Symox

not a racer but a recreational rider, I find I really appreciate Continental Gatorskins (28mm with 60-85psi front/back). The ride is plenty grippy for my needs and the tires seem to last quite a while.

Haven't gotten a flat while riding (though did find an embedded wire while at home that flatted when I pulled it out)

Yes I know there are those that say they ride like garden hoses. I don't get it, I'm just glad that I found a quality tire for my needs.

seedsbelize 

I also like them.

Joearch

Best to be comfortable with your equipment. Go with what you like.

mstateglfr 

Frozen garden hose, to be clear.


Ride whatever works for you. They are clearly a popular option.

Bmach

They are my winter go to tires, the rest of the year I ride GP5000. Both tires do the job I want them to do.

Symox

ha ha ha ha
yes, that is the term I see.
I just don't get it, but maybe I haven't tried enough tires to see why these are so terrible for some.

tempocyclist

For recreational riding, commuting and general stuff, they're absolutely fine. Nothing wrong with them. They do the job, especially in 28mm guise.

If you're after outright speed when bombing along at threshold power though, there's certainly far superior choices. A decent tyre could save you 10+ watts over the Gatorskins, which is significant.

Seattle Forrest

Then don't. Tires that are preferred by the people who say uncharitable things about Gatorskins (I'm one of those people and I'll be happy to go off if you want some entertainment) are more prone to flatting. You said one of the reasons you like your tires is they don't do that. So, don't drop $80 a tire for supple, fast race tires with tissue paper sidewalls. You may or may not notice or appreciate the difference in how they ride, and they won't last as long. You're happy now and at a good $ value. It ain't broke, don't fix it.

PeteHski

Anyone considering a faster, nicer riding alternative to Gatorskins should take a look at the newer Pirelli Cinturato Velos. They offer even better puncture resistance too and you can run them tubed or tubeless as you like.

redcon1

Frozen garden hose filled with lead shot.

Actually my wife has them in 28mm on her Ruby and they seem like decent tires, and not all that much heavier or less lively than my Specialized Turbo Pros.

johnnyace 

I bought a pair (in 32mm no less) for my Peugeot PX10, to ride in Cino this coming weekend. Figured the application was appropriate. Never owned/ridden them before, so I'll reserve judgement until after the event.

PeteHski

Do those 32 mm actually fit your frame?

johnnyace 

Yes. That's the great thing about these old French bikes with Mafac Racer centerpull brakes; they can take some big tires, no problem.

Bah Humbug

Someone keeps buying then. Someone also kees buying Whoppers.

For anyone who wants a very flat-resistant tire that’s better, I’ll recommend the Michelin Power Protection+, again.

PeteHski

That's a great benefit! I do like those old Peugeots. They are the bikes I used to want when I was a kid in the 80s

Sy Reene

Maybe, but I understood a gatorskin type of tire helps prevent flats more from sharp objects (thorns, glass, etc). I didn't see anything in that video that really begs for gatorskins -- combo of fairly clean-looking roads and hardpack dirt. That said, not sure how say a 32mm Gatorskin might or might not compare to a different class of 32mm tire, such as a Gravelking or Strada Bianca, etc, or for speed any of the endurance class of road tires, such as Mich Power Endurance, Corsa Controls, Pirellii Velo 4S, etc

johnnyace 

Oh, I agree. Just thought I'd give 'em a try, and the price was right. Given the nature of the event, Strada Biancas would have been the more appropriate choice.

burnthesheep

I think if someone is a lighter weight rider they can pull off lower pressures on a road tubeless setup to avoid all the higher pressure road tubeless "pitfalls". Most of the "it didn't seal" or "I lost too much pressure anyway when it sealed" is when road tubeless needs to seal at a higher pressure.

I think if they can resolve a few of those things for "joe public" who can't run super low pressures due to weight, and resolve the whole "get a spare tube in" debacle.............it would be game over for "garden hose" style Gators.

I used them to ride mixed surfaces in France on my cyclocross bike. I wanted flexibility to explore. They worked. But if they got road tubeless right in a 32mm............I'd go with that instead. And that opens up possibilities of faster tires on equal flat protection at that point.

spelger

good point, but i doubt these are the same people.

Seattle Forrest

I'm built like a football player but never had any of that trouble with road tubeless.

blacknbluebikes 

It's about where you ride and your tolerance for road-side fixes. I loved the vittoria "good to race" tires that came stock on my latest bike. Had like 6 flats over 2 months. GP5k been pretty good, but a couple flats nonetheless. Gators on the "B" bike, no flats in years. Gators on the wife's bike, no phone calls from the road in years. that's a big win. Riding in NJ = dirty roads; riding in tidewater VA area = very clean roads (more roadkill, tho).

SoSmellyAir

Well, now is your chance to stock up on the all black version at only $30: Continental Gatorskin Tire - Black Edition | Competitive Cyclist

Cyclist0105

23mm Gatorskins are OK light touring

PeteHski

Try the 32 mm Pirelli Cinturato Velo.
I run them tubeless at around 60-70 psi (175 lb rider) with no issues. You can also run them tubed as they are designed for both setups.
I use these for fast Granfondo events where I don't want to be fixing flats. They are not too far off a race tyre for performance.

seypat

They make fine boots. Highly recommended by Jack Colton and Joan Wilder.