The Gatorskins seem to be exceptionally durable - I've never tried a side-by-side test with other brands, but I must say that I've had fewer flats since I started riding them - and the wear indicators are a smart feature. Aesthetically, I like the classic look of lugged steel sport-touring bikes from the 70's and 80's, so I find the round profile and brown and tan sidewalls attractive (and practical they don't show the smudges and chain lube stains that can mar the appearance of gum sidewalls .) I like the foldibility of a kevlar bead for a spare tire when traveling, but I can't detect a difference between a kevlar and wire bead in rideability, so the lower price of the latter is a fair trade-off for it's slightly higher weight. Many of my friends ride Gatorskins, and I've heard nothing but positive comments from them - they're definitely My tire of choice.
I keep purchasing this tire even though Ive had two of them cut open . The first one was the older design. Then I purchased the new design and a piece of metal cut it open. It was a fairly large hole in the tire. So I purchased a third . This time I accidentally got the wire bead . I didnt see it advertised as wire bead when I ordered it though. Im not a racer so I guess it doesnt matter much but I bought lighter stiffer wheels and definitely noticed the difference. I still feel these are pretty durable tires road debris is hard on any tire. A piece of sharp steel cut through this last tire .
The Continental Gatorskins are not only light but are extremely durable. I have been logging 1500 miles per road tire and could probably get more miles if I waited to have a flat before replacing them. Also, they seem to retain air more readily then other road tires I've tried. Gatorskins are now my tired of choice for ride comfort, and confidence.
This is a great tire and run this on the road for daily commuting and road riding. I have seen reviews that say this tire is too hard - not my experience. It is not bullet proof but close to it. Have ridden this in some pretty extreme conditions and always been happy. What are you waiting for - buy them already!
This is my second set of Gatorskins. I bought a set about five years ago, because I was having so many flats. I never had a flat in that whole five years. Before that I had flats all the time. One time I had two in one day. I'm not a racer, just a long distance pleasure rider, so I don't know much else about performance for high speed riding. All I know is that I don't like getting flats and this tire has cured that problem for me. Thank You.
I recently took a bad fall running these tires up front. I took a simple turn I take all the time. . Conditions were wet with some winter grime. Front wheel just disappeared. These are basically slicks. I would never ride them again in wet conditions
I have been riding theses tires for over 6 years and will continue to do so. The fact is they do not flat. When all the people in my group scream GLASS I more or less don't flinch.
Have I ever flatted?....yes. Under inflated and a pothole pinch flat. I consider this my fault and not the tire.
If you like to ride a lot and long this is the tire for you
I recently took a bad fall running these tires up front. I took a simple turn I take all the time. . Conditions were wet with some winter grime. Front wheel just disappeared. These are basically slicks. I would never ride them again in wet conditions
I went to Gatorskin tires a couple of years ago, because I I'm in an area with lots of burrs and other pointy plants. In all of last year, I had just one flat (2000 miles). The peace of mind is worth the price for these tires. The only ding against them is that they're difficult to put on by hand, initially. Other than that, they suit my riding well.
I used to have several flats a month. I am into my second set of these tires and will use them going forward. They do weigh a little more but in a race and you have a flat!!! It is a no-brainer... i do not know when this last time I got a flat! The are the ONLY tires i will ever use!!!
Continental Gaterskins are a very durable tire, I have bought others and nothing has compared, believe or not I get 3 to 4 thousand miles out of rear tire and and 13 to 15 thousand out of front tire and they are not bald when I change them!!
I bought a Trek Domane as my everyday ride because I ride on some dirtgravel areas and roads that are fairly rough. In the first 10 rides on the Bontrager tires I had 4 flats, one at about 30MPH. So I shopped for a tire that claimed to be tough, and I think I found it. I have ridden these about 20 times now, over the same areas, and zero flats. Very happy with them.
