I use these tires for general computing and getting around New York City where there is some rough streets.
Running 700x32 on Specialized Tricross. Speed is the the same as 700x2335 I run on the road bike, but 700x32 handles bad roads and gravel.
I weigh in around 180lbs and half the roads I train on are chip seal. This tire is great for training and is holding up to the left over from winter cinder and gravel on the side of the road. It is wearing much slower than all the other cheap lightweight training tires I've had.
It might be the roads I'm on or the Michellin ProRace3 tires, but I was getting flats all the time. Looking for a sturdier tire I read the reviews on the Gatorskins. My wife and I have both put on 500 miles and I've had one flat. Huge improvement. They paid for themselves in tubes already.
The downside. They are clearly slower than my other tires. You can optimize inflation levels to get them just right and that helps. I think 110-120 psi is a faster ride, but not the most comfortable.
For me, a great purchase. I ride the Gatorskins day in, day out, then switch to the faster tires when I need to move. The slower tires make you faster when you switch.
I have been using Gatorskin tires for a while now and love their durability and puncture resistance. Unlike some tough tires I have used in the past these also roll well and do great on all terrain. They have held up fantastic in the hills, in wet conditions and on a double century that I completed recently with no tire issues. They are not flat free but I have consistently had fewer problems with these than any other tire that I have used over the last 7 years.
I have been riding the gatorskin for a rough 850 miles so far one flat. It now have good amount of holes in it but it seems to be holding up. Personally I wouldn't pay more than $40 shipped for them. But they are a good no non-sense tire that is a good compromise between puncture resistance, rolling resistance, and high mileage. You can't go wrong with them, but something tells me there is something better out there.
This is the first set of Gatorskins on my road bike and I am extremely pleased. They are very sticky with a softer ride than expected. The traction far exceeds my nerve in cornering, wet or dry. I've put about 200 miles on and have zero complaints.
I've ridden on Armadillo's on my commuter and road bikes with mixed results in durability and they give a much rougher ride. I will never go back since going to the Continentals.
You can't go wrong with the Conti Gatorskins. I've tried other tires but always come back to the Gators.
I have almost 6,000 miles on my gatorskin and it is still looking good. I have never befor received that kind of mileage out of any tire. It is on the front wheel. The gatorskin on the back has almost 3,000 miles and still looking good. We have a lot of debrie on the roads and also they sealcoat most of the roads. which gives a very abrasive surface. I just bought a new bike and I insisted on having Gatorskins installed on it.
Continental Gatorskin tires have been my go-to training tire for years. Even the least expensive tire in the Gatorskin line provides great wear and exceptionally good puncture resistance.
I find Bike Tire Direct to be a great source for tires, both for price and available stock.
held up well, ride about 125 miles per week.
I basically purchased these tires to use for training rides as the roads can get pretty nasty with lots of unfriendly Stuff in the road in the late winter and early spring time and I had a tendency to get more flats than normal. I had these tires on a rental bike previously and I noticed then how bullet proof they were! Not the lightest, best handling tires but still not bad ... and when it is chilly, not having to deal with flats is a big bonus!
I have been running Gatorskins on my bikes and my wife's bike for 6 years and they are great. Minimal number of flat tires during that time in some challenging road conditions.
Highly recommend.
I have done a great deal of riding on various Conti tires but for very long distance (200 miles ) this tire is unbeatable. 25s are definitely more comfortable than 23s but either one holds up well.
Gatorskins seem to live up to Contis claim of being the ultimate training and racing tire where puncture protection is priority.
The bead-to-bead Duraskin layer makes the sidewalls slash-resistant and the aramid belt under the tread is tough for a training tire.
Its light and fast too, with a rolling performance not far off that of a race tire.
Continental Gatorskins are renown for their durability and quality. I've stuck with the model for the past half-year of commuting through wet, snowy, and pothole filled streets, and the Gatorskins have held together nicely. No complaints whatsoever, they do what any durable tire should do.
I have been using Gatorskin for the last 5,000 miles and have never had a flat. If you would rather be riding vs. fixing a flat, use Gatorskins.
I have been using Continental tires for around 10 years and have found that they stand the test of time. I have purchased all types of continental tires and use them in all conditions. I use Gatorskins for training in the off season and then switch to a racing tire when season begins... Bulletproof!!!
I am pleased with these tires! I have not had a single flat from thorns or the famous California pot holes, both of which have plagued me in the past. The reward has held up very well also. Im no feather weight rider, but I think that my size had been an issue in the past with tread wear. I have also been pleased with the traction and rolling performance I get from these. I would absolutely recommend these as a daily ride tire if you aren't concerned about the weight.
Tire is long lasting (2500 mmiles on back), flat resistant and rides well. I can't ask more of a touring tire.
