Gatorskin vs Hardshell?
06-21-20, 05:42 PM
#1
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Gatorskin vs Hardshell?
Which one is the most sidewall resistant
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...e/rp-prod18800
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...e/rp-prod49762
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...e/rp-prod18800
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...e/rp-prod49762
06-21-20, 06:45 PM
#2
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According to bicyclerollingresistance.com, the Gator Hardshells have more protection, but the also have higher rolling resistance. According to that website, The Conti gp 5000 have a 10 watt rolling resistance, the Gator Hardshells are 19.2. That's a big difference.
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06-21-20, 07:42 PM
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I used both regular Gatorskins and Hardshells. I just ordered another set and ordered the regular. The regular have a better ride feel.
That said, if sidewall resistance was my concern, the Hardshells are more puncture resistant.
Good luck.
That said, if sidewall resistance was my concern, the Hardshells are more puncture resistant.
Good luck.
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06-21-20, 07:51 PM
#4
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The Hardshells have the ride quality of a tire made entirely out of LEGO brick. But they don't get flats. The Hardshell gives up everything in the name of puncture resistance. Be aware.
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06-22-20, 05:23 AM
#5
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Thanks for the info
06-22-20, 08:27 AM
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I use Hardshells, but I live in an urban environment that has a good amount of broken glass. It is worth it to me to avoid the aggravation and time loss of changing a flat. If I lived someplace else, I would explore a different tire.
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06-22-20, 08:39 AM
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I've tried both. Don't really like either. I'd rather deal with infrequent punctures than arrive at work feeling like my a**hole got welded shut.
To put it bluntly....
To put it bluntly....
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06-22-20, 11:11 AM
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I ride tubeless with nice supple, fast tires, and don't get flats.
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06-30-20, 10:32 PM
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The key word is "infrequent". What is your definition of infrequent as applied to flats ? I use Gatorskins exclusively now. Not the nice ride as with GP5000's for instance but around here with the neglected roads and goatheads I was getting flats at a minimum of every other ride. Some rides I was getting two flats and decided enough is enough................
06-30-20, 11:11 PM
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The key word is "infrequent". What is your definition of infrequent as applied to flats ? I use Gatorskins exclusively now. Not the nice ride as with GP5000's for instance but around here with the neglected roads and goatheads I was getting flats at a minimum of every other ride. Some rides I was getting two flats and decided enough is enough................
Anyhoo-if you can take the ride, more power to ya! My tuches gave them the hook.
07-01-20, 10:01 AM
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For me, getting 2 flats in a month is frequent. For reference, I usually ride about 150-200 miles a week, using several different bikes. As far as the Gator Skins are concerned, I had 700 x 28 Gator Skins and later Gator Skin Hard Shells on a Cross Check that I commuted on every day for about 3 years. I had them at 80 F and 85 R. Yes, they only flatted a couple times in that time span. I wore the rear tires pretty much to a point of being squared off and the wear markers long gone. I mean, highest marks for durability, but it wasn't until I tried 38mm Panaracer Gravel King slicks that I realized I'd suffered enough. They wear out MUCH faster, though. I think they have a 1000-1200 mile life span. But I've only had 2 punctures in that time and I commute through industrial neighborhoods and even on the side of highway 101 for about 1/2 mile each direction. You should see some of the stuff that winds up on the side of a freeway!
Anyhoo-if you can take the ride, more power to ya! My tuches gave them the hook.
Anyhoo-if you can take the ride, more power to ya! My tuches gave them the hook.
Yeah it is a compromise. Thanks for the info on the Panaracer Gravel Kings. I may give them a try. BTW, I see you have a Surly Cross Check. I am thinking of getting a Cross Check myself. A ride friend has one and I really like it. My wife doesn't understand the need for another bike but my strategy is to get her a new bike too
07-01-20, 10:45 AM
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Yeah it is a compromise. Thanks for the info on the Panaracer Gravel Kings. I may give them a try. BTW, I see you have a Surly Cross Check. I am thinking of getting a Cross Check myself. A ride friend has one and I really like it. My wife doesn't understand the need for another bike but my strategy is to get her a new bike too
Maybe his and hers Cross Checks?
07-01-20, 05:47 PM
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The Cross Check is a great "do-all" bike. I have mine set up with fenders, front and rear racks and a sub-compact cranket (46/30) and wide range cassette (11/34) in back so it will pretty much go anywhere and still have some speed on the flats. The 38mm tires really made it a much more comfortable bike.
Maybe his and hers Cross Checks?
Maybe his and hers Cross Checks?
Ha,ha that is a good idea. !
07-01-20, 06:55 PM
#15
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I used to be a bike messenger in NYC, riding both a road bike and a fixed gear. Gatorskins were a MUST! Never got a single flat, except for like one or two pinch flats. Never a puncture. Swear by this tire, if your main goal is to avoid flats. Performance i think is acceptable, but they are more slippery on wet surfaces from my experience than regular tires.
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07-01-20, 08:02 PM
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Even a Hardshell has a bad day. Still a mighty tough tire, and a comparable ride...
Last edited by Archwhorides; 07-02-20 at 06:38 AM.
