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@Velocio
Continental GP (Grand Prix) 4000
Grip 10/10
Corners with confidence, the only time that they have slid was in the rain over a wet drain but as they gripped the moment that they hit the tarmac again on grip they win.
Wear** 8/10**
They wear really well, I have had two pairs now and they wear evenly and both lasted close to a year before I replaced them. They did take some scarring from riding through glass, but these didn't go through to the tube and the little tears have not grown larger at all. Used all-weather.
Puncture Protection 10/10
They are not designed to be extremely puncture resistant, but I've yet to have a single puncture on them. I suspect if I were to ride through glass in the wet this good luck would end, but as it hasn't yet I can only give it a 10 for puncture resistance.
Comfort 10/10
Weight (or perceived rolling weight) 10/10
Speed (rolling resistance) 10/10
All three (comfort, weight and speed) I put into the same category: feel. They feel wonderful because they are grippy, can be pumped to 120psi without fear, they roll along nice and lovely, they make a pleasing sound in the wet, they're not heavy and accelerate and slow easily. They feel great.
Appearance (or Looks, if it comes in colours) 8/10
Solid colour strips with black sides. I like this as I like the colour hitting the road. I also like the black side walls as with a front brake in the wet this can get dirty fast and the black walls hide this so it looks slightly cleaner for longer. Not sure about the tread pattern they've put on it, I'm unconvinced it serves a purpose so 2 points off for that.
Price 6/10
They're not the cheapest out there at £30 per tyre. But if you've dropped the money for Phil Woods, nice rims, etc... why one earth would you not spend money on the bit that affects the feel the most? At this price point though, there is a hell of a lot of competition and many choices available... if they were cheaper they would be great value. I personally judge value by the fact that each pair last me a year before they're so cut up that I replace them, but I recognise that it's quite a barrier for people just wanting to try them.
Skidability 3/10
They grip nicely and have a soft compound. I don't skid much but there's no way that a tyre designed for feel, grip, lightness and only basic puncture resistance is going to offer great life if you're skidding. And if you only have a few skid spots I suspect you will go through these pretty damn quick.
Overall rating / opinion 8/10 (scores above (75/90), averaged (8.3) and rounded)
Great tyres if you're not skidding. Wonderful all rounders that come alive in the wet and dry. No punctures and a long life. The only things to note would be to avoid glass and debris in the wet, and just ride the things.