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CONTINENTAL Terra Speed TR: installation and first impressions
This is my review of the installation and first impressions of these gravel tires from the German brand Continental.
After a year with the Kenda Flintridge on my gravel bike, it was time to look for a replacement. A quick research on the website of friends Bicycle Rolling Resistance led me to consider the Terra Speed, as they received the highest score.
Features
- Black Chili compound: manufactured exclusively at Continental’s factory in Korbach, Germany. It combines new generation polymers to achieve the best grip, resistance and mileage.
- Protection Technology: additional layer against punctures in tread and sidewalls.
- Revolution Tubeless Ready Bead: the tire has a sidewall designed for easier installation on tubeless or hookless tires.
Versions
There are a lot of versions of the Terra Speed. Many sizes, various colors for the sidewalls (at the cost of more weight), options with more robust tread pattern (Terra Trail)… But I chose the same size as my previous tires, 40c, with a good compromise between speed on the road and grip on trails.
- Tested version: 700 x 40c. ETRTO 40-622. 28″. Color Black/Black.
- Manufacturer Weight: 465 g.
- Verified Weight: 490 y 500 g.
Hookless rim compatibility
My Giant SLR 1 rims are Hookless, this implies that the tires must be compatible for mounting on this type of rim. Basically, the manufacturer must calibrate the diameter carefully so that it seals well with the rim, and the bead must not stretch over time.
Following the advice on the Giant website, I selected the TR version, as the GP5000 S TR that I ride on my road bike, seems to have Hookless rim compatibility by meeting the following conditions:
- They are Tubeless compatible.
- Its maximum inflation pressure is 5 bar (73 psi).
- They are not indicated as incompatible with Hookless.
Installation
As soon as I take the tires out of the box, I can already see that they have a soft and elastic feel, it seems that their installation is going to be easy. I’m not wrong. Using only my hands, I manage to remove the old Kenda tires and install the new Continental. I remove the valve core to introduce 60 ml of latex inside and I put them on without any more problems with my favorite tool for this: Airshot.
First Impressions
Comfort
I go out to ride with the manufacturer’s recommended pressure of 3 bar (44 psi), which seems a bit high to me. The first surprise comes soon. I notice a remarkable ride comfort, maybe the 180 TPI have something to do with it. They are much better in this aspect than the Kenda, I notice a good absorption and spongy feel, something that in gravel is very welcome.
Width and Shape
My visual perception is that they are narrower than the previous Kenda Flintridge, even though they are the same size 40c. But with caliper in hand, the truth is that they have measured 39 mm. With rims of greater internal width (my SLR 1 42 measure 19.4 mm) I would surely reach 40 mm.
Their shape is very rounded, which I personally like, since when using them on the road, the transition when leaning in turns is very smooth and does not make strange. Tires with a squarer design are not as good at this.
Grip and Sensations
The Terra Speed tires roll fast, or at least that’s how it seems to me. There are tires that you mount them and you get a feeling that they are lazy and have a hard time gaining speed. Not these. They feel very agile and either by the low weight or by the quality of the compound, the bike gains speed fast.
I really liked the absorption capacity they have. On my previous tires I had to ride at pressures around 2.3 bar (32 psi) for this, and here with 3 bar (44 psi) I have no problems.
Punctures and Wear and Tear
It is still early to talk about this, but I promise to write here any problems about it.
Final Verdict
The only thing that can tarnish the good performance of these tires would be a premature wear or a lot of punctures, something that only with time I will know, but for now, I can’t be more satisfied with the Continental Terra Speed. I find it to be a perfect tire for a gravel rider to go fast on trails and also on the road. A mixed use that I particularly love, because for a technical gravel I prefer to enjoy a real mountain bike.
Any questions? Find me on Instagram: @llargobike
