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 replaced my 25mm with these 28's to get lower pressure and still fit the tires into the frame space. They went on well and are an excellent, softer ride. I went from 100PSI to 80 PSI on the rear, 80/60 on the front, and the bumps are significantly lessened. The rolling resistance is near equivalent. And, I've unfortunately ridden in glass-strewn areas, yet never had a flat, nor anything stuck!
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.
Great tire, great price, prompt shipping and delivery, backed by great customer service (if needed). What else there is to say?
I run Gatorskins on rear on my Merlin Cielo. Excellent flat protection, good durability and decent ride. Yes, I realize it's heavier than the 5000's, but lets be honest- most of us should loss 10 lbs before worrying about tire weight slowing us down.
Have used these tires on two bikes over the last 6 years. Rarely have flats. Mileage seems good. I think the folding tire may be a little easier to mount than non-folding
When using other tire brands I was constantly having flat tires. These Gatorskins have sharply reduced the flats.
Folds to compact size, easy to take on road trips. Long lasting.
Ive used Gatorskins on my road bike for the past 3 years. Besides mounting them on the rims because they are a tough tire is worth it. I ride roads and paved trails that are seldom cleaned and they take pretty much everything. Only a direct hit of a nail or screw can get through these things and they last a long time. About 2k on my last one. Highly recommend for commuters that need security in a tire.
Ive ridden with these for over 11 years. Only had 2 sidewall failures. Typically, I get up to 1000 miles on the rear and up to 4000 miles on the front before I change them out. The foldable tires go on and off of the rims much easier than the wire beads. I use them on all of my bikes.
I DO A LOT OF BIKE TOURING AND LONG ENDURANCE RIDES AND GATORSKINS GIVE ME THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. THEIR REALLY STRONG YET LIGHT ENOUGH FOR GROUP RIDES WITH MY FRIENDS. I'M A 300 MILE A WEEK RIDER SO RACING TIRES AREN'T AN OPTION BECAUSE OF THE LOW FLAT PROTECTION AND LOW SERVICE LIFE. I RAN GATORSKINS ALL LAST YEAR AND ALL THIS YEAR AND I ONLY GOT ONE FLAT WHICH IN ALL HONESTY I CAN'T BLAME ON THE TIRE. I WAS RIDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ON THE SHOULDER AND RAN OVER SOME WICKED METAL RE-BAR THING THAT FELL OFF A SEMI. I SAW IT BUT DIDN'T BOTHER GOING AROUND IT. IT PUT A BIG SLICE IN THE TIRE BUT ONLY A PIN-HEAD METAL SPIKE GOT THROUGH. THEY'RE MY GO TO SKINNY TIRE FOR THE FOR SEEABLE FUTURE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A GATORSKIN 35C IN THE FUTURE THOUGH FOR GRAVEL RIDES.
fast delivery, great price, great product
These tires are versatile: fine for training, for short triathlons, and for multi-day rides. Speed seems to be okay. Toughness and durability on rough roads is remarkable. Look for periodic discounts.
I live in live in goat head country and need protection against flats or I will flat with every ride. Gatorskins offer a decrease in flats without a large loss of feel of the bike.
I was getting flats on a weekly basis so I started shopping for tires. Since I got these about 6 weeks ago, I have ridden probably 600 miles without a flat. They handle well enough as far as I can tell, although I live in the desert so I can't comment on how well they handle in the rain.
Just passed 5000 miles with a set of Gatorskins. Got a slight flat spot at about 2700 miles, so I flipped back to front. Had one flat so far, a steel belt shard after a Houston rain. I weigh about 205. My training rides are 40 miles, just came in from a 50 miles ride with club from bike shop. I inflate to 90 psi on front, 100 psi rear wheel. I'm sure I could go at least another 1500 miles on these, but a couple of months ago I bought some Four Season on half price sale. I know Gatorskins are a little heavier, a little stiffer, but they are exactly what I wanted.
Like to keep up with training while on vacation but not loose valuable time with the family (fixing flats). No flats so far on roads frequented by many construction-type vehicles hauling tire unfriendly objects.
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.
Use Gatorskins for training and fitness. Like the looks and the durability.
