansing, strengthened shoulder knobs permit further cornering grip and stability. The Hydrotal is targeted extra on moist and muddy terrain. The open tread permits for self cleansing and strengthened shoulder knobs add stability. The Hydrotal is designed as a Downhill racing tyre and has a DH particular casing and comfortable rubber compound.
