In order to test rolling resistance, we swapped between the tyres as a rider rode a bike on rollers, measuring power output and speed, as well as atmospheric conditions and bike/rider weight, repeated over a number of days testing. I was shocked at the improvement over the Continental 4 seasons I had. The Tubolito S Tubo (disc brake only) inner tube was by far the lightest on test, weighing just 22g, which is 33g less than a Continental Race Supersonic inner tube, and 82g less than the heaviest tube (a Continental Race 28). Normally I'd ride around smashed glass but this was the only speck on the road so I didn't see it. I mean, there was only SO much of the massive headwind that the rolling resistance can compensate for, but first impressions were good. I have the GP4000 on another bike, so I knew they would be a little faster, but geeze.
What I had missed is that the TL version has super low rolling resistance.
Puncture protection on the other hand was a big let down. To be honest right now I’m using them so I can run lower pressures on British winter roads, but I’m planning to take it to Tenerife in a month, pump them up to 90, and enjoy the smooth tarmac too. Buy now: Continental GP5000 tyres at Wiggle for £36.99. In terms of rolling resistance this tyre is great.
Where the 4 season is about 17 watts per tire (as I recall) the tubless GP5000 is about 8 watts.
Continental claims the Grand Prix 5000 has less rolling resistance, better puncture resistance, and better mileage wear – no small feat since the improvement in any one of these factors usually comes at the expense of at least one of the others. This allows us to calculate what is known as the Coefficient of Rolling Resistance (or "Crr"), which can be used to model the power output required to travel on a normal road. Continental Grand Prix 5000 clincher tyres ... grip and rolling resistance. … On only my second ride I managed to get a flat from the tiniest bit of glass. They're faster and grippier than the stock Rubino tyres that came with my bike.