After introducing the Projekt series last year at Sea Otter, Continental is finally set to release the last of their limited edition Projekt tires. Aimed at the world of Enduro racing, Der Baron Projects have been tested and developed with the Athertons at various races across the globe. Taking a bit longer to reach production, Der Baron was delayed due to Continental’s desire to get the feel of the tire just right.
Apex protection relies on a urethane insert that starts at the bead and reaches to about the halfway point on the sidewall. Too much protection from the insert and the tire will feel too stiff since the sidewall would lack suppleness. Too little protection, and obviously the tire would not survive the rigors of enduro. Getting that balance just right apparently took longer than expected, though the tire should be shipping world wide by the end of the year. As a result of all the testing, the finished tire is said to be excellent at preventing burping. Like the other Projekt tires, Der Baron comes in 27.5 x 2.4.
As an added bonus, Der Baron Projekt includes unique packaging that, in a collaboration with rie:sel design, should help protect your bike as well…
We’ve seen rie:sel design fenders before, but not as a free gift with purchase built in to the packaging. Rather than simply using a big cardboard box or plastic that will be throw away (hopefully recycled) Continental called on rie:sel to create a package that included a punch out fender. After figuring out the right material to use that would resist cracking and also be flexible enough to use as packaging, the fender pack was born. Zip ties not included.
U.S. pricing and availability is TBD, but the tires should be available in Germany this week, with the limited edition fender pack selling for €77.90.
