KIWI RIDER SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL1 | Page 27

PRODUCT REVIEW The way Continental constructs these tyres is also interesting, they still have softer shoulders and a harder middle like other brands, but instead of laying down the harder rubber in the centre of the tyre, then laying a softer compound over the top on the shoulders. The Conti’s are all the same rubber injected in to the moulds at the same time, but cured at different temperatures, meaning you have different compounds and grip levels from the middle of the tyre to the shoulders. They say this Achieves the same goal as other manufacturers, but without an abrupt line between soft and hard, meaning you get a smooth transition when you lean the bike over from the centre to the shoulder. RIDING DYNAMICS I was pretty happy to find the tyre shape felt great immediately, and makes the bike easy to handle and very predictable going into a corner. As you enter the curve the bike leans over in a nice gentle linear manner, mid-corner feel is sufficient and stable. And because these tyres feel solid under me, I have the confidence to pile on the power on the way out of the corner. In an S-bend, the transition from full lean one way into full lean the other is a beautiful arc. The feeling is incredible. They do a great job of being understated, yet dependable. Feedback from the Conti’s is there, but it’s slightly muted. There’s feeling enough to KIWI RIDER 27