Continental GP5000 vs GP5000 S TR: Is de overstap naar tubeless het waard?

Continental GP5000 vs GP5000 S TR: Is switching to tubeless worth it?


For years, the Continental Grand Prix 5000 has been the absolute benchmark among road bike tires. Whether you're clocking up miles on long tours or competing for victory in local criteriums, chances are you're riding on these tires. But with the arrival of the Continental GP5000 S TR(Tubeless Ready), many cyclists are facing a dilemma. Do you switch to tubeless, or do you remain loyal to the trusted clincher with an inner tube?

In this blog, we'll put the classic GP5000 vs GP5000 S TRhead-to-head, so you know exactly which tire best suits your riding style.

Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR
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Continental GP5000: The trusted all-rounder with inner tube

The standard Continental GP5000 is designed for the traditional system with an inner tube (clincher or folding tire). It is the direct successor to the legendary GP4000S II and has received upgrades in all areas: lower rolling resistance, better puncture protection and more comfort thanks to the Active Comfort Technology.

Advantages of the classic GP5000:

  • Easy to install:Every cyclist can replace an inner tube. No hassle with liquid latex or special valves.
  • Price:The standard clincher version is more wallet-friendly than the tubeless variant.
  • Lightweight:Although the tire itself is lighter than the TR version, you naturally still have to add the weight of an inner tube (butyl or latex) here.

Continental GP5000 S TR: Ready for the tubeless revolution

The GP5000 S TRis the evolution of Continental's first tubeless tire (the GP5000 TL). This updated variant is lighter, faster and — very importantly — much easier to mount on the rim. By riding without an inner tube and filling the tire with a liquid latex (sealant), you benefit from unique riding characteristics.

Advantages of the GP5000 S TR:

  • Lower rolling resistance:Because there is no friction between an inner and outer tube, the S TR rolls noticeably lighter and faster.
  • No more pinch flats:Riding with too low tire pressure can cause a 'snakebite' (pinch flat) with an inner tube. Tubeless completely eliminates this risk.
  • Self-healing ability:Did you ride over glass or a sharp stone? The liquid latex in the tire seals small holes (up to about 3 mm) in a fraction of a second, often without you even noticing.
  • More comfort and grip:You can ride with lower tire pressure. This provides significantly more grip in wet corners and perfectly filters out vibrations from the road surface.
Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR Outer Tire
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Why (not) switch to tubeless tires

The choice between the GP5000 and the GP5000 S TR depends entirely on your personal preferences and how handy you are with bike maintenance.

Why should you switch?

If you're looking for maximum performance, comfort, and minimal rolling resistance, then the GP5000 S TR is the superior tire. Especially for long rides where you want to minimize the chance of a roadside breakdown, the self-healing effect of tubeless is a huge reassurance. Also, if you regularly ride on poor roads or cobblestones, the added comfort of lower tire pressure is a blessing.

Why shouldn't you switch?

Are you dreading the periodic maintenance? The liquid latex in a tubeless tire dries out after a few months and therefore needs to be refilled regularly. In addition, the initial installation (the 'popping' of the tire onto the rim) can sometimes require some patience and a good compressor or tubeless pump. Do you prefer the simplicity of 'put the tire in, pump it up, and go'? Then the classic GP5000 with a lightweight TPU or latex inner tube is still a great deal.

Conclusion: Which Continental GP5000 will you choose?

Both the GP5000 and the GP5000 S TR are among the absolute best on the market. The traditional GP5000 excels in ease of use and value for money. However, if you are looking for pure speed, superior grip, and never want to be stranded on the road with a flat tire again? Then the upgrade to the tubeless GP5000 S TR is more than worth the investment.

Please note:To use the GP5000 S TR tubeless, your rims must be suitable for tubeless riding (Tubeless Ready / Hookless).