Continental GP 3000 - yes 3000 -

[OakLeaf]

Thanks LtR - the shop I normally deal with finally got them in on Saturday. I've got my new front tire mounted and a spare for the rear.

I'm used to the MC world, where everyone knows that a tire that's more than about four years old is just dangerous. Even if there's no visible dry-rotting, the compounds get hard and won't stick to the pavement. So maybe I'm over-reacting, but when I buy a tire, I'm paying for traction.

Now granted, the visibly dry-rotted front tire that I just replaced is the same one that threw me over the bars in December , so it obviously had as much grip as it needed, then, at least in the center of the tire. I don't know about the sides ... I don't consider myself a super-aggressive cornerer ... although I just had it pointed out to me on the club ride yesterday that I carry more corner speed than any of the toughguys. But IAE, that tire was only two years out from manufacture, too.

[LivetoRide]

No problem and glad to hear that you were able to get a set

Interesting to hear that that's how people in the MC world feel about tires. Now, here, if the tread isn't too worn, it's not dry-rotted, and there are no large chunks missing, a tire is generally considered OK (as far as I know).

[Desert Tortoise]

How do you read the manufacture date on the Conti GP4000s?

I just purchased a set online and before I put them on my bike, I want to check the manufacture date.

I searched the website, around the internet and emailed Continental through their website. Didn't find anything and have not heard back from them.

This is what I found the tires:

23-622 C 210

E4 (w/a circle around the E4) 88 R -

208850

Any info is appreciated!
dt

[OakLeaf]

They used to be date-coded just like motor vehicle tires, with a four-digit code designating the week and year (last two digits).

I'd already noticed that they've stopped doing that, which is disappointing.

I think the crossed circle and the following digit is the new date code, but that's totally a guess. If this is correct, I'm guessing that the dots inside the circle represent the month, and the single digit represents the year.

It seems to jibe with the tires on my bike now and the couple of old ones I have lying around.

But I'd want to hear that from Conti (or know that it's a new standard for bici tires) before I'd rely on it.

[Desert Tortoise]

Thanks for the info. I wish the manufacturers made it easier to read this stuff.

My circle with a cross has 3 and 2 dots with a 1 on the outside of the circle. Hmmm.

Yes, I will wait for the final word from Conti. Just wish they would reply and hopefully it will be in English. I sent the email in English and got a German reply of something about thank you we received your email....according to google translation. But even that was limited. Google couldn't translate the first half of the long sentence.

If I hear anything I'll be sure to post in case anyone is interested.

Thanks again!
dt

[OakLeaf]

If I'm guessing right, then your manufacture date would be May of 2011. I'll take that as another data point in support of my guess. But yeah, I wouldn't rely on that.

[Desert Tortoise]

I'm such a goof! When I saw 3 and 2, I thought 32 (huh?). Not 3+2.

Oak, I think you are on to something. The tires look good and are supple. No dryness or cracking.

I just sent Continental another email but to a different department. Obviously I'm not that swift and maybe I sent the first one to the wrong department. Sigh...

Thanks!

dt