A couple of months ago, I put the 700x23 Gator Hardshell through the ultimate test for any road tire - the 275 mile Cannonball endurance event. Around 258 miles of that is on the shoulder of I-90 between Seattle and Spokane, which offers an amazing variety of junk to ride through - glass, gravel, nails, packing staples, jagged pieces of metal and the many varieties of steel belted radial shards. In a number of Cannonball rides dating back to 1987, I have never completed it with fewer than one flat - some competitors have had 5 or 6. I decided to try a Gator Hardshell on the rear wheel and a Grand Prix 4-Season on the front this year, in the hopes of finally making it without a flat. I made it through the worst part of the debris (between Seattle and Snoqualmie Pass) unscathed. After 200 miles I was in the hinterlands of Eastern Washington and thought I was home free. Alas, I encountered a small piece of wire (perhaps from a semi truck tire) that punctured all three layers of the Hardshell. The layers held it so tightly that it took some effort to pull it out. That was my only flat, though, and I have yet to have another flat on this tire during training rides. It handles well and rolling resistance is acceptably low, so I think that it is a very good training tire, or fit for any use on debris-strewn roads.
On bike with training tires/wheels and racing set as well, installed these tires on one set because of repetitive flats. Very difficult installation! Took several attempts before I took them to a local shop to get help...left with two installed tires, but one caused a pinch flat (that was not recognized immediately after installation). After using them about 4 or 5 times, thought that tire would be stretched enough to change tube...did that today with relative ease.
The tires ride rough, nothing comfortably smooth about them, but if you desire the joy of riding many miles without flatting, try them, you will NOT be disappointed.
I've ridden through a half dozen sets of Gatorskins as training tires in the last several years and wanted to give these a try. They definitely feel slower than the Gatorskins, but they're a training tire, so that shouldn't matter too much. They seem to wear much longer, and I've run over a lot of glass that hasn't been able to even stick in the tire yet. Since they seem like a tougher, harder version of the Gatorskin, I wouldn't put these in any rainy races anytime soon. As a weekly mileage tire, it's a great option to avoid flats and get a ton of miles out of a set ot training tires.
I didn't have a lot of confidence in the wet performance of the previous generation of these tires. This version seems to be a bit stickier when there's water on the pavement. I've only got about 100 miles on them so far, but it's a pretty good tire for my commute. I'll trade a bit of traction and weight for puncture protection if it keeps me from having to change a tube on the way to work.
Wanted a dependable tire! Not interested in a race tire that flats every ride.
These may be the best wearing tire I have used yet.
No flats 2500 miles into the first set and still going strong.
I have run over some serious stuff!!
Just purchased another pair for replacement when the time comes.
Wanted a dependable tire! Not interested in a race tire that flats every ride.
These may be the best wearing tire I have used yet.
No flats 2500 miles into the first set and still going strong.
I have run over some serious stuff!!
Just purchased another pair for replacement when the time comes.
I rode the length of the Katy Trail across Missouri on a new set of these tires. The surface of that trail is crushed limestone that had been softened by early Spring snow and rain. The hardshell provided tread and sidewall protection. The width provided superior stability. The PSI rating was higher than similar tires so my ride was faster, and the tread pattern was ideal for the trail surface. In addition, the tires were easy to mount, which hasn't always been my experience with hardshells.
I've ridden Gatorskins for over 20 years with no problems, and these are just the thing for an older rider or a long distance tourer who wants stability and security without excessive rolling resistance.
I am a novice rider, so take this review with a grain of salt. I have about 1000 miles on it now and have had two flats, one most likely from over-inflation. I ride in the Livermore wine country and there is a god amount of gravel. Have picked a few out of the tire but really no complaints. Tires stick on turns, roll nicely (speed picked up immediately) and respond well. I have not tested them out in wet weather so I can't speak to that. Overall I am happy and will purchase these again.
I like Conti tires, but usually they died a quick death of a thousand cuts in the Portland area. I blame the local basalt rock that is crushed and used for roads, winter, construction, etc. It is very hard, and when crushed usually has very sharp edges. I rode a set of Hardshells all winter over this stuff without a single nick. I've gotten to where with the bike I have these mounted on, I don't pay much attention to small debris short of nails anymore.
The overall ride with these is the same as a regular Gatorskin - a little harsh - with a little more rolling resistance. You can't race them, and if your manhood is at stake on weekend training rides you shouldn't use 'em then either. That said, the only real down I've experienced with them is that for a tire I want to use on a rainy day, they don't grip as well as a more cut-able tire. So no more 40 mph descents on curvy roads in the rain...
Before I purchased these ties I had gotten 3 flats in one week! Since then I've taken 20 rides with zero flats and this has increased my riding confidence a great deal, I ride in remote areas and can only carry so many spare tubes, don't have to worry anymore. my old regular tires it gave some 10 mile walks in the past. great tires and you can't put a price on peace of mind when riding. pick them up now.
1750 miles and still going strong.
Rolled over everything including glass and have had no flats to this point.
First time on these Conti- Just ordered another set.
All I want is a tire that rolls, goes a long way and can handle today's roads....
THis might be the one!
I commute by bike multiple times a week on roads that often are full of stones and glass shards. These tires hold up wonderfully. I've been getting almost 5000 miles between changes. I've experienced very few flats - they typically only flat when they are starting to wear out.
I ran Specialized Armadillos for a few years on my commuter before this tire came around. I never used the original Gatorskin because it didn't seem hardy enough.
I've been using the Gatorskin hardshell for approx 3 months now in Portland OR, where the bike lanes have a lot of debris. This necessitates a strong tire. I've ridden through all manner of garbage, glass, wood, nails, shards of metal, syringes, you name it and there is not as much as a nick in one of these.
As far as performance I believe these tires are only about 50 grams heavier than the 4000s and have the same awesome tread compound which results in a grippy, heavy race tire feel. Compare that to an Armadillo which at 450 grams feels like you gutted a pig and stretched it around your wheel. that might be an exaggeration, but compared to the Gator Hardshell that's what they feel like.
In other words these are great tires for commuting and training, and even early season racing. I used them in a Roubaix style race with 4 miles of gravel and no flats, as well as on the Alpenrose velodrome, and they performed great. these tires are outstanding.
About 1200 miles on first set of these.
Was looking for a durable tire to handle the chewed up roads in W. PA.
Very good experience so far.
Fast and no flats even after hitting all kinds of road debris.
Just picked up another set to use once these are done.
I purchased Gator tires for my Specialized Road bike. I was constantly plagued with flat tires. I ride a lot of rough streets and sidewalks. My husband has a set of Gator tires on his bike and has put 3000 miles on them with only one flat. With statistics like that, why would I not put Gator tires on my bike? I'm very pleased with them so far. I have had some tiny rocks and glass lodge in the tires, but they do not pierce through to the tubes. Gators are thick skinned. I can do nothing but rave about them. They were a little tough to put on the rims - tight fit. But after they're on and you take that first ride, you'll be glad you purchased the Gators.
By far these are the best tires that you can buy when it comes to NOT getting flats!
I have been running these and regular gatorskins on all my bikes the past few years. I am a mileage junky who rides 5 or more double centuries a year and I dont like it when my tires get taken out by staples, chipseal or gravel. These take a a great deal of punishment and just keep on going strong. Some people will tell you they are not good riding but I disagree. I ride 25c's on my road bikes and 28's on the tandem and fill to 100psi to 110psi and they are great.
Bought a pair of these a while ago. Ride them almost every day through the dirty, glass-riddled streets of Portland. Haven't had a flat yet. Traction is great too, wet or dry.
If you ride bike trails and roads that are strewn with glass and sharp bits of metal these tires are a must. They are a little heavier, but the durability and protection is well worth the extra weight.
I have been using Gatorskins for about two years now. When I changed to them form Specialized Armadillos, the Gatorskins seemed to be faster. In that time I may have gotten 3 flats, but I am not sure what will stop a Goathead. I like riding centuries and passing all of the riders with the fancy tires that are on the side of the rode with flats. Rode Oregon Coast, no flats, San Francisco to LA, no flats, while the other 5 guys I was riding with got flats. I am 215 lbs and the rear tire will last me around 2000 mi and the front tire at least 3000. I usually buy them on sale. I am now going to try the Continental 4 seasons tire. I have been told they are a better riding tire (more expensive).
