Second time reveiwing these. I have ended up with a few flats here and there. It seems nothing can compete with the tack weeks we have here. but it seems that the combination of these and liners works pretty well.
I mostly use this tire for commuting purposes. I recently put on a new set after using the others for 6-7,000 miles. I finally replaced them just because I started getting glass embedded in the tread that was working its way through the puncture liner. I had a couple of flats due to this and just felt more comfortable replacing the tires. There was still a decent amount of tread left so I'm sure you could get more miles than I did if you ride on generally cleaner roads. These tires are tough. Not a great racing tire as you give up some suppleness for durability. However, they would work really well for training or if your race partially covers dirt road sections. They are also a little heavier than a good race tire, but again that is not really their purpose.
These are a bit expensive, but I used to regularly get slow-leaking flats from thorns picked up on my daily ride. Since picking these up a few months ago, I have not had one flat. Also, I was a little worried that switching to a tire with almost no treads would be too slick, but I've found them to be pretty sticky and not slick at all. I would buy them again.
I ride over 6000 miles per year. Gatorskins have out performed any other tire that I've used by many miles. I can get an entire season, 6000 miles on the rear tire, and probably close to 8000 on the front.
Even when I see that the rear tire gets that telltale flat edge, it still holds up for many miles.
I love these tires and have been riding on them for years. They have great durability and last a long time and I have no issues with flats with them.
I very rarely get flats, and I replaced my bike's original tires with Gatorskins after many years of no flats, hoping to keep my flatless streak going. The initial Gatorskin that that I used developed a tear in its outer rubber layer (which is why I bought this one) but even with that part damaged, I rode it for 2 months with no flats (and eventually got around to buying this replacement before my luck runs out). I also like the feel it keeps a good grip on the road.
What a change in the ride quality from a value line 23mm to a High quality 25mm. Far superior ride and the roll resistance was not effected. Softer ride feels a bit slower however reality is NOT.... Love these tires!!!
I have used this tire for a number of years and have not had a flat ever, however I take the tire off as soon as I see lot of wear on it, or cuts of any kind. I do not like problems, I recommend the tire to all my cycling friends.
The Gatorskin is the standard by which all training tires are measured. They are almost flat proof, they wear a very long time and they ride reasonably well. The almost invisible tread pattern has no effect on the cornering efficiency of the tire so those who prefer slicks can use this as any other of their favorites and obtain the super advantages of these tires.
Absolutely a great tire, lasts for seasons, and plenty sticky on dry roads. Just be aware that with the hard durable rubber comes a loss of traction in wet conditions, especially the common metal grate bridges around the Alleghenies. You'll feel like you're on ice skates!
I've spent the last 12 plus years riding in Hawaii and Okinawa where the shoulders are shredded with broken beer bottles. I switched to Gatorskins to help reduce my flats and they worked better than expected. Before each ride I would pick glass particles out of the rubber and then ride my ride. For the most part I swithed the tires out not because of flats but due to wearing out the rubber tread. Do yourself a favor if you live in an area prone to flats, give these tires a try.
Great tire. Had them for 3 months now and about 500 miles. Still no flats and nice ride!
Since installing these I have only had one flat after 300 miles of riding. I don't think anything can compete with the tack weeds we have here in the NW. That said, the tack weed spike that got me was in the side wall and I was able to ride 6-7 miles to a suitable stopping place before taking it out. I would recommend these to anybody!
I ride these about 100 - 120 miles/week in the Florida Keys. On previous tires (Michelin Pro Comp 4s) I had 4-6 flats a month. With the Gatorskins I usually only get one flat every couple of months. In 700 x 25 the ride is surprisingly supple and pleasant, actually better than the Michelins in a 700 x 23. Enjoy!
I have about 500 miles on them so far and have barely worn the flashing off of them. Looks like they wi last a very long time. They also seem to be very grippy on the dry pavement I have ridden them on so far. Price is a little high, but these are high end tires.
I use them on a single speed which I use for training. Interval training up thousands of feet each workout. These tires allow me to train at the highest level and have no concerns about failing.
Going from value tires to these Continentals were such a big change in smoothness and vibration dampening and the 25's over the 23's was a huge improvement on fast descents and overall ride stability on rutted and suspect road conditions. Nice product and I do deserve the best I can get.
I've used these tires on 3 different bikes for many, many years. I see no real performance penalty except compared with the lightest, most fragile tires. I typically get a full year (2500 miles) and seldom, if ever, get a flat.
Great sturdy tire. I was flatting out about once out of every 5 rides before, and have not flatted out since installing the Gatorskin. Highly recommend.
Very pleased with this tire. First off, I like that it isn't made in China (wish it was made in the U.S., but it isn't). The tire runs at a bit lower PSI than what I had, yet it feels like it has a lower rolling resistance. No flats so far, but only have a couple of hundred miles on them (bought two). Very happy with this purchase, regarding both the tires and the ease of purchase.
