TWO years ago, German tyre manufacturer Continental came up with the bold idea of producing a slightly thinner front tyre and a wider rear tyre for professional cyclists.
Since then, the Grand Prix Attack and Force folding tyre set (RRP £54.99) has been a firmed favourite with the majority of the peleton at all the Grand Tours.
The double whammy of the Force and Attack combination is aimed at those who want to explore the limit of their abilities on fast descents or anywhere that requires maximum cornering grip.
It provides a confidence booster for those whose cycling involves racing in wet weather and displays exceptional cornering grip while the carcass retains its curved profile when flat.
Earlier this month, Bikenut was given the chance to review a set for ourselves and we were mighty impressed.
First, the idea, while it seems novel at first, has its roots firmly based in physics. When you get down to it, the 700x22mm Attack front tyre creates less frontal drag and cuts through the air quicker than a conventinal sized tyre, while the 700x24mm Force rear tyre gives a bit more boost and grip because of its increase surface area - see not exactly rocket science, is it?.
Continental boast that their Tyre Positioning System (TPS) provides specifically designed front and rear tyre that team up to work together for better performance, while their sticky Black Chilli compound provides strong grip in wet and dry conditions.
Front tyre has single anti-puncture layer under the tread that keeps weight down but still offers great protection, while the rear tyre has double anti-puncture layer under the tread that gives great protection where added stresses are applied compared to the front.
Long lasting tread compound with enhanced cornering and lower rolling resistance makes for a great set of race tyres, with folding bead as you'd expect on a high performance tyre.
Weighting in at 190g on the front and 210g at the rear, it’s debatable whether there are any significant differences in handling over standard tyres or not.
What is evident, is that Continental Prix Attack and Force tyres provide a comfortable ride, excellent puncture resistance and roll well but be aware that it wears rapidly.
FINAL VERDICT: Great combo set that gives you a bit more confidence cornering in the wet, but wears rapidly. Saving grace is the £54.99 price tag that's easily affordable and most on-line retailers will try to beat this price. Verdict: 8/10.
Bikenut has teamed up with Continental to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a set of Grand Prix Force and Attack tyre set worth £54.99. Just answer our simply question: Where is Continental’s main base of operations in Europe?
Either fill in the comment form below, with name, postal address and daytime telephone numbers, or e-mail your answers and details before the closing date on March 31 to: bikenutpodcast@googlemail.com
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kris armer wrote...
the answer is Merchtem, Belgium
Posted by: kris armer | March 14, 2008 9:13 AM