
I tried other brands for training that promised to be thorn and flat resistive, but I keep coming back to the Continentals. The Gator Hardshell isn't going to win any awards for being lightweight, but that's what racing tires are for. These basically repel all goatheads, which is saying a lot in New Mexico (Goat-head capital of the US). Buy and train with confidence!
My 4 th set. No the lightest or most confortable but Great tires.. But above all worry free from flats. Use it daily rought road , no problem. Never had a flat and ride daily over 40 miles. Would no use it for racing or if looking for a light tire. But if you want a quality dependable tire no better choice.
Solved my problem with my flats on commutes! After 2 flats in 8 years using Gatorskins (even ran on rear tire through to the cords), I had forgotten how important it was to have a tough tire for commuting! I got a new bike last year, flatted twice on the Schwalbe tires that came with the bike, so I changed to Conti GP -Season (great handling tire) but flatted 5 times in 8 weeks!! (lots of tough paths, sidewalks, etc.) - so I wanted Gatorskins, but decided to go to the new, even tougher Gator Hardshell tires - 12 weeks later no flats, no worries - perfect for my commute! A little difficult to install compared to other Conti tires, but well worth the effort. Highly recommended for commuting, tandem, and any application where durability is paramount.
This is one of the best puncture-proof tires out there. I live in goathead country, and my conti's do quite well at keeping me on the road. The ride is not as plush as some, but not as stiff as others, works for me.
These are the most durable and puncture resistant road tires I've used thus far. Stout sidewalls that are not easily cut and excellent construction limit punctures tremendously.
The Continental Gator tires are great!! I had them on my first road bike and now on my second road bike. Very durable and feel confident that I won't have flat tires. Highly recommend them. Also put them on my husband's bike and he likes them too!!
I bought a new Schlitter recumbent and on one of my first rides I encountered something I neve experienced in Maryland....sand spurs! Got two flats in one ride. A friend suggested Gatorskins and now I laugh at you nasty sand spurs.
This tire is the best puncture resistant tire I've used. I have been riding for over 50 years and this tire for it's price point is definitely worth considering. Highly recommend it.
I rode these tires up Mt. Tam on fire roads 3 times in last month and no issues. 2X Eldridge and 1X Railroad Grade and they performed very well despite being taken over rocky terrain that they were not designed for. Zero punctures or cuts and other than a little scuffing they are doing fine. They held better than I expected on loose rocky terrain with minimal slippage. Swapping on some CX tires and will keep these for pavement.
Not the most supple tire out there, but if you have goathead (thorns) problems in your area this is your tire. I've been using these for a year now and no flats so far. They are long wearing too. They stand up well to chip sealed roads.
I have used Cont. 4000 II, Verdestein and Michelin Pro 4 and this by far is the best I have found for wear and durability. I teamed them up with puncture resistant tubes and have yet to have a flat. They ride a little stiff but the roll is great. I would not use if racing, but I am a rider who just loves riding. I do about 200-250 a week and all in asphalt roads. I like they have now begun to include the wear indicator dots on the tire. It looks like I will get at least 2500-3000 out of these tires. Very, very satisfied!
Have been running gator hardshell for years, however, the past tires were 23mm wide, wanted a wider tire, and this tire worked perfectly.
Changed to gator hard shells after a three week tour, the riders with tire had fewer flats than the rest of us using various brands.
Have yet to get a flat with these. Granted not riding thru NYC or anything, but... One time, found a huge staple in the tread, pulled it out but it had not punctured the protective layers. My every day, go to tires when don't want to worry about stopping to change a flat! Very satisfied.