ContinentalGatorSkin DuraSkin Tire

This is the 3rd set of Conti GatorSkin tires I'm running on my road bike. All three sets have been amazing. They are extremely puncture resistant and I have literally not flatted on any of the three sets I've bought and used. They also last a very long time... about double the life of what I was getting out of the Michelin Pro4 tires I've tried. They do not feel overly heavy and handle extremely well in the dry and wet.I've tried these in 700x23, 700x25 and now I'm using a 700x28 size. The added width is really great. It puts more contact patch on the road and also allows me to run slightly lower pressures so the ride quality is noticeably more comfortable. I highly recommend thse tires for everyday use and training. I'm sure you can find lighter weight tires if you are competing, but in day to day riding, the puncture resistance is much more important IMO.

These are the best tires for riding on Texas roads since there tends to be lots of debris waiting to puncture your tires. I seldom get flats thanks to these tires.

I've recently switched from Continental Grand Prix 5000 to Gatorskins on my Trek Madone. The 25c vs 23c tires only weigh 28 gms more per tire. Per tire weight of a 25C comes in at 240 gms. The weight sacrifice for the "road insurance" you get from the dura skin sidewall is well worth it. I also wasn't a big fan of the black chili in the GP 5000. I suffered many small cuts and they developed flat spots in the center tread area early in their lifespan (see 1st picture). The tread compound and rubber thickness on the Gatorskins is plenty sticky enough and should get comparable or better mileage. Expect 4K miles based on my real world experience. The sidwalls on the new Gatorskins are also covered in a minimal amount of rubber vs the old caramel color (pictures 2 and 3). There is NO discerning difference in “suppleness” or “road feel” between either the 5000’s or Gatorskins. I've had a few pine cone/rock experiences on the sidewalls, and the 5000's failed before I could wear them out. But not the Gatorskins. The mounted width on my Mavic Kysrium wheels was spot on at 25 mm for the 25 C. For a 165 lb high-end rider as myself, I run 80 psi front and 90 psi rear. The recommendation by Continental is 90 – 120 psi. Lower pressures mean fewer flats and a far better ride. I'm sold as this is my new tire of choice.

Good tires for puncture resistant. Have been using gator skin tires for years and very happy with the performance.

Gatorskins are good. Like them a lot better than the Continental 5000's I had in between my Gatorskins. May be a smidge heavier, but much better flat protection. Can be hard to get on. I suggest you put them in the sun for a bit to warm them up before mounting so they are easier to work with.

For what Continental Gatorskins are, they are wonderful, and I always equip my bicycles (ranging from 80s roadies to modern ones) with them.Gatorskins are, for their price, the best at puncture resistance. While I absolutely have had flats (and even total wheel destruction-- Philly has terrible roads) with them, the rate at which I've been stopped during rides with these tires has been miniscule when compared to other tires I've had. Glass, metal grit, and other common hazards simply aren't a significant problem when one is riding with Gatorskins. Nails and similar industrial objects intended to puncture are, however.Traction is poor, but only in wet conditions. While I have wiped out riding on Gatorskins in the rain, I have never done so in dry weather. My advice for these is to stick with sunny day riding or have to sets of tires or wheels.One's speed riding with these things will never be extremely high, but much slower tires are out there. Keep your pressures high and you'll be happy.Gatorskins are expensive, but not astronomically so. They're absolutely wonderful for the cost.These folding tires are easy to install and remove. I've never had a serious problem mounting them, but by all means keep irons around.I'll summarize with this: I've been using them for ages, and I plan on continuing to do so.

This is my 2nd pair. I cycle a lot and these have done very well for me. They are a little heavy but the trade off is a good heavy duty wear layer that rolls well. I even use this tire on my trainer and go back and forth between riding on the streets and on the trainer when the weather gets bad.

Two tires came in as ordered. Went on my Trek bike with tools, as I expected. So far everything is good with these tires.