CONTINENTAL ULTRA SPORT II: My Road Bike Tire experience

Background

After growing up in Germany, I relocated to Taiwan in 1989, where I got married and became a father. The environment in what was former Formosa was poor, but it improved thanks to government initiatives like bike lanes, which led to a more positive attitude towards cyclists and cycling overall. I caught the 'bike bug' again and felt the need to own one!

I transitioned from a mountain bike to a road bike, acquiring the essential road bike components (frame, fork, wheels, etc.) while also attempting to reuse parts from my old bikes, such as the handlebar, stem, bar-end shifters, rear derailleur, and the chain.

Although I enjoy the increased speed and am pleased with the overall experience of my road bike, I am still trying to find the right tires for me.

Continental Ultra Sport II, 700 x 25c folding tires review

As a German, I initially chose Continental for bike tires, a brand from my homeland. Instead of spending my hard-earned money on their high-end tires, I went for the Ultra Sport II tires, which were made in Thailand, while my Continental mountain bike tires came from India. According to Continental's current website, they have invested in China, and it is anticipated that all their more budget-friendly tires will be manufactured there and distributed worldwide.

Price

It was my cheapest ever road tire at around NT$450/€12.70/US$14.50 per tire to date. This is possible due to a lower cost production overseas, they are n o t made in Germany.

Weight

Advertised as a 'trusty training companion' by Continental, the tire was on the heavier side. For a folding tire (700 x 25c) the weight was around 300 grams/tire.

Montage

Was easier than expected but the tire had to be forced into its proper place on the rim. Due to the poor puncture protection and excessive wear, I had to mount and re-mount each tire several times over its lifespan. The pulling and pushing for the right fitting on the rim remained accurate despite these many times.

Ride Quality

In dry and wet conditions, the ride quality was all right; I never slipped even on road markings or in corners during rain. The sidewall suggested a tire pressure between 95-120 psi; the 'right' in terms of comfort and performance for me was around 110 psi. Below this pressure, the tire felt heavy and slow; at the higher pressure, the tire felt 'woody' and unforgiving. The tires became so stiff that even white road markings shook me seriously from time to time.

I rode the tires during a bike challenge, and they kept me reliable through wind and rain.

Finisher of the Maple Leaf Bike Challenge in Taiwan

Wear & Puncture Protection

Even for a training tire, the wear and puncture protection were exceptional. The rear tire couldn't last more than 2,000 km before the casing threads became visible (see photo). This was a clear indication that the tire needed replacement. My wife even remarked, "Didn't you just buy new tires a few weeks ago?" It's been three months since then.

I experienced this excessive wear on both the front and rear tires, despite Continental's assertion that the 'PureGrip' compound offers 'long-lasting and durable tires'. Throughout their lifetimes, the four different tires suffered 9 punctures; on one day alone, I had two flats! Fortunately, I always carry three spare tubes with me on each ride, allowing me to return home safely.

Origin of the Tires

My tires are manufactured in Thailand. On the current homepage of continental-tires.com, I discovered that Continental tires using the PureGrip compound are 'exclusively produced at the factory in Hefei (Asia)'. Further investigation showed that Hefei is the capital and largest city of Anhui Province in Mainland China, which is indeed in Asia. No product 'made in Germany' would be labeled 'made in Europe', would it?

Typically, Continental's higher-end quality tires are 'hand-made in Germany', while the medium and lower-quality bike tires are produced elsewhere. If unsure, the material might indicate its origin. In my Continental Grand Prix 5000 review, I noted that, for example, the BlackChili rubber compound is exclusively made and used for 'made in Germany' tires.

Pro

+ cheap

Negative

- poor puncture protection

- not long-lasting

- fiddly to mount in the right place on the rim

- heavy

- hard

Verdict

I rode four different Continental Ultra Sport II tires both on the front and rear. Because of the wear, the poor puncture protection, and its current origin in Mainland China, I would neither buy nor ride and therefore recommend these tires to anyone else.

Advice

Just as every rider is unique, so too are the characteristics of each tire. Bicycle tires are crucial safety equipment, as they are the only contact between cyclists and the road. 

1. Once the tires are mounted, they should be visually inspected regularly for any defects. If there are any concerns, it is advisable to consult a local bike shop or mechanic for guidance.

2. Tire pressure should be checked frequently. The recommended air pressure is indicated on the tire wall by the manufacturer. Inner tubes may gradually lose air; if the pressure drops significantly in a short period, it could suggest a faulty inner tube.

A Word of Caution

Always wear a helmet and ensure you maintain control of the bike, rather than letting it control you. Ride responsibly, defensively, and safely! It's not worth saving a few seconds only to spend weeks recovering in a hospital or at home. You, your body, your parents, family, and friends will definitely appreciate your caution while biking.

I personally purchased, mounted, and tested these tires. I am not sponsored by anyone, which allows me to independently evaluate my equipment and offer unbiased recommendations. I welcome all subscribers and followers!

Ride carefully, Gerhard

#Continental #UltraSportII