User submitted reviews
Review by Anonymous
fast delivery, great price, great product
Review by OldeGuy
I live in live in goat head country and need protection against flats or I will flat with every ride. Gatorskins offer a decrease in flats without a large loss of feel of the bike.
Review by Anonymous
I was getting flats on a weekly basis so I started shopping for tires. Since I got these about 6 weeks ago, I have ridden probably 600 miles without a flat. They handle well enough as far as I can tell, although I live in the desert so I can't comment on how well they handle in the rain.
Review by marcf
As soon as a stock tire is done (or it sucks) - I slap on a gatorskin. Gatorskins are my go to summer tire - grips well, fast, durable, and not terribly expensive. I find them comfortable as well. I very seldom get flats running gatorskins, it happens but not often (once over multiple summer seasons). They look good, too.
Review by Hornbeam
I purchased these on sale in the 32mm size. I use them on a Space Horse with gravel rims that have an ID of 21mm.
I have used Gatorskins for years and there isn't really anything I can add to the already glowing reviews. They are very flat resistant, the ride is not too hard of a ride, and while not the fastest tires they don't feel like I have bricks for wheels.
Why, though, have I never thought to use them with latex tubes??? The ride is simply extraordinary! Yes I know that ride quality is not measurable, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. These tires are fantastic with latex tubes.
I have a 2nd set of wheels for the Space Horse with Schwalbe 40mm gravel tires set up tubeless. The Gatorskins with latex compare favorably to the ride quality of those.
Review by LookOutBelow
I put these tires on my Canondale hybrid. They replaced a pair of Avocet Cross tires that were 700x38. The Gatorskins are 700x35. It is a pleasure to ride these tires because they are less rolling resistance and they grip quite well on pavement and also stand up to dirt and gravel. To be fair, I must state that I also replaced the old rims. New tires, new rims right? They went on quite easily and my favorite part is when I roll my bike out of the garage for a ride, the tires squeak on the cement like a finger against a taught balloon. They also look nice on the bike which is a light blue frame, tan leather seat and black rims. I've only got about a hundred miles on them so far and I know I'll be rolling down the road for several more judging by many other cyclists who use them.
Review by Anonymous
I have always been extremely satisfied with Continental tires. This particular style (Gatorskin) is such a great tire. I just completed around 1000 miles in two weeks circling my home state, Montana on a solo tour. Many of the roads had a lot of debris. In addition, I found myself on numerous sections of gravel roads. I had absolutely no issues or flats which is saying something considering some of the roads I was on. While these tires wouldn't be my choice for road racing and such, touring, training rides, and durability are where they shine.
Review by David in Gilbert, AZ
I ride 7500-8000 miles per year and very rarely get flats. For my road bike, this is the tire I've been using for about 12 years now, and I'm not about to switch. I just watch for sale prices at Bike Tires Direct and get them for a nice price, and put them in the closet until I'm ready for a new one. For me, the rear tire will last about 2200-2500 miles or so, and the front will last much longer. My current front tire has 6000+ miles on it!
Review by Perfect balance
This is all I run now on my main use bike. I have tried several different brands and these are noticeably more durable than the others. I usually swap them at 2,500 and sell them for a couple bucks since they still have life in them. Might have to keep them longer with prices rising. I run Vittorias on my "race bike" (I don't really race) and they seem to roll better but for everyday riding I'll stick with the Gators. Have used 23, 25, and 28mm versions. All good for the money.
Review by gloyboy
We ride a tandem and average 6K miles per year on Gatorskin 28C tires. Besides significantly improving the ride and handling of our tandem, we've had only one flat for the last four pairs of these tires (and that was due to a broken bottle in the middle of the road on a fast downhill). We get about 2k miles per tire, which is incredible for our 290 lb combined rider weight. We will continue to mount these durable and supple tires as long as Continental keeps making them.
Review by Fatherof3onMI
My favorite commuter tire is no longer readily available and I needed a replacement. So far so good with these Gators'. My concerns are durability for commuting at a reasonable price and these seemed like a nice option that did not require me to go with a heavier wire bead. People complain that they ride harsh. At over 100psi they were harsh. I am running 32's at about 90-95 psi and they are great! I weigh about 170lbs. and no pinch flat issues or any other flats so far. Price was good and let's see how long they last.
Review by Roser
This tire has become my go-to tire for most of my yearly riding. I might have some GP 4000 II ready for race day, but the Gatorskin's are on for everything else! They do not puncture easily and honestly I cannot remember the last time I had a flat with one on these tires. I have 25's on my road bike and have 28's and 32's for my cross/gravel bike for added comfort and coverage.
Review by Anonymous
I live in an area with lots of sharp lava rock, and an unusual amt of road debris. These tires are not flat-PROOF, but are certainly a necessity here! Also, they wear really well (180# rider / smooth road surfaces, other than the debris) and last near 3000mi. They wear better than the Conti 4-Seasons, and WAY better than the Conti GP4000/5000!! I'd tried numerous 4-seasons, which are pretty good flat protection, but they don't wear quite as well as at Gatorskins. Will leave the wt differences up to the techies....
Review by Biomanghs
I have tried many types of tires over the years looking for softest ride or lightest and fastest. I always come back to Gatorskins because the lightness or supple ride is always negligible in the other tires and I absolutely HATE changing flat tires during a ride. Especially when it is a hot or cold day to ride. Also with the cost of tires (along with everything else) continually going up, the fact that Gatorskins last almost twice as long as other tires makes them a no brainer for me. Bike Tires Direct consistently has the best customer service and most reasonable prices.
Review by Papa ''Chovy
First and foremost, Bike Tires Direct seems to be the only remaining outfit that has the real McCoys from brands you like - I have had about 1/2 dozen complete failures of name brands that had to be some kind of Chinese counterfeits over the past year. I have been on these Conti's this season without incident - even did The Iron Horse & Mountains to Desert races with very good times.
Review by Anonymous
I have been running Gatorskins on my road bike for over two DECADES in the 23 or 25 wire bead variety. Never had a problem with wear, flats, or other defects. I could easily run them down to cord showing with no issues. I would run 4K miles on the front and then rotate to the back and run 4K more before the tire was worn out. BTW, I only weigh 150 lbs.
For the first time I tried 28mm with folding bead. I had two tires bought separately fail with tread separation in 1.5-3K miles, long before the tread was worn out. This could have been catastrophic if I hadn't inspected the tires.
Review by Napa Cyclist
I always get Gatorskins or hardshells when they are on sale. They hardly ever get flats compared to other tires i've tried...
Review by Anonymous
Great tire, great price, prompt shipping and delivery, backed by great customer service (if needed). What else there is to say?
Review by Jeffrey
Gator skins have been on my bike for years, dependable and good ride
Review by FFA rider
As I am living in a big city and do most of my rides in the city. I am always finding broken glass on my bike paths. And not always possible to avoid all this glass. I have learned over many years that this tire is my best flat protection !