GP5000 STR vs ASTR (anyone actually ridden both?) (or similar for different brands)

Equipment
1

I’ve been riding Continental GP5000 ASTR (35mm at 50psi) Tubeless for a few years on the same roads.

zero flats ever

I tried their STR (32mm at 55psi) Tubeless and punctured on the second ride. I am not sure what caused it but it was on a flat stretch of rather good road.

For those not familiar with Continental’s naming conventions: ASTR is their all weather more puncture resistant tire…STR is their racier / lighter tire. Would love to hear your experience if you use a different brand with a similar setup.

was this just bad luck? or are punctures just part of life with racier tires?

thank you!

2

Have 2 bikes with STR and 1 with ASTR and the later are certainly a little more fragile, I’ve noticed a few pictures that have sealed over the years but still find them very reliable.

3

Yeah i would only buy the STR if i was riding really nice roads. I prefer the All Seasons version even for racing (at my lowly level) - just means i can ride to and from races with more confidence too.

4

I use the S TR on UK roads which are pretty bad. I rarely get punctures unless the tyre is significantly worn down. I think you were just unlucky.

5

I use the AS TR in winter and the S TR in summer.

Had no issues with either one of them, AS TR look better because of the cream sidewall.

If you asked me to do a blind ride test, I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference (Both tubeless at around 60psi, AS TR 28mm, S TR 30mm)

6

For me, punctures are very random. Many months with none than a couple in week. The data is too sparse for me to make any conclusions.

7

I think so. I’ve been on the GP 5000 TL since 2019, switched to the GP 5000 S TR when my TL was worn out and in all those years never had a flat. I ride on smooth asphalt up to light gravel with those tires. Started out on 25mm on Roval CLX and am now on 30mm on Reserve TA wheels - the only thing that changed over the years is tires got substantially bigger (26 to 33 measured mm) and I ride now down to 50psi.

Maybe you were unlucky and I’m just lucky or circumstances are just different? No idea - I really like the tire and I can’t see a reason to switch. Was tempted by the Corsa Pro Speed but those are more fragile and I’m not racing so there is really no point to change the system if the system works.

My father in law is doing NorthCape4000 this summer and I recommended him the GP 5000 AS TR in 35 for that race. He’s not a homemechanic so we discussed it’s better to roll a bit slower than having to stop and search for a shop that can put a tube in. Personally I’d not hesitate to do that same event on the S TR - I’m that confident in that tire personally.

8

Just unlucky :slight_smile: I use the 30mm STR’s all the time. They have been great for racing and everyday riding. I have had punctures from time to time, but nothing that makes them stand out as bad tires. I did buy some ASTR’s by mistake online and threw them on. I got a front and rear puncture within the first 100 miles, so who knows…I will add the Archetype’s are not ideal for everyday riding. They didn’t hold up well and punctured ALOT.

9

Is the gp5000 variant easy to identify on the tyre? I’ve just bought some… no idea which flavour they are!

10

it’s usually written on the sidewalls

11

Been on STR for 3 years, haven’t had a flat in 2 years.

I ride a LOT and I race hard, both in the actual races and local semi drop rides.

For what it’s worth i usually use the silca sealant, and I also tend to use the old mtb trick of throwing in some glitter too.

12

Have been running 30mm STR front and back. Had a couple of punctures during season, mostly rear wheel. One was quite severe, so I had to change the tire.
STRs are deinitely less durable: they do not last more than a season (rear wheel).
Last season I changed rear for 32mm ASTR keeping 30mm STR front - had no punctures at all, and wear indicator is saying rear tire will last one more season.
About ride feel: ASTR are a bit harsher (since have one additional layer compared to STR), but this is not a big deal if you use wide enougth tire on a rear wheel (30-32mm).
Front is less prone to punctures, so it is worth keeping STR - it is more agile and better in cornering.

Thinking of trying 35mm ASTR on the back on my endurance wheelset (21mm internal) for poor roads but doubt if it will fit Tarmac SL8 frame (Sram equipped) though.