Old 03-15-24, 09:32 AM
  #27  
rekmeyata
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Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS

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Problem with the Gatoskin tires is that the max width is only 32mm, which is ok if you're not carrying a heavy camping load, but with a heavy camping load you will have to use more PSI which means the ride won't be as comfortable and you'll have to use between 80 to 90 psi, whereas with a 38 you'll only need 60 to 70 psi, those 20 fewer psi can make a big difference in the ride quality. However, the Almotion from the factory labels their size at 38, it is actually a 40, which means you can use a bit less air.

The other issue with the Gatorskin is that once 60 pounds or so of gear is added they wear out fast, you'll only get about 3,000 to 5,000 miles max on the tire vs over 8,000 to 10,000 miles loaded with the Schwalbe Almotion tire. The Almotion tire has a superior flat protection system vs the Gatorskin; also for touring tires, the Almotion had the lowest rolling resistance of any touring tire tested. There was a tire tested called the Compass that showed a lower rolling resistance, but it was also 3 mm narrower at factory specs, but the Almotion actually measures out to 40 so the Compass was actually 5 mm narrower, thus the reason why the Compass has lower rolling resistance. And if you look at the Gatorskin in a 25mm it actually uses 4 to 5 more watts than the wider 38 (40) Almotion despite it's weight being more, and so the Gator 32mm would consume even more watts, probably at least 5 watts more, so with Almotion you would be saving at least 10 watts over the Gator.

All of that compiled, tire width, comfort, flat resistance, rolling resistance, and long mileage, is why I chose the Almotion.
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