I have put about 1300 miles on them with no flats. I just use them for general riding. I do like the looks of the black edition.
I've run original gatorskins for years as I do a combination of 40m commutes and long weekend rides. Biggest complaint with originals was sidewalls unraveling before tread wore out. Black edition seems to address that issue, at least has no visible mesh on sidewalls like original.
Beyond that, with about 1K miles, wear is great and ride is about the same (overall good). Seems the tread is less sticky, but just my visual impression - no issues with loss of traction.
Been running Continental Gatorskins for years. I feel like they provide excellent flat protection without sacrificing ride quality. I run them on road bikes, single speeds and gravel bikes for high mileage, commuter, on-road riding.
I do a lot of solo riding long distance, and the most debilitating thing about any ride is a mechanical or a puncture. The Gatorskin Blacks are trusted and tested to deliver me to the end goal every time. I've been riding about 1600k a month lately, so I do keep an eye on the road mileage. When the front tire gets a flat, that's when I know it's time to change them out before I do another century. I buy them in advance, so I always have a back up pair or two on hand. Note: Yes - they are heavier than racing tires, but the time I lose in climbing speed, I make up for, by not having to stop for a puncture. So if you change terrain over the course of one ride: glass, gravel, poor road quality, sand, pine needles, city garbage, etc... and you hate to change out a flat (ladies?) This tire is for you. The regular yellow sidewall Gators are also as durable, but the blacks are prettier. ;)
These are my go to winter tires for riding in Colorado. The local county here puts gravelsand down over the winters that will shred most other tires. But the Gatorskins stand up and I can normally get 2 winters out of a set, or about 2,500 miles. This year I've kept them on for the summer and have been taking them on gravel roads and dirt, without any puncture issues. I hope they keep making the black limited edition because they look so much better than the standard gator skins. I'm also 6'4 and 195 lbs so I'm on the heavier end of things.
I commuted between 20 and 60 miles a day to work for 15 years and did double centuries for most of that time recreationally. These were and still are my go-to tires for my road bikes. You'll get less flats with these.
It is so nice to have some peace of mind that I will not be getting a flat. These tires are tough and still give a smooth ride. They will puncture but then it usually means it is time to get a new tire. I am a big fan of these tires.
Ive been using Gatorskins for a while now. Ive had other brands come stock on bikes and usually wind up with punctures quickly. Fingers crossed but i when switching to Gatorskins I've yet to puncture them. I highly recommend these tires. And the fact that you get the choice of two different sidewall colors is a plus too.
Great tire. For a season you'll forget how to change a flat. This is my 5th season using Black Gatorskins and I won't use anything else. They might be a tad slower, but unless you're racing the Tour it's not going to matter. Two thumbs up!!!
I've been using 25mm tires FOR EVER!!!! (over 20 years); love them. Switched to Conti Gatorskins back in 2008 or 2009. Lots of mileage, very few flats (a handful in all these years), decent ride (combination of compliance and traction), and when they're on sale (like these were), I buy a pair.
I have run Continental tires on my bikes for over 30 years of racing & training.
Gatorskins are outstanding for training. The hard shells were good but didn't allow for the road feel the Gatorskins still allow with excellent puncture protection
As a guy who is a daily commuter in a busy growing city I love Gatorskins. I have gone years with the tires and had only 1 or 2 punctures ever. They are completely worth it. The one thing I would warn people about it be ready to fight these to be successfully installed. So install these on a hot day or using a hair dryer so loosen these up and make them more workable.
I've used these at the advice of a fellow bicyclist. They last far longer than less expensive tires and save money ultimately in more rides enjoyed and less replacement tires needing to be purchased.
I live in an area with a lot of road debris. I found using a Gatorskin on my rear wheel significantly cuts down on flats. It is pair with a thick brutal tube and I really can't tell any difference in rolling resistance for those fast group rides or riding solo. I don't race with it but I prefer the 5000 for that.
Great tire very flat proof and rolls and handles great.
Solid, dependable and great pricing. Have been using this type tires in all my bikes. Long lasting in Arizona heat.
Solid, dependable and great pricing. Have been using this type tires in all my bikes. Long lasting in Arizona heat.
Tire wear well and are an excellent choice for training especially for the value conscious rider.
I use these tires all winter long with no flats. My original set last me two winters
I love everything about Gatorskins. They are a very durable tire and have never let me down. Excellent for these Texas back roads!
