I have to admit, I am a bike addict. From a young age, escape I enjoyed the freedom of riding a bike, it represented the cut of the cord and a great escape from a very troubled family of an alcoholic father and a Nazi mother.
Later I worked for a Volkswagen, and Porsche car dealership. Even though I could get worker discounts for cars I did not buy a car but rather rode some motorcycles, from a Hercules 50 cc (2.7hp) I progressed to a Yamaha XS360 (27hp) and later moved to a Suzuki GS550 Katana, enjoying the wind blowing into my face, feeling the sunshine and freedom but also often faced relentless German rain and cold weather; later I would call my home country, not 'good old' but rather 'good cold' Germany!
I moved around to Taiwan, got married, and became a father. In this Far Eastern country, the environment for riding bikes was terrible at the beginning of the 1990s. Not only the pollution was unbearable but also the motor scooters, cars, and trucks transferred the road into the Wild, Wild West with seemingly no regard for traffic rules and traffic lights. It all changed after the government implemented stricter pollution laws, serious enforcement of traffic rules, and, last but not least, investments in safe bike lanes.
As the environment for riding bicycles improved in the form of bike paths, more and more riders hit the road the ‘bike bug’ bit me again! I went to a shop but was shocked by the prices of better-quality bikes. I purchased the necessary parts online and put my 1st bike together. I am not much of a handyman myself but it worked out very well despite some problems adjusting the front and the rear derailleur. But somehow I managed it and ‘hit the road again’! Even after the 'breathless’ first ride, I felt right at home. The bike worked well and I could feel the sun on my face and my shoulder.
From the mountain bike, I've progressed to a road bike, purchased the necessary roadie parts (frame, fork, wheels, etc.) but also tried to use some parts from my old bike like handlebar, stem, bar-end shifters, rear derailleur, and the chain. Of course, you cannot compare the efficiency on the road of both bikes; they are designed for different purposes…
While I enjoy the higher speed and am satisfied with the overall feeling of my road bike, I still tried to figure out the right tire for me. Following are some experiences with bike tires I tried in the last two years:
Continental Ultra Sport II, 700 x 25c folding tires review
As a German, my first tire choice felt on Continental tires. I did not want to invest my hard-earned money into their top-of-the-line tires so I bought the Ultra Sport II tires, in my case I believe they were 'made in India' and/or 'Thailand' but surely not made in China. Advertised as a 'trusty training companion' by Continental, the tire was on the heavier side for a folding tire with around 300 grams/tire.
Price
It was my cheapest road tire at around NT$450/€12.70/US$14.50 per tire to date.
Montage
Was easier than expected but the tire had to be pushed it its proper place on the rim. Due to the punctures and excessive wear I had to mount each tire several times over its lifespan, the pulling and pushing for the right fitting on the rim remained the same on each mount!
Ride Quality
In dry and wet conditions the ride quality was all right; I never slipped even on road markings in corners during rain. The suggested tire pressure is 95-120 psi; the 'right' pressure for me was around 110 psi. Below the tire felt heavy, above the tire felt 'woody' to a point that it became very stiff that I even could 'feel' the white road markings which shook me seriously up from time to time on the bike.
Wear & Puncture Protection
Even for training tires, wear and puncture protection were out of my world. The tires could not hold more than 2,000 km until the thread of the casting could be seen (see photo), a sign for me that the tire should be changed. Once even my wife wondered: "Did you not just buy tires a few weeks ago?" Actually, three months have passed since...I had this excessive wear on both front and rear tires despite Continental's claim that the 'PureGrip' compound provides for long-lasting and durable tires'.
In their lifetimes, these four different tires had 9 (!) punctures; on one single day, I had two flats! Fortunately, I carry always two spare tubes with me (on each ride!) and could finish the tour.
Origin
On continental-tires.com is the reference that Continental tires 'using the PureGrip compound are 'exclusively manufactured in the factory in Hefei (Asia)'. Further research revealed that Hefei is the capital and largest city of the Anhui Province in Mainland China, which is, of course, in Asia. No product 'made in Germany' would be branded 'made in Europe', or would it?
Verdict
I rode four different Continental Ultra Sport II tires both on the front and rear wheel. Because of the wear, the poor puncture protection, and its current origin I would not buy these tires again.
General Tire Advice
Each tire has a different characteristic like every rider is different. Bicycle tries are an important piece of safety equipment, nothing else connects us with the road.
1. After mounting the tires they should be checked regularly visually for defects. In case of doubts, a local bike mechanic should be asked for advice.
2. The tire pressure should be checked regularly. The manufacturer places the recommended air pressure on the tire wall. Inner tubes might lose some air over time but too low pressure within a short time might be an indication of a defected inner tube.
A Word of Caution
Always ride with a helmet and in a way that you are in control of the bike, not the other way around. It is senseless to gain some seconds but spend weeks recovering in a hospital and at home!
Ride responsibly, defensively, and safely! You, your body, your parents, your family, and your friends will surely appreciate your precautions during a bike ride.
Ride carefully, Gerhard
I am not endorsed by anyone and paid for these tires like every regular customer!
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