Go-to tire for training rides. Very rare to get a flat, though it does happen occasionally; particularly with staples and other wire objects. A bit difficult to put on my carbon wheels but a recent purchase of a Kool Stop lever has made it much easier.
I purchased these on sale in the 32mm size. I use them on a Space Horse with gravel rims that have an ID of 21mm.
I have used Gatorskins for years and there isn't really anything I can add to the already glowing reviews. They are very flat resistant, the ride is not too hard of a ride, and while not the fastest tires they don't feel like I have bricks for wheels.
Why, though, have I never thought to use them with latex tubes??? The ride is simply extraordinary! Yes I know that ride quality is not measurable, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. These tires are fantastic with latex tubes.
I have a 2nd set of wheels for the Space Horse with Schwalbe 40mm gravel tires set up tubeless. The Gatorskins with latex compare favorably to the ride quality of those.
Been using Gatorskins close to 20 years now. After 8 flats on the Bicycle Tour of Colorado early 2000 time frame, I was less than 2 miles from finish. I had my 9th flat. By chance, a rider I didnt know, sensing my frustration, told me about Gatorskins. Said he puts a new set on every year b4 that tour. "Very Happy" he stated. Ive been using them ever since.
I put around 3000 miles a year on my bike, almost exclusively in an urban environment. The Continental Gatorskin is my go-to tire. I've probably bought more than a dozen of them over the years. Theu combine durability with a level of performance ideally suited for high frequency, medium-long distance riding, at ahigh level of intensity. I have less confidence in other tires because experience with them is they're not as reliable-- don't last as long and punctures are more frequent. Everytime I see the Gatorskin on sale, I buy a pair.
This is all I run now on my main use bike. I have tried several different brands and these are noticeably more durable than the others. I usually swap them at 2,500 and sell them for a couple bucks since they still have life in them. Might have to keep them longer with prices rising. I run Vittorias on my "race bike" (I don't really race) and they seem to roll better but for everyday riding I'll stick with the Gators. Have used 23, 25, and 28mm versions. All good for the money.
I recently switched to these tires for commuting to work. I only have one bike, so when the weather begins to change from Summer to Fall I need to change my setup. There can be a fair bit of debris in the Fall where I ride. I usually run Conti GPs during Spring & Summer. I put these on about a month ago and have had ZERO issues. They feel a bit slower than the GPs, but any riding I do at this time of year is a bonus. My top priorities are safety and durability. If that's what you're after - these are perfect.
I live in an area with lots of sharp lava rock, and an unusual amt of road debris. These tires are not flat-PROOF, but are certainly a necessity here! Also, they wear really well (180# rider / smooth road surfaces, other than the debris) and last near 3000mi. They wear better than the Conti 4-Seasons, and WAY better than the Conti GP4000/5000!! I'd tried numerous 4-seasons, which are pretty good flat protection, but they don't wear quite as well as at Gatorskins. Will leave the wt differences up to the techies....
I have been running Gatorskins on my road bike for over two DECADES in the 23 or 25 wire bead variety. Never had a problem with wear, flats, or other defects. I could easily run them down to cord showing with no issues. I would run 4K miles on the front and then rotate to the back and run 4K more before the tire was worn out. BTW, I only weigh 150 lbs.
For the first time I tried 28mm with folding bead. I had two tires bought separately fail with tread separation in 1.5-3K miles, long before the tread was worn out. This could have been catastrophic if I hadn't inspected the tires.
I was excited to install a pair of these Gatorskins 700cx32 on my Trek FX 7.7 after riding on the Michelin Protek 4 700cx 38 tires for several months. I wanted a little more responsiveness and performance. They felt really good for about 3 miles, until I got a flat from a goat head on my first ride over my regular training route.. I didn't have one flat over the last two years, and got one. Immediately with these. That was very upsetting, considering all of the great reviews posted here.
I got home and remounted the budget priced Michelins, as I hate to have to either repair a tire on the road, walk it home, or call my wife to get me! I may give them another try in the future, but I'm going to keep on the Proteks for now.
