Are you guys ready to dive into the world of adventure bike tires? Today, we’re going to dissect the Continental ContiTrailAttack 3, a tire that's been making waves in the adventure and touring community. If you're in the market for new hoops for your ride, you've come to the right place. Let’s get started!

What is ContiTrailAttack 3?

The Continental ContiTrailAttack 3 is designed as a versatile tire that bridges the gap between on-road performance and light off-road capabilities. It's engineered for adventure and touring bikes, offering a blend of grip, durability, and handling. Whether you're carving through twisty mountain roads or tackling gravel paths, this tire aims to provide confidence and control.

Key Features and Technologies

Let's delve into what makes the ContiTrailAttack 3 stand out:

• MultiGrip Technology: This involves a single compound with varying degrees of hardness across the tire's surface. The shoulder area is softer for enhanced cornering grip, while the central area is harder for improved mileage.
• TractionSkin: A revolutionary micro-rough tread surface that essentially eliminates the need for scrubbing in. This means you get optimal grip almost immediately after fitting the tires.
• RainGrip Technology: Optimizes grip in wet conditions through a specially designed tread pattern and compound. This ensures shorter braking distances and reliable handling in the rain.
• ZeroDegree Steel Belt Construction: Provides high-speed stability and predictable handling. The steel belt reduces tire deformation, maintaining a consistent contact patch with the road.
• Improved Carcass Construction: Enhances comfort and load-carrying capacity. This is crucial for long-distance touring and carrying luggage.

First Impressions

Out of the box, the ContiTrailAttack 3 looks like a serious piece of kit. The tread pattern is aggressive enough to inspire confidence on gravel, yet refined enough to suggest excellent road manners. The build quality is immediately apparent, with a sturdy carcass and a well-finished tread. The TractionSkin technology is a nice touch, promising minimal break-in time.

Mounting and Fitment

Mounting the ContiTrailAttack 3 was straightforward. The tires seated easily on the rims, and balancing required minimal weight. It’s always a good idea to have a professional mount and balance your tires, but experienced DIYers should have no issues. Ensure you adhere to the manufacturer's recommended pressures for your specific bike and load. Getting the pressure right is crucial for optimal performance and tire life.

On-Road Performance

Handling and Grip

On the road, the ContiTrailAttack 3 truly shines. The handling is neutral and predictable, inspiring confidence from the first corner. The tire turns in smoothly and holds its line with precision. Grip levels are exceptional, even when pushing hard in dry conditions. The MultiGrip technology works as advertised, providing excellent edge grip without sacrificing straight-line stability. You can really feel the difference when leaning into corners; the tire just sticks.

Stability

Stability is another strong point. The ZeroDegree steel belt construction keeps the tire planted at high speeds, with no noticeable squirm or wobble. This is particularly important for heavily laden touring bikes. Whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating twisty mountain passes, the ContiTrailAttack 3 feels composed and stable.

Wet Weather Performance

One of the most impressive aspects of the ContiTrailAttack 3 is its wet weather performance. The RainGrip technology provides outstanding grip in the wet, allowing you to maintain a brisk pace with confidence. Braking distances are noticeably shorter compared to other adventure tires I've tested. Even in heavy rain, the tire feels secure and predictable. This is a huge plus for riders who frequently encounter wet conditions.

Ride Comfort

Comfort is often overlooked when evaluating tires, but it’s a critical factor for long-distance touring. The ContiTrailAttack 3 strikes a good balance between stiffness and compliance. It absorbs bumps and road imperfections effectively, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The improved carcass construction contributes to this comfort, reducing fatigue on long journeys. You'll appreciate the added comfort, especially if you spend hours in the saddle.

Off-Road Performance

Grip and Traction

While the ContiTrailAttack 3 is primarily designed for on-road use, it can handle light off-road duties with aplomb. On gravel and hard-packed dirt, the tire provides adequate grip and traction. The tread pattern offers enough bite to maintain control, even on loose surfaces. However, it’s important to remember that this is not a dedicated off-road tire. It's best suited for well-maintained gravel roads rather than challenging trails.

Handling

Off-road handling is predictable, but you need to be mindful of the tire's limitations. It’s not as nimble as a full-knobby tire, but it holds its line reasonably well. Steering precision is reduced compared to on-road, but this is to be expected. Lowering the tire pressure can improve off-road grip, but be careful not to go too low, or you risk damaging the rim.

Limitations

The ContiTrailAttack 3 is not ideal for mud, sand, or deep gravel. The tread pattern is not aggressive enough to provide sufficient traction in these conditions. If you frequently ride in challenging off-road terrain, you’ll be better off with a more dedicated adventure tire. However, for occasional gravel road excursions, the ContiTrailAttack 3 is more than capable.

Tire Wear and Longevity

Mileage

Tire wear is always a concern, especially for touring riders who rack up a lot of miles. The ContiTrailAttack 3 offers impressive longevity, thanks to its MultiGrip technology. The harder compound in the center of the tire resists wear during straight-line riding, while the softer shoulder compound provides excellent cornering grip. Many users report getting 8,000 to 10,000 miles out of a set, depending on riding style and conditions.

Wear Patterns

The wear patterns are generally even, with no signs of premature cupping or scalloping. This indicates that the tire is properly balanced and that the suspension is working correctly. Regular tire pressure checks are essential to maximize tire life and ensure even wear. Inspect your tires regularly for any signs of damage or uneven wear.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent On-Road Grip: The ContiTrailAttack 3 provides exceptional grip and handling on paved roads.
• Superb Wet Weather Performance: RainGrip technology ensures confidence in wet conditions.
• High-Speed Stability: ZeroDegree steel belt construction keeps the tire planted at high speeds.
• Good Mileage: The MultiGrip technology provides impressive longevity.
• Versatile: Suitable for both on-road and light off-road use.

Cons

• Limited Off-Road Capability: Not ideal for mud, sand, or deep gravel.
• Price: Can be more expensive than some competitors.

Alternatives to the ContiTrailAttack 3

Michelin Anakee Adventure

The Michelin Anakee Adventure is another popular choice for adventure bikes. It offers a good balance of on-road and off-road performance, with a slightly more aggressive tread pattern than the ContiTrailAttack 3. The Anakee Adventure is known for its excellent wet grip and durability. However, some users find it to be slightly noisier than the ContiTrailAttack 3 on the road.

Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41

The Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 is designed for riders who prioritize on-road performance. It offers excellent grip, handling, and stability, with a focus on wet weather performance. The A41 is known for its smooth ride and quiet operation. However, it’s not as capable as the ContiTrailAttack 3 on gravel or dirt.

Pirelli Scorpion Trail II

The Pirelli Scorpion Trail II is a versatile tire that excels on both paved and unpaved surfaces. It offers excellent grip, handling, and stability, with a focus on sporty performance. The Scorpion Trail II is known for its quick warm-up time and predictable handling. However, it may not last as long as the ContiTrailAttack 3, especially if ridden aggressively.

Final Verdict

So, what’s the final verdict on the Continental ContiTrailAttack 3? It’s an outstanding tire that excels in a variety of conditions. Its on-road performance is exceptional, with excellent grip, handling, and stability. The wet weather performance is particularly impressive, inspiring confidence even in heavy rain. While it’s not a dedicated off-road tire, it can handle light off-road duties with ease. If you’re looking for a versatile adventure tire that prioritizes on-road performance, the ContiTrailAttack 3 is an excellent choice.

For adventure riders who spend most of their time on paved roads but occasionally venture onto gravel, the ContiTrailAttack 3 offers the perfect balance of performance and durability. It’s a tire that inspires confidence and enhances the overall riding experience.

Where to Buy

You can find the Continental ContiTrailAttack 3 at most reputable motorcycle tire retailers. Be sure to check online retailers for the best deals and availability. Always consult your bike's manufacturer for the correct tire size and load rating.