I researched online the best tire to get fory road experience. I wanted a tire designed to last a long time that at the same time wasn't so heavy so as to slow me down. I wanted a fast tire, but I also wanted grip. I longed for that tire (why didn't I keep records of what I'd purchased over the years?!) I bought back in '08 that felt like I could tilt 45 degrees to the ground and still feel stable. I confidentially took turns and descents at top speed.  I have no idea what that tire was. My most recent two tires felt unstable. The best word to describe the feel was "squirley". I just never felt confident of their grip. 

Without too much lamenting, I opted for the all-around favorite, the Continental Grand Prix 4000s. They seemed to easily be the most popular road tire. All around, riders felt like they had the best ratios for value/durability/flat resistance/speed "rolling resistance"/ feel. 

I paid a good $20 more per tire buying them at a local bike shop instwad of buying the online. It seemed like an excessive difference in charge. I mentioned the price difference to the salespeople in the store, and they didn't make much effort to try to bring themselves up. The guy merely cast his glance down and said, "yeah, we can't compete." The store is doing well, they just opened a new, upgraded storefront, but clearly not from tire sales. Anyway, I'm glad to have had the option to pay the extra amount. These tires are already insanely expensive (about what I'd pay for a car tire) so I might as well help a local store out while I am at it. 

The ride is nice, zippy, familiar. I haven't felt invincible on them, but so far I like them a lot better than my last tire. Zippy is the best word to describe the feel of these tires. I like it. 

*This post is actually from last summer. I forgot to post it. The tires are still mostly "new" so I think the post is still relavant.