Seasonal

I'm in the market for a new rear tire, I am using a stock one that came with my bike that isn't all that great, and I want something thicker (it's 23, I want something around 28 on the rear, maybe 32) Since nashbar is having a sale right now, I was thinking of picking up a Gatorskin in 32 for the rear, any other recommendations?

Mark Stone

I recommend my current tire, Continental Touring Plus, 32. Freakin' bulletproof and great for GP use.

IcySmooth52

32s are HUGE. I'd go just 2-steps up instead of jumping 3. Continental is the best tire brand in my opinion, so I'd say between the Gatorskins and Grand Prix. How do you ride? Gatorskins if you're real rough on riding or stopping by locking up the wheel, and Grand Prix if you want speed. Don't think the GP is susceptible to flats. I does have puncture protection strip, just not sidewall reinforcement.

bones_mcbones

don't go too wide vs your rims, or you'll be riding on balloons.

MattoftheRocks

If your bike came stock with a 23, I highly doubt that a 32 would fit. Measure the space between your chainstays where the tire goes before ordering. An acquaintance bought the target fixy schwinn courier, cheep as it was, even it barrrrely fit 25's.

Seasonal

The rear area of the bike can accomidate up to 35s or so. The stock fork that came with my bike can run 28c max though.

Yea you're right, They fit 28's fine, but 32 may be a bit too big for the wheelset I have. I will just wait until I get a beefier wheelset for the 32's, I figure I'd get a thicker tire since I am a Clydes but 28 should suffice.

bones_mcbones

28 is the sweet spot imo.

IamNed

I went from stock 23's to 28's gatorskins because I have found them extremely low maintenance on my road bike, and use my FG for almost strictly in town riding. I'm pleased with how little air I have to add to the 28's,

I am IamNed

thewilson 

As someone who just seems prone to flats I love my gatorskin hardshells. the only flats I've gotten with it are from a thumb tack and something else I didn't see but put a good 1/2" gash through it. I still use that exact tire with no issues. Found a staple in it once, pulled it out and no leak.

Seasonal

What do you mean 'how little air'? do you mean it's base psi? or how much you need to re-add after each ride/leak rate?

IamNed

Yea, I didn't phrase that very well. I air up tires before every ride...well I used to. Perhaps I am just used to air loss on 23's. Its proving to be a pointless effort at this time airing up the 28's on my fixed gear. They don't lose much air. I keep it at 100 psi. Now if it feels aired up by hand, I jump on it and go.

I don't credit the gatorskins for that, I credit the little bit larger tire. I use this bike for running around town and getting some exercise or a hair cut. Regardless of brand, I'm glad I went with 28's. Visually, there isn't much difference between them and the 23's that came on it and that are on my road bike. Maintenance wise, it's a huge difference.

I would have put 32's on, but I don't think they would fit. I'm happy with the 28s now that I haven't put air in them

I am IamNed

Seasonal

Sounds good, I run a 28 gatorskin on my front wheel and noticed the same thing.

nightfly

28s are really nice and a good all around tire.

Never ridden Gatorskins but like Panaracer T-Serv Messengers. Good road feel but tough. Put a set of Continental Gran Prix's on my wife's road bike and she seems to like them. She's running 25s and they seem as wide are my 28 T-Servs.

Randonneurs are super heavy and I don't think they ride that well either. Gatorskins seem to be everyone's favorite.

veganbikes

I like my 23 Gatorskins that being said if you like a more "widthy" tire the 25 or 28 would be just fine and dandy. I have Contis on all of my bikes and I have no reason to change unless I was testing a tire for the shop.

Plus my Gators hold pressure really well and I find I am not needing to inflate them as much as you normally should.

nightfly

How do Gatorskins ride? Never had them but was a little scarred from riding some Specialized Armadillos which were all the rage on here awhile back and they both rode and wore like lead.

fietsbob

The Gator skin reinforces the sidewall . buy or not you choose.

Wspsux

I run Panaracer Paselas on two bikes and am quite pleased with them.

I run a 35mm on my tourer/townie (Jamis Aurora) and 25mm PT on my All City BB. They aren't particularly grippy if skid stopping is your thing. They do make a cool noise though.

T13

Vittorio Rubino 28's FTW

Leukybear 

I like panaracer pasela PTs on my commuters. Skinwalls!