Ready to be served.....

This is the headline for the brand new Continental Grand Prix 4000 which will be on display at Cycle 2005 at ExCel in London between 14-16th October along with many other new products for the 2006 season.

The successor of Continental's most effective “Grand Prix 3000” road racing tyre, the Grand Prix 4000 is aimed at all levels of race bike enthusiasts from those aspiring to tackle their local sportif to the professional riders at the Tour de France. The Grand Prix 4000 takes all the best qualities of the 3000, and combines them with cutting edge technologies to take race tyre quality to a new level

Firstly, a single Vectran anti-puncture breaker belt under the tread, which was successfully race-tested and proven by professional riders in the Paris-Roubaix bike race earlier this year is incorporated into the new tyre. In comparison to the previously used dual-ply, nylon breaker system used in the GP3000, the resistance to slashes and cuts has been greatly improved, while also reducing critical rotational weight.

Additionally, the Activated Silica Compound (ASC) tread utilizes a new anti-aging formula to deliver exceptional handling performance, combined with lower rolling resistance and increased mileage. The dynamic tread pattern implies tread grip, and compliments the look of every racing bike, while unique tread wear indicators give riders a visual measure of tread wear. This new tread extends further into the tyre shoulder giving a rounder profile which improves handling and feedback in corners.

Finally, new Xserallic pigment makes for never before possible metallic colors like gold, silver, bronze and metallicblue. In addition there is a wide variety of non-metallic colors available. Available in 20-622, 23-622, 25-622 and not forgetting the popular triathlon size of 650x23 with a retail price of £28.95.

To celebrate the launch of the new tyre, a limited run of 'retro' GP4000 jerseys (pictured) have been made and we are giving one away at the Cycle Show. Just pop along to the stand and fill in a competition entry form.

Also, three new mountain bike tyres will be introduced at cycle , designed specifically for the UK MTB market. Perfect in wet conditions, the new players Slash and Edge are clear winners with self-cleaning, open tread designs that deliver excellent traction and increased clearance in the mud. The new all-mountain weapon, the Slash, comes in an ample 2.3, featuring a square knob design for better traction in the soft stuff, and for getting the grip on technical single-track. The ideal tyre for XC Racers during the wet season is the Edge , featuring a 1.9 profile for increased mud clearance that knifes to the bottom and hooks up like no other. Both tyres will be available in super tough ProTection versions, and extra grip compounds keep your rubber-side down.

The new Digga raises the heartbeat of hardcore Free-Riders! The beefy 2.5 profile makes it a natural choice for big hit, max-traction, Free-Ride performance. The big, open tread pattern delivers maximum braking and steering performance combined with extra tough, sticky compound. In addition, the reinforced casing takes the bite out of impact punctures.

Tubular fans will be delighted to hear that the Continental road tubular range has been updated for 2006 with both the Competition and Sprinter ranges receiving new technology, previously reserved for professional riders in 2005.

Firstly the top end Competition road racing tubular will now feature a Vectran breaker belt instead of two nylon belts. This means the tyre will be lighter, yet more puncture resistant. The Competition will be available in a new all-black version as well as black/brown and Conti Yellow/black for sponsored riders.

The Competition's sister tyre for criteriums and circuit races is the Sprinter . This tyre has also been ‘under the knife' back at the Korbach plant in north Germany . Firstly a new version for bad weather racing or training has been developed, namely the Sprinter Gatorskin . This means that the anti-cut Duraskin technology from the popular UltraGatorskin clincher is now available to tub users. A special tread pattern is also featured for better grip on damp roads with a top surface. The standard Sprinter gets a nylon anti-puncture belt

Fancy coming along? Click here for the shows official site for directions and details on other stands.