Continental is the only German bicycle tire manufacturer that still produces all their products in Germany. Not outsourcing production gives incentive to their engineers and others in the manufacturing process to constantly strive for innovation. With over 100 years of experience producing bicycle tires, Continental stands as a unique company within the industry. In order to produce the best tires possible, the company performs extensive research with their professional athletes, hobby cyclists, and everyday riders. Continental’s technology and development center is in Korbach, Germany. In this facility, the company is constantly developing new revolutionary technologies such as the unbeatable Black Chili compound, the ultimate Vectran breaker anti-puncture technology, and the ProTection and RaceSport technologies found in their MTB tires. These technologies demand sophisticated processes to ensure that Continental’s legendary quality and performance is upheld. Continental Bicycle Tires continues to produce all their products in Germany so that their high level of quality is achieved. The company’s heart and soul are behind the phrase “Handmade in Germany”. Here is a rundown of technologies found in many Continental Mountain Bike Tires and Continental Road Bike Tires:

Black Chili Compound - For BlackChili, Continental refined special synthetic rubbers with proven natural rubber into high-performance tread mixtures. They then add soot particles which in turn are optimized in shape and surface properties. The complex compound technology is so sensitive that all tires with BlackChili Compound are produced exclusively in Continental’s Korbach, Germany plant.

Pure Grip Compound - Pure Grip is ranked just behind the BlackChili Compound. Based on activated silica compounds, this technology was originally intended as a performance level compound. However, after intensive development at the Korbach Research and Development Facility, an advanced new compound with outstanding grip and cross-country properties was developed. While providing great grip, it is long lasting and highly durable.

Protection Technology - The ProTection technology gives their tires their perfect mix of fast rolling grip and puncture protection. Four plies under the tread and three in the sidewalls make this possible. The whole tire attains greater resilience and becomes less vulnerable to damage. The tire adheres to the terrain even on the toughest trails, has very good damping characteristics, and rolls smoothly with plenty of grip.

Apex - Simply put, Apex stabilizes the tire in turns. The tire has a natural rubber profile set between the carcass layers at the base of the tire and stiff sidewalls thereby minimizing the twisting of the tire by high transverse loads. Stiffer sidewalls reduce the risk of punctures and impede the tire from slipping off the rim.

RaceSport - The RaceSport casings combine consistent lightweight construction and noticeable superior puncture protection at the highest level. They offer rolling friction and puncture protection of World Cup quality. The tire features particularly fine and flexible nylon fabric with elaborately manufactured protecting rubber lining and universal base.

So whether you’re looking for a Grand Prix 5000, Continental Grand Prix 4000 S II, Continental Ultra Sport II, Grand Prix 4 Season, Cross King, or any other road tire, or racing tire, then you’ll love the tires from Continental bike tires and Jenson USA. We carry a wide variety road bike tires, mountain bike tires, and tires for commuting, gravel, and cyclocross. If you have any questions about tires like the Continental Gator Hardshell, or want to know which tires have low rolling resistance, then talk to one of our expert Gear Advisors. You can email, chat, or call them at 951-234-7554.