Which tyres?

[Rebel Ian]

I need to get some new tyres before I set off for LEJoG. I'm not carrying kit but obviously need something with decent puncture resistance but also low rolling resistance.

The Continental Gatorskins get good reviews - is there any experience on here of these or any others I should be considering?

 

[eldudino]

I've got 23c folding Gatorskins on my winter bike and love em. If you're looking for something with a bit more puncture protection, there's the Gatorskin hardshell; they're heavier than the Gatorskins (which come in at 230g).

 

[Manonabike]

I've got Gatorskin on my SS and I'm very impressed with them. I nearly went for the Marathon Plus but they are too heavy. No punctures so far and they are fast too.

 

[gbb]

I always run gators, and while they do give reasonable punture protection and do roll well, they are a little prone to slitting. I nearly always seem to end up with a 4 or 5mm gash in mine, which while it hasnt gone through the casing, so its perfectly rideable, it always plays on your mind.
Also, beware gators when they're brand new...they're very slippery in the wet until they've scrubbed up a bit.

But overall, i always use em, and will keep doing so. personally i dont want to trade off speed and get heavier, more puncture resisitant tyres.

 

[ChristinaJL]

I got a pair of gatorskins last week for the first time and I love them. They seem faster than my old spesh armadillos.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Another thumbs up for gatorskins, but I have only done 00 or so miles.

I did a bit of research before muying them, most people that had probles didnt keep them up to pressure. Might be an idea to get a track pump too. As it happens, halfords has a 3 for 2 at the moment, so you could get 2 tyres and a joe blow trackpump for nearly the same cost as just 2 tyres (`tis what I did!)

 

[Rebel Ian]

That said (and I know I'm tempting fate) I've done 1100 miles on cheap Vittoria Zaffiros without any hint of a flat. I'm assuming that the regular Gatorskin would be a vast improvement on what I'm already running with?

 

[PoweredByVeg]

+1 for the Gatorskins. Done all of 24 miles on them so far, wanted Ultra Sports with the protection (got them on another bike) but CRC don't stock them anymore

The Gatorskins were a bugger to get on a set of Shimano R-500 wheels tho'

 

[HJ]

I have ridden over 2000 miles on Conti Gatorskins without problems.

 

[gaz]

That said (and I know I'm tempting fate) I've done 1100 miles on cheap Vittoria Zaffiros without any hint of a flat. I'm assuming that the regular Gatorskin would be a vast improvement on what I'm already running with?

That is impressive! The Zaffiros are entry level tyres with no puncture protection.
Vittoria Rubino and Diamante tires are my personal choice.

 

[Baggy]

Gatorskins have been my tyre of choice for about 15,000 miles in all weathers, all conditions and all types of road terrain - and probably average less than one visit from the p*nctu*e fairies every 1000 miles I run 28mm at about 90-100 psi and 25mm at about 100-110.

Recently trieds Conti GP4000s which are a really nice tyre to ride, but have managed to slit the sidewall and have had 3 unscheduled deflations in 4 rides (even with a tyre boot) so it's back to Gators.

 

[Rebel Ian]

I got a pair of gatorskins last week for the first time and I love them. They seem faster than my old spesh armadillos.

I've run Spesh Armadillos on both my other bikes before the Vittorias on the Bianchi. The Armadillos seem to have less rolling resistance than the Vittorias so that's good if the Conti are better than that. Have ordered a pair so will see what they're like next weekend hopefully.

 

[cyberknight]

I guess i am unlucky with mine , i get a flat every 3-400 miles but i do have to use a glass strewn cycle path as part of my commute.

I will be going for either the gator hardhsell next or the durano plus

 

[yello]

I too like gatorskins; I have them on my fixed.

If you can run to the extra cost, have a look at Conti GP 4 Seasons. Lighter and faster than gatorskins (which you may feel of benefit on lejog) and comparable p protection.

 

[pubrunner]

I too like gatorskins; I have them on my fixed.

If you can run to the extra cost, have a look at Conti GP 4 Seasons. Lighter and faster than gatorskins (which you may feel of benefit on lejog) and comparable p protection.

+1 for Conti GP 4 Seasons; mind you, on another bike, I have Michelin Krylions which I think are as good as the 4 Seasons - and a good deal less expensive.