| It doesn't matter if you are touring or riding in the | | | | could save your money, get on the trail, and start |
| mountains you want your equipment to handle the | | | | breaking your own records. The choice is yours. You |
| challenge. And that goes for everything on your bike, | | | | don't have to spend a fortune to get quality. With |
| but one could argue the most important component | | | | Continental, the difference is that you get what you |
| are the tires. The tires keep you on the road, safe and | | | | pay for and a whole lot more. |
| stable at high speeds or rough terrain. So why not get | | | | Don't expect to pay all that much for quality tires from |
| the best value around and that would be Continental | | | | Continental? This depends in part on the type of biking |
| bike tires. Durable and reasonably priced. Great value | | | | you do. The City Ride Bike Tire, for instance, which |
| for any cyclist. | | | | Continental calls its "hybrid tire for recreational riding," |
| The German-based Continental company has been | | | | has a flatter profile for larger contact area on asphalt |
| making some of the finest bicycle tires for almost 140 | | | | and a lower rolling resistance. One tire that can be |
| years. In their founding days, the company made top | | | | used for a commuter and those on a restricted budget |
| quality bike and carriage tires, and since, Continental | | | | because it lists for roughly $24. You can save even |
| has expanded to include an automotive division. Their | | | | more at some online retailers. A comparable tire for a |
| tires are equipped to handle the most arduous | | | | mountain biker is the Eplorer. This tire, which is $20, has |
| conditions and still deliver optimal performance. What | | | | EndlessEdge tread for loose and muddy terrain and is |
| could be more grueling than the Tour de France? This | | | | ideal for cross-country and even marathon use. |
| 3500 kilometer road race is the measure of a cyclist's | | | | You can easily have the best tires on your bike for |
| dedication and skill - how well it holds up to wear and | | | | under $50. But what if you need more than |
| tear is a good comparison. Continental not only rides | | | | recreational quality (which is still exceedingly high with |
| with the best, they deliver results. Mark Cavendish, the | | | | Continental)? Whether you need tires that can handle |
| best sprinter the bike world has seen in the past 40 | | | | multi-day events or you need the tubulars for the best |
| years, rides Continentals. In 2009's Tour, Mark won six | | | | performance and traction, Continental again offers |
| stages, including the final day's Champs Elysees stage. | | | | superior value. Their Podium Tubular Bike Tire, for |
| Just because a champion uses a certain set of tires | | | | instance, is a specially designed racing tire with a slim |
| doesn't mean he is assured a victory. | | | | profile and durable tread. This is perfect for races |
| For world class tires, you would expect to pay world | | | | against the clock, and it costs $60, which can be half |
| class prices; for example basketball shoes endorsed | | | | of what other manufacturers charge. |
| by a pro player can cost you much more than you | | | | No matter what type of riding you do, Continental has |
| might suspect. No matter what your skill level is, | | | | a tire that will ride right along with you and help you |
| Continental gives you pro quality but not pro prices. | | | | boost your performance. |
| You could pay $150 for another leading brand, or you | | | | |