Since I'm a larger size bike rider the surface contact area is larger than your average rider. That translates into flats a common occurrence for me. This year I have been doing more winter riding than in the past and with all of the debris on the roads I wanted a tire that would hold up. I decided to give the Hardshell a try since I have been running Gatorskins for several years and have not been disappointed. I was a little hesitant with it being harder and thinking that it would result in a stiff ride but that has not been the case. I have close to 1K miles on them and have had no issues at all. I would definitely recommend this tire.
26 mile round trip commute over every type of urban surface. Yeah, the feel is a little firm and they might be a little slow- but I'd rather make it home a few seconds slower than be stuck on the side of the road fixing a flat.
Greatest tire yet, had many flats before these tire, so far after 1200 miles no flats and the roads are not the greatest here in Florida. Yes will buy again, also I purchased a set for Patty which is a friend of mine a short while back, she loves them.
The best tire for sticker ridden roads and bike trails in Phoenix. Long wearing tires with 3700 miles and still on the bike. These tires are not imprevious to goathead punctures maybe 7. Almost all in sidewall. I bought a new set, so when they do give out I will be ready.
Somewhat of a nubie (3 yrs experience) and light miles guy (700-1200 milesyr), I got this set after much research and reading the reviews here. After about 750 miles of riding I'm very satisfied and thinking about a second spare set, although wear rates are very low, and I think 2000 miles may be achievable with the set I have.
It was a relatively cool summer (only 1 or 2 90 degree days) so I can't say how well they will do in high heat locations and I never ride in the rain, so no idea how they deal with wet roads.
I have used several tire types 4000, gran prix 4 seasons and others some lots faster but not as durable I weight 275 and that's a lot for any tire to support I have been riding these which have about 1500 miles on them since August 2011. Two pinch flats on back one rock puncture on the front in the rain last week, the other tires I used are what I would call debris magnets they were so grippe that everything sticks to them and what follows is the flat So the question I asked how fast are they if you fix the flats . Yes I would recommend them.
Moved to an area near Houston a while back and was excited that a lot of roads have broad paved shoulders. However, they are strewn with all manner of debris, glass, nails, screws, metal shards, etc. I had been dedicated to the Mich. Krylian but found myself destroying about a tire a week. Tried the Hardshell and have yet to have one flat. They are practically bulletproof. I had heard they would ride like solid rubber tires -rough! However, I'm a big guy (200 lbs) and can't feel any difference. Not cheap but at the rate I was going through tires, it has already saved me some bucks.
like everything about this product manly the flat resistance compound
I have put about 500 miles on these now without any problems. Combined with the Continental 700 tour tubes these make an awesome commuter setup.
Decided to purchase these tires for my winter training regimine and have put approximately 800 miles on them. I am a big fan of the conti gp4000s tire, but wanted something more durable for riding with all the extra debris that comes with the winter months. So far, these tires have performed flawlessly. No flatscuts, the tire is pretty light considering its durabilty, and I feel comfortable with the grip they provide in corners or on wet surfaces. I look forward to using them for several winter months to come.
I put these on (700x23) in the spring and have probably 3000 miles on them. Only one cut in the rear tire, no punctures. I ride on mainly smooth pavement with the occasional strewn gravel, glass and usual road debris. The feel a bit more stiff than the Conti GP 4000 I ride on for longer training rides and long event rides. They are probably a touch heavier and and may more rolling resistance, but for day to day training a great choice I will stick with. I figure the added weight and rolling resistance are like resistance training.
First impression, an attractive and classic looking tire. Black with the brown sidewall makes for a nice look.
Installing was a pain. I can mount and remove 90% of tires by hand. However, these required multiple tire levers to mount. And yes, these are folding.
Once on the wheel, these tires are a bit narrower than many other 23mm tires. Compared to the Ultra Sport and a few Michelin tires, these seem at least 1mm narrower. 22mm? Most likely.
The ride quality is pretty good. Not supple, but not rough. Handling is average at first, but after 20 miles or so the initial 'slickness' wore off.
The tire rolls fast, which is exciting to me for such a flat resistant tire.
The real benefit of this tire is the flat protection. I flat a lot, which is because I ride on highway shoulders. Over 1000 miles in, and no flats.
One picky negative is the cosmetics on the side flake off. Detracts from appearance, but not a big deal.
Overall this is a winner of a tire. If I get 2000 miles, i will use these permanently as my rear tire. Even with the difficulty in mounting!
After riding conti gp4000, 4 season, and michelon krylion, this is the best tire so far. Smooth, steady.
I've got maybe a couple hundred miles on these tires but enough to give a decent assessment. I usually train on Conti GP 4000 at 120 psi but changed to the Hardshell for more puncture protection. I run the Harshells at 120 psi and they feel like a GP 4000 inflated to maybe 130. That's where the hardnessstiffness come in, you can definitely feel more road imperfections. As for the weight or rolling resistance, I don't think it's hurting me, and if so, it's like resistance training and perhaps I'll ride better during centuries with my other wheels mounted with GP 4000 S.
What few turns I've taken at any speed show that there isn't as much grip as the 4000, so you definitely cannot attack a turn. The tire gives plenty of feedback so you know what's going on grip-wise. I avoid rides in the rain so I cannot comment on wet traction. As for puncture resistance, I've run over a bunch of strewn broken gravel and strewn broken asphalt and no flats or major cuts so far.
Currently riding this tire in the 25c variant, on my Winter & wet weather training bike. This tire is super-tough. Very rough tarmac and gravel don't damage or puncture this tire. However, I don't find the ride as supple or the grip as good in the wet as either the Mich Krylon or Vitt Rubino Pro. Both the Krylon and the Rubino experience tread cuts more than the Gator Hardshell, and I've gotten the occasional flat with either of these two other tires. I love the durability of the Gator HS, but not the ride quality or grip, in comparison to the two other tires I mention, here. Still, the Gator HS is one impressively tough tire, that manages to be reasonably fast and have a decent-if not spectacular-ride quality. Next time, I'll try the Conti Gran Prix 4-Season.
Since posting my original review in the spring of 2010, I'm happy to say that I've logged many miles on these tires on two bikes, including multiple centuries, and have been completely flat free. Several friends are using these as well, and between us, there's been a grand total of one flat. Very, very happy with the ride and handling as well. Two big thumbs up!
I've used these (25c) for training and racing (including the Tour of the Battenkill) without a single puncture. A bit heavy (can feel it vs. the 23c Gatorskins) on the climbs, but perfect for training and brutal unpave racing.
I had used gatorskins previously but would still end up with about 1 flat per 100 miles on my commute. Not wanting to switch to something incredibly heavy to prevent flats, I tired this tire and I'm glad I did. After 2000 miles I've only gotten 2 flats. They ride very similarly to the standard gatorskins, and wear a little bit better. Highly recommended.
I recently replaced the Bontrager Hardcase's on my road bike with these, though I had no issues with my BH's, and seem to notice a nicer ride and less rolling resistance. Will definitely upgrade my other bikes to these as tires are needed....
I ride country roads through out southern chicago land area which has crater sized potholes, rough chipseal roads and is often accompanied by lots of gravel and glass ect... these tires are not ligh nor heavy and conform to the road fairly decent compared to my recent specialized mondo's wkevlar or flak jacket which had an unpleasant bounce on these roads. The gators seem to roll just as easy but softer with a noticable amount less road vibration staying fatique for longer rides.
