I do a lot of solo riding long distance, and the most debilitating thing about any ride is a mechanical or a puncture. The Gatorskin Blacks are trusted and tested to deliver me to the end goal every time. I've been riding about 1600k a month lately, so I do keep an eye on the road mileage. When the front tire gets a flat, that's when I know it's time to change them out before I do another century. I buy them in advance, so I always have a back up pair or two on hand. Note: Yes - they are heavier than racing tires, but the time I lose in climbing speed, I make up for, by not having to stop for a puncture. So if you change terrain over the course of one ride: glass, gravel, poor road quality, sand, pine needles, city garbage, etc... and you hate to change out a flat (ladies?) This tire is for you. The regular yellow sidewall Gators are also as durable, but the blacks are prettier. ;)
Great tire. For a season you�ll forget how to change a flat. This is my 5th season using Black Gatorskins and I won�t use anything else. They might be a tad slower, but unless you�re racing the Tour it�s not going to matter. Two thumbs up!!!
These are my go to winter tires for riding in Colorado. The local county here puts gravelsand down over the winters that will shred most other tires. But the Gatorskins stand up and I can normally get 2 winters out of a set, or about 2,500 miles. This year I've kept them on for the summer and have been taking them on gravel roads and dirt, without any puncture issues. I hope they keep making the black limited edition because they look so much better than the standard gator skins. I'm also 6'4 and 195 lbs so I'm on the heavier end of things.
I've been using 25mm tires FOR EVER!!!! (over 20 years); love them. Switched to Conti Gatorskins back in 2008 or 2009. Lots of mileage, very few flats (a handful in all these years), decent ride (combination of compliance and traction), and when they're on sale (like these were), I buy a pair.
I have run Continental tires on my bikes for over 30 years of racing & training.
Gatorskins are outstanding for training. The hard shells were good but didn't allow for the road feel the Gatorskins still allow with excellent puncture protection
As a guy who is a daily commuter in a busy growing city I love Gatorskins. I have gone years with the tires and had only 1 or 2 punctures ever. They are completely worth it. The one thing I would warn people about it be ready to fight these to be successfully installed. So install these on a hot day or using a hair dryer so loosen these up and make them more workable.
I've used these at the advice of a fellow bicyclist. They last far longer than less expensive tires and save money ultimately in more rides enjoyed and less replacement tires needing to be purchased.
I live in an area with a lot of road debris. I found using a Gatorskin on my rear wheel significantly cuts down on flats. It is pair with a thick brutal tube and I really can't tell any difference in rolling resistance for those fast group rides or riding solo. I don't race with it but I prefer the 5000 for that.
Tire wear well and are an excellent choice for training especially for the value conscious rider.
I use these tires all winter long with no flats. My original set last me two winters
I love everything about Gatorskins. They are a very durable tire and have never let me down. Excellent for these Texas back roads!
Always a durable product and now even better with improved sidewall protection.
Used these tires for years, have had good luck with them, long wearing, and a decent tire for hard, competitive riding. Can�t beat the price when on sale.
Tired of getting flats and even worse during winter evening rides. So far no flats on these threads over a couple of hundreds miles.
Tired of getting flats and even worse during winter evening rides. So far no flats on these threads over a couple of hundreds miles.
Great tire very flat proof and rolls and handles great.
Solid, dependable and great pricing. Have been using this type tires in all my bikes. Long lasting in Arizona heat.
Solid, dependable and great pricing. Have been using this type tires in all my bikes. Long lasting in Arizona heat.
They ride very well, good puncture resistance. They feel faster than my thinner gator skins
I have had 2 Gatorskin road tires (25 x 700) get sidewall punctures recently. The primary tread has great wear resistance but wow are the sidewalls weak. They need to wrap the primary tread material around the tire a bit (1/4"- 3/8"?). Folks I ride with have had similar issues
