Specialized Espoir Sport Tires Anyone ever use these? I'm getting these as stock on my next bike (700 x 25 on a 2012 Secteur Sport). I've been using Continental GP 4000s for years and love them. Will they be a step down or is it a good tire?
The Continental GP 4000 are a high end road tire, were as Espoir Sport are a middle tier tire. Top end Specialized road tires are fairly comparable to Continental (years back Specialized snagged one of Continental’s lead tire guru).

Middle tier tires tend to prioritize price, wear and puncture resistance, while higher end tires tend to prioritize, speed, comfort and handling.

Which is more important is a personal decision.