I've used Gatorskins over 10 years. They used to wear down to the threads with no trouble. But in the last 2-3 years, I've had to replace several tires early, because they seem to come apart internally. As if the tread separates from the casing. They will make odd popping or crackling or squishing noises. Sometimes I'll see small lumps about the diameter of a pea. "Something" has changed about how they make Gatorskins.