Time to replace my training tires on my bike. Which do you recommend? Gaterskins or Gatorshell? and why? I’m been training on GP4000S but decided to switch to a durable, puncture resistant tire for training.
Thanks in advanced for your suggestions.
It doesn’t really matter much. the Gator HardShell has a bit more tread, so would be a bit slower, bit more durable.
But I would just pick up whatever you find the best price on.
Have you considered the Specialized Roubaix tires?
I have used the Conti’s and the Specialized and, in my opinion, the Conti’s ride like tanks.
The Specialized Roubaix have been pretty durable for me and may even have less rolling resistance than the Conti’s.
I have abused them on gravel roads, tow path, fire roads and no issues whatsoever. Plus they give a much nicer ride.
If you search the articles here - they did a review of them in the last few months.
I trained on gatorskins last year and they were great. I ride indoors on the trainer on then during the week and outdoors with them on the weekends. they held up great on the trainer all season and outside. only had one flat due to a thumb tack sticking in them to the tube, but it didnt actually flat until after the ride after I pulled it out. They are not that great in the rain or corning though. I plan on getting a new set this season once it finally warms up here.
Why not just stick with the 4000s? Almost as durable as the Gatorskin, more comfortable, faster, and same price ($40 or less on just about any site right now including Amazon)
I have used the Conti’s and the Specialized and, in my opinion, the Conti’s ride like tanks.
I haven’t ridden the Specialized Roubaix tires, but I agree that the Gatorskins have terrible feel. I train on Maxxis Re-fuse. They feel a lot better and are similar in durability to the Gatorskins. The 4000S is nice but no where near as durable or long lasting as the Gatorskins or Re-fuse.
I have been riding Gator Hardshells for the past 6 months. Not a single flat. They are a tad slower/heavier than the faster tires, but I don’t mind since they are my training tires. So when I do put on race wheels/tires, I can ride faster putting out the same effort using the Hardshells.
If you don’t mind a little more thickness, Hardshells for sure. But Gatorskins are always a go-to for many people I know and are cheaper.
I have had the worst time with the spec Roubaix, i will never use a spec tire again, i think i had 6 or 7 flats between a front and rear in two months on roads i ride regularly and rarely get flats. These were all clear punctures through the sidewall or tread.
I will second other peoples opinions and suggest the gp 4000’s, you can get them at very good prices and i dont seem them being that more durable than gatorskins, but i think you are splitting hairs at that point. Get the cheapest one, if they are close grab the gatorskins.
Gator skins did little to help with thorns around here. Maxxis Refuse are my bomb proof tire. Cheaper, too.
This really comes down to how rough your roads are and how fast you like your tyres.
I had Gotorskins a few years ago and commuted regularly and barely had a puncture in over a year.
Wet weather grip could be dicey at times and manhole covers even more treacherous than GP4000S but they were pretty bulletproof and lasted well, I weighed between 85-90 kgs.
Cheaper option: Nashbar’s “Duro Pro” folding clichers are essentially rebadged Maxxis Detonators with a slick center tread and folding bead. Tough, very flat resistant, long wearing and smooth rolling (notably smoother than Gatorskins). They cost less than $25.
I put on 25mm Conti Gatorskins on my CX bike that I use for training. I live in the country so I needed protection as there is gravel, rough roads & thorns on long & lonely stretches of road. They are great for training.
When I get on my Tri bike with 23mm Vittoria Evo Open Corsa It feels like I’ve got wings.
I too use the Gatorskins on my CX bike during the spring and summer for daily commuting and wet weather training. Lucky maybe, but no flats on those tires for a couple of years. I do make sure that the pressure is always in my sweetspot and swap out the rear when it gets worn (usually 2 rear tires for every 1 front) but I also don’t try to squeeze every possible spot of life out of any of my tires. And I look at the slightly increased rolling resistance as a training benefit.
The GP4000S go on the road bike for nice weather training and road racing. Love 'em but would not want to use for my daily commute. Gatorskins on the TT bike’s training wheels (you know what I mean) and Zipp Tangente on its race wheels.