ContinentalGatorskin 27 Inch Road Tire(Return to Product Page)

I have put over 4800 miles on my present pair and am purchasing a second pair for the next seasons rides. They were stellar on RABRAI and have completed 2 GOBA plus other single day rides as well as my local touring around Ohio. I have complete confidence in the Gatorskins and until I have to look for other brands, I will continue to use the Gatorskins.

While there is no such thing as a bullet-proof tire, and the UltraGatorSkin is not bullet proof, it is my favorite compromise between incredibly puncture resistant, but stiff as...monsters line Armadillos, and incredibly puncture prone race tires. The UltraGatorskins are a great blend of puncture resistance and handling.

I have a pair of these tires on my commuter and another on my higher end road bike. While I commute year 'round, often carrying 25 lbs or more more of commuter stuff with me, I live in the SF Bay Area and it never gets too cold, although it gets wet and, of course, very dark in the winter. I like the traction I get, wet or dry on curves, even when fully loaded and the low rolling resistance on the straight away. I have had several flats on these tires, mainly occurring in the dark on wet roads where I have more trouble seeing major obstacles. Still, I believe that I have had many fewer flats on these tires than on other makes of tires. Further, every flat I have suffered after switching to ultragator skins has been caused by a major piece of debris drywall screws, giant shards of glass, etc.

On my fancy new road bike, which I enjoy riding in good weather and taking on longer group rides, century rides, etc, I have been very fortunate to get no flats in the 1000 miles of riding I have done on the gatorskins knock on wood. While they are not the lightest tires on the road, they aren't bad. Also, how much faster do you have to be to make up for the time it takes to fix a flat?

I waited until I put 975 miles on these tires to say anything. They feel good and I have never had a flat. Some of the roads I ride on are pretty rough. I recommend these tires very much. I haven't noticed any sort of speed problem with them.