I have almost 5,000 miles on my rear tire, I ride a 28 wire bead so it's bigger than a 23 or 25, the tire is warn flat and still going, I would get 2500 miles out of the gatorskin so I'm getting double the mileage out of the hard shell, knock on wood, I have never got a flat riding gatorskins and thats 50,000 or so miles over the last 10 years!!!, and everyone I see fixing a flat are not riding gatorskins,I would say its the best tire on the road and the safest
I am on my second set of Gatorskins. I will not ride anther tire especially for the type of riding I do. I live in Taiwan and recently rode around the circumference of the island. httpcdh.moreearnestheed.orgbiketaiwan eight days and approximately 625 miles. The roads are far from perfect, but not one flat. I rode the first set until I could see the steel belts. I was tempted to continue to use them just to see how far they would go. For endurance and riding far from home into the unknown of Taiwan, I will not trust another tire.
Ride 25 miles a day average with 1200 feet climb, put 4000 miles on a pair of Conti Gatorskins without a flat. Inflated a new set of Gator Hardshells to 120psi more elastic, better grip of the road, smoother and faster ride great experience so far. I expect to get equal or better mileage with these fantastic tires.
I have been using these tires for a couple of years 5,000miyr I can't remember the last time I changed a tube on the road. Brocken glass, shell pieces, whatever. They are bomb proof and you can put 3,000 miles on them. I previously used Bontrager's and got 2,000 mi with lots of flats.
Cortez, FL
The fall and early spring riding in the State of Idaho brings out the ever popular State Nuisance more commonly known as the goat head. Simply put they like bike tires, they have been known to chase a bike tire all the way across a wide road just to jump on and go for a ride. Needless to say that usually creates a problem i.e. flat tire. Continental Gator Hardshell to the rescue. I have been riding these for the past several years and can't say enough good things about them. They might be a little hefty but you don't have to fix many flats either. They are worth their weight in flat protection. They also defend against glass, tire shards, squirrel teeth and the like.
Road cycling, group and charity rides
Been riding Gatorskins for years. These Hardshells give me an extra sense of protection from all the garbage that ends up on the sides of the roads I travel. Nice to think that you probably will not have to fix a flat anytime soon! Will buy again when I need to replace.
Great tire, have put over 1000 miles on them on HWY 62 in Oklahoma and went form 1 or 2 flats every 100 miles to no flats in last 1200 miles..... BAD-A** TIRE.
USE THEM U WONT REGRET IT!
This is by far the best road tire I have ridden. I have put just over 1000 miles on them and if you are familiar with the pot holes in northern california you have to be really on your toes and watch out for them. Not only will they flatten your tire but do damage to your bike! This tires hang in there unlike none other and don't see myself using anything else.
After spending $45 on tubes and $100 on new tires this summer, I was fed up. I was getting flats everywhere (even double-flatted on one ride and had to thumb home). But since I've bought these Continental Gator hardshells, I've been flying along with no worries. Others on group rides have gone over the same stretch of road, but I'm the one who isn't dealing with flats, for a change. Tires feel sure and responsive in turns, little rolling resistance on level roads and hills. Good price from a reputable company that I've ordered from before.
Though others may be more high-performance, this is supposed to do well without resorting to Mr. Tuffies, which I have used for moderate-terrain commutes before switching to Gatorskins. The ride is very good despite the long-term performance potential.
Since I starting using these tires I have not had a flat. Great for those secondary county and country roads.
I run a few tires on a higway 62 OKLAHOMA LAWTONFT SILL... this tire provides GREAT PROTECTION on the road when temp is above 100 deg and you have wire and other potential hazards on the road... was getting 1 to 2 flats on 100 mile rides . 900 miles plus ran the HOTER THAT HELL 100 AND NO FLATS... THESES TIRE ARE THE SHIZLE!
I have a Trex road bike and i use it everyday out in the plains of Colorado.I ride any where from 20 to 100 miles on my rides. I get very good long term use out of the Gator Hardshell-700c tires.Wouldn't change them.
I have about 5000 miles on my first set of hardshells. Riding year round in the northwest, you get a lot of glass and road crud that cuts your tires up quite quickly. I was able to get over 2000 miles before a single cut occured, but no flats, even after 5000 miles!
If the tire is a little heavier in weight this is very minor to the many pluses about this product. Since I have dialed in the correct PSI for my personal stature, weight and riding style the tires have performed most excellent. I have reduced down time repairing flats and changing tubes. This has resulted in more quality cycling time, safety, savings on new tubes, and improved results with my personal cycling time challenges and enjoyment of cycling!
I own 3 beautiful parked cars and have reduced my carbon footprint by increasing cycling around town running errands. I have reduced my weight by 40 lbs. increased my heart health, improved my lifestyle cycling around 450 miles per month!
Great tires if you anticipate encounters with thorns like we have here in Texas. However, if you ever find yourself on any surface other than pavement (e.g. grass, gravel, sand), don't be surprised if the exposed weave on the sidewall starts to separate from the tire and begin to UN-ravel. The thin protective coating they put over this weave does not stand up very well and once compromised will lead to a very ugly looking tire. In addition to this, there is also a tendency for the threads along the tire bead to separate as well (folding bead model). This usually results in long threads working their way out of the rim just above the clencher bead. Both these problems are quite annoying but seem to be strictly cosmetic. I have several Gatorskin and Gatorskin Hardshells with a bad case of these frizzies. I feel this is something continental could easily fix.
I ride on average 30 miles per day with my wife. My tires are trashed but she has not had a flat with her Gatorhardshells. Well worth the100 grams or so more than racing tires.
Had a lot problems with flat tires before purchasing the Gator Hardshells. Really like the tires and would highly recommend them.
These tires are tough and smooth rolling, easier hand mount than I ever imagined after reading some reviews to the contrary! Buy these if you live in a place full of sharp things like I do.
