The Continental Grand Prix Urban 700×35 is a durable, performance-oriented tire favored for city and commuter riders who demand a balance between grip, comfort, and speed. Designed with Continental’s proprietary SafetyPro Breaker and BlackChili compound, it delivers enhanced puncture resistance and long-lasting grip. When converted to a tubeless setup, this tire can further improve ride quality, reduce rolling resistance, and eliminate pinch flats. This guide walks through the full process of converting the Grand Prix Urban 700×35 to a tubeless setup at home, including tools, preparation, installation, troubleshooting, and optimization.
Tools Required:
- Tubeless-compatible rims
- Tubeless valve stems (Presta)
- Tubeless rim tape (25-28mm wide, depending on internal rim width)
- Tubeless sealant (30-60ml per tire)
- Air compressor or tubeless booster (optional but recommended)
- Soapy water in a spray bottle
- Tire levers (plastic only)
- Clean rags or paper towels
- Valve core remover tool
- Torque wrench (for thru-axles, if applicable)
Preparing Your Wheelset
Before installing the Grand Prix Urban tubeless, the wheelset must be properly prepped for airtight sealing. Continental does not manufacture these tires as officially “Tubeless Ready,” but many riders have successfully converted them due to their tight bead fit.
Cleaning and inspecting the rims
Remove any old rim tape or residue using isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Inspect the rim bed for damage or dents that could prevent a proper seal.
Applying tubeless rim tape
Use a high-quality tubeless tape and apply it with 2-3cm of overlap past the valve hole. Press firmly while taping to eliminate bubbles and ensure a tight seal, especially in the bead seat channel. Use a sharp object to puncture a clean hole at the valve.
Installing the valve stem
Insert the tubeless valve from the inside of the rim. Hand-tighten the locknut on the outside while applying downward pressure. The rubber base should sit flush and airtight against the tape.
Mounting the Grand Prix Urban 700×35 Tubeless
Correct tire seating and sealing are essential. Take extra care during this step, as the Grand Prix Urban bead is tight by design.
Fitting the first bead
Place one side of the tire into the rim well. Start opposite the valve and work evenly around the circumference. Use hands only; avoid levers for this side to prevent bead damage.
Adding sealant
With one bead installed, shake the sealant bottle thoroughly and measure 30-60ml of sealant. Pour it directly into the tire, or inject it later through the valve core if preferred.
Seating the second bead
Install the second bead starting opposite the valve. Use plastic tire levers carefully if necessary. Ensure the bead sits in the central channel of the rim for easier mounting.
Inflating the tire
Remove the valve core to allow greater air volume flow. Use an air compressor or tubeless inflator to deliver a sharp burst of air. The tire should snap into place audibly as the bead seats. Spray soapy water along the bead to help identify leaks and ease seating.
Reinstalling the valve core
Once the tire is seated and holds air, reinstall the valve core and top off pressure to 60–80 PSI temporarily to ensure full bead engagement.
Troubleshooting Tubeless Setup Issues
Tubeless conversion on a tire not labeled “Tubeless Ready” can introduce challenges. The following covers common issues and fixes.
Tire won’t seat properly
If the tire doesn’t seat after multiple inflation attempts:
- Confirm that the bead is centered in the rim channel.
- Increase the air pressure to maximum rated PSI temporarily.
- Reapply soapy water and retry with a compressor.
Sealant leaks at the bead or valve
Persistent bubbling indicates incomplete sealing:
- Spin and shake the wheel horizontally to distribute sealant.
- Deflate slightly and massage the tire to improve sealant coverage.
- Check if rim tape is damaged or improperly applied.
Air loss overnight
Initial seepage is common but should stabilize within 24 hours. If it doesn’t:
- Inspect for micro-leaks using soapy water.
- Add 10–20ml extra sealant through the valve.
Optimizing Performance and Longevity
Once installed, optimizing your Grand Prix Urban tubeless setup ensures better durability and ride feel over time.
Recommended tire pressure
Adjust tire pressure based on rider weight and surface type. For urban use:
- 50–65 PSI for riders under 80kg
- 60–75 PSI for riders above 80kg
Lower pressures improve comfort and grip, especially on rough pavement.
Sealant maintenance
Check sealant every 2–3 months. Shake the wheel to listen for liquid; if dry, replenish with 30ml through the valve.
Bead refresh
Remove and clean the bead interface every 6–12 months to prevent sealant buildup and ensure ongoing sealing integrity.
Compatibility Considerations
While the Grand Prix Urban 700×35 is not officially marketed as tubeless-ready, its construction allows for successful setup on most modern rims.
Rim compatibility
Ensure rims are labeled “tubeless-compatible” with an internal width of 17–25mm. Too wide or narrow rims will affect bead sealing and ride performance.
Sealant type
Use high-quality latex-based sealants. Avoid aggressive formulas containing ammonia or harsh solvents which could degrade the tire casing.
Inner tubes
In emergencies, the Grand Prix Urban can still be used with standard inner tubes without compromising the tire’s integrity.
Customization Tips
To further enhance the urban riding experience with these tires:
Add reflective rim tape for visibility without changing the tire’s sidewall.
Pair with light alloy rims for better acceleration in stop-start commuting.
Install anti-puncture inserts if riding in areas with high glass or debris content, although this may make mounting more difficult.
Model Comparison: Grand Prix Urban vs. Contact Speed
To help riders decide whether the Grand Prix Urban is the best option, here’s how it compares to a popular alternative, the Continental Contact Speed.
| Feature | Grand Prix Urban 700×35 | Contact Speed 700×35 |
|---|---|---|
| Casing & Puncture Layer | SafetyPro Breaker | SafetySystem Breaker |
| Rubber Compound | BlackChili | PureGrip |
| Tubeless Compatibility | Unofficially compatible | Not recommended |
| Tread Design | Semi-slick urban pattern | Full slick |
| Ride Feel | Balanced grip & speed | Speed-focused, lower grip |
The Grand Prix Urban offers more all-around performance and better durability for city environments, especially when converted to tubeless.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can the Grand Prix Urban 700×35 be set up tubeless even though it’s not marked as Tubeless Ready?
Yes, many riders have successfully converted it to tubeless due to its tight bead fit and quality construction, but success may vary based on rim choice and sealant.
2. What pressure should I run when using it tubeless?
Optimal pressure ranges from 50 to 75 PSI depending on rider weight and preference. Start higher and lower gradually based on ride feel.
3. Do I need a tubeless booster or compressor?
While not mandatory, it significantly improves the chances of first-time bead seating, especially for tires with a tight fit like the Grand Prix Urban.
4. How often should I top up sealant?
Every 2–3 months under normal conditions. In hot or dry climates, check monthly.
5. Will tubeless setup void the tire warranty?
Since it’s not an officially tubeless model, using sealant may void Continental’s warranty. Check with your retailer before setup.
6. Can I use this tire with a tube again if needed?
Absolutely. The tire can be returned to a tubed setup without issue by simply removing sealant and inserting a standard inner tube.
By following this guide, cyclists can confidently set up their Continental Grand Prix Urban 700×35 tires tubeless at home, enhancing both performance and reliability for daily urban riding.