ContinentalGator Hardshell 700c Road Tire (Wire Bead)(Return to Product Page)

these tires do exactly what they say they do miles and miles of flat free riding. Not only that they ride well. What more could you ask for in a tire. My bikes wont ever have anything else.

Superior durability

No loss of comfort

Handles fine even cornering at 35mph

rides like the original gaterskin but have confidence of a lot less flats

I have roughly 1700 FLAT FREE MILES on the set I currently have mounted. I love these tires. They feel much slower than a traditional Race Tire, but I would have a very hard time being convinced to buy a different tire. They grip well in the rain, and handle the training miles with ease. The wear (lack of) is incredible. They have held up perfectly. I train regularly, and would reccommend these to anyone.

I ride 5 days a week training in variable conditions. I ride a lot of back roads and hills. Rolling resistance is great. I have had no flats since going to these. I use them in races as well as training. They are bullet proof

I didn't have a lot of confidence in the wet performance of the previous generation of these tires. This version seems to be a bit stickier when there's water on the pavement. I've only got about 100 miles on them so far, but it's a pretty good tire for my commute. I'll trade a bit of traction and weight for puncture protection if it keeps me from having to change a tube on the way to work.

I rode the length of the Katy Trail across Missouri on a new set of these tires. The surface of that trail is crushed limestone that had been softened by early Spring snow and rain. The hardshell provided tread and sidewall protection. The width provided superior stability. The PSI rating was higher than similar tires so my ride was faster, and the tread pattern was ideal for the trail surface. In addition, the tires were easy to mount, which hasn't always been my experience with hardshells.

I've ridden Gatorskins for over 20 years with no problems, and these are just the thing for an older rider or a long distance tourer who wants stability and security without excessive rolling resistance.

I like Conti tires, but usually they died a quick death of a thousand cuts in the Portland area. I blame the local basalt rock that is crushed and used for roads, winter, construction, etc. It is very hard, and when crushed usually has very sharp edges. I rode a set of Hardshells all winter over this stuff without a single nick. I've gotten to where with the bike I have these mounted on, I don't pay much attention to small debris short of nails anymore.

The overall ride with these is the same as a regular Gatorskin - a little harsh - with a little more rolling resistance. You can't race them, and if your manhood is at stake on weekend training rides you shouldn't use 'em then either. That said, the only real down I've experienced with them is that for a tire I want to use on a rainy day, they don't grip as well as a more cut-able tire. So no more 40 mph descents on curvy roads in the rain...

I have about 5000 miles on my first set of hardshells. Riding year round in the northwest, you get a lot of glass and road crud that cuts your tires up quite quickly. I was able to get over 2000 miles before a single cut occured, but no flats, even after 5000 miles!

But you'd hardly know it with the hardshells. They aren't the fastest-feeling tires I've had on my 32 pound commuting biketank, but the number of times I've not had to stop and repair tubes makes it worth it. If you're looking for fast and snappy feeling, look elsewhere, but these are as close to the perfect higher-pressure commuting tire as I've used in the last few years and I'm happy with them. The one flat I have had (staples!) I didn't notice at first because the 25s keep their shape well and are so sturdy. I'd give them an A- as a commuting tire.

26 mile round trip commute over every type of urban surface. Yeah, the feel is a little firm and they might be a little slow- but I'd rather make it home a few seconds slower than be stuck on the side of the road fixing a flat.

I put these on (700x23) in the spring and have probably 3000 miles on them. Only one cut in the rear tire, no punctures. I ride on mainly smooth pavement with the occasional strewn gravel, glass and usual road debris. The feel a bit more stiff than the Conti GP 4000 I ride on for longer training rides and long event rides. They are probably a touch heavier and and may more rolling resistance, but for day to day training a great choice I will stick with. I figure the added weight and rolling resistance are like resistance training.

I've used these (25c) for training and racing (including the Tour of the Battenkill) without a single puncture. A bit heavy (can feel it vs. the 23c Gatorskins) on the climbs, but perfect for training and brutal unpave racing.