I've been researching all makes and models of tires for the past several months and finally decided to go with the Gator Hardshell. I've had them for several weeks now and they have surpassed my expectations. They ride much better than the stock rubber that came with my Specialized and offer fantastic grip. I highly recommend them.
Using other brands and non-hard shell I've experienced flats several times a year. Since using these hard shells, I have experienced no flats. Riding on rough country roads with cactus needles, glass, sharp small stones, pot holes, and bad expansion joints have never caused a flat. I can easily get over 4,000 miles on the rear tire.
Because of the heat and rough roads, I do change both tires yearly can never be too careful
I tried this tire on two different rims. It will not go on without brute force. I destroyed two tubes trying. Would not be able to do a roadside change.
Road biking. Have used this brand for years. Never had a problem.
These were on sale and a great deal as they are my favorite puncture resistant road bike tire I have found...
Nice to have the Kevlar and avoid flats on ultra distance rides but best part is being able to change these ones on the fly. As a women with not as much strength in the hands some Kevlar tires are very difficult to change without a tool but these with a softer edge I can manage without a problem.
I have used this tire specifically for long distance multiple day rides. Not one flat on a 7 day ride with over 550 miles!
Ive used these a lot and have found them to be dependable and long lasting
I've used Gatorskins in all weather and a lot of different terrain and it never disappoints and they last forever! I was a courier for 10 years and I got the least flats of anyone...maybe 1 every 6 months and that is with riding 9 hours a day!! Ready to head out on a tour with some new Gatorskins! I'll let you know!!
Casual rider, not concerned with weight or rolling resistance, just hate getting flats. They were hard to get on HED wheels. So far so good.
No more flat tires since using Gator Hardshell tires. Had multiple flats previously due to the gravel the city spreads on the roads during winter. They are easy to mount if you know the proper technique.
I hate having to fix flat tires while in the middle of nowhere. I've been using the Gator Hardshells for quite a few years now and my number of flats has quite nicely. They are long wearing so I don't need to replace them very often (I rode over 10,000 miles last year).
Road on these for years,no flats
You can't go wrong,very dependable
I've used these tires all over the Sacramento ValleySierras 150 miles a week and 1 flat in 2 years (3 sets of tires). Also theeasiest to mount I've found (Shimano and Altamont rims) Not the lightest available, the the durability more than makes up for it.
Have used the Gator Hard Shell tires for a few years and I am very satisfied with its duration, and puncture protection. They may be a few grams heavier than other race tires, but since I do not race but just road ride a lot I prefer them for their toughness.
I have used Gatorskins for years and put thousands of miles on them. I trust them, they roll well and wear reasonably well. Most of the miles are riding a road tandem which puts a lot of weight on the rear wheel. We've had one puncture and that was in the rain which allowed the debris to adhere to the tire.
Value rating is based on sale price.
If you don't ever want to ruin a group ride by being that cyclist that suffers a puncture, this is the tire for you! Sure, it might be a bit heavier than other race tires or could make use of a bit more grip, but that sounds like a fair price to pay in order to be able to ride over grime, glasses and debris for over 5000 miles!
Don't buy the gatorskin version, this is the legit one!
This is the only rear tire I will ride on in Tucson AZ. This tire holds up well and rarely flats. Still retains some comfort and the last one lasted over 5K miles. Great tire for training and I would even consider racing on it.
I use these for winter commuting, as I particularly don't want to have to fix a flat in 15 degree weather. They are great- good traction, great flat resistance. Hard to mount as the sidewalls are so strong, but with any luck you'll never have to do that on the road. I haven't!
