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

I've used a number of other brand tires over the years, but now only use Continental GatorSkin tires. They last longer. The don't generally go flat from picking up road junk (glass, thorns, rock-bruises, etc.) While the sidewalls will begin to wear as the tires age, the wear is cosmetic ... not structural.

I switched to these tires on my bike and my wife's. I am a larger rider, and ride the 25's. I was very curious to find out how they would wear, and how responsive they would be. As soon as I put them on, i ran over a metal spike that holed my rear tire, tube, AND rim. OK, can't really fault the tire for that one.

In all normal wear the tires have worn very well, and traction and cornering is not an issue. Very predictable. Rolling resistance (as far as I can tell) is great. I put over 2k miles on my bike each year, and only notice the tire profile getting flat after about 1,200 miles. They still ride fine, and I keep them as backup/emergency tires after swapping them out for a new pair. Great deal if you can find them on sale.

Overall, this is a good tire. I bought it for winter use, hoping for no flats on sometimes damp roads (Southern Oregon). However, I did get a flat on about the third trip on these tires. A chunk of glass cut right through the tread and protective belt - this on dry pavement. So definitely not flat proof. However, if you can live with max pressure of 95 lb. and an occasional flat, they are a pretty good winter tire.

i purchased these tires to ride cross country on route 66. the tires proved themselves over and over during the tour. i rode 1100 plus miles and had NO flats and could go some days without airing them up. they do add some weight to the bike, but i hate changing tires so i traded one issues for another. they are a great buy on this website as i have checked any other places. will continue to use bike tires direct.

This a tough and stable training tire. For me it is an every day tire for my road bike, allowing me to bike on less than ideal surfaces without worrying about getting a flat. Some complain about the difficulty of mounting the tire, due to its rather stiff wire bead. Well it is difficult to mount, but that is fine by me, since once on the rim these tires are very stable and secure.

Great tire when a little extra is needed. Rode these bad boys in the Dirty40 Race in northern Vermont. Name Dirty40 because 40 miles of the race are on dirt roads. Held up great, no flats, even no small cuts. Road smooth on the paved roads.

I use this tire for training and racing. Ok I know people will have an issue with racing with a heaver tire. I've not had this tire go flat on me but once in two years. I ride 200 miles a week, on good and bad roads. I am considering buying a cyclecross bike for some of the areas I've ridden, but with these tires the bike keeps on going. On some of the longer competitions I pass a few riders that somehow got ahead of me, but now have a flat. I don't see those riders again. So I'll take the gatorskins and know that I don't have to worry about flat tires during a distance competition.

These tires seem far superior to others in this price range. Durable and damage resistant.

Great tire for country roads and gravel, anywhere one might have an increased chance of flats. The Gatorskins make for worry-free riding if flats are a concern. They aren't the fastest tires around; the GP5000s are quite a bit faster and also pretty robust. These tires are built for puncture resistance and meet that objective. BTD had an excellent price as well.

True to its description good tires worth the money and also shipping was quick no issues. I would buy again not just the tires but with bike tires direct.. true customer from 213 l.a. area

i ride 6 days a week 50-80 a day... been riding these for 25 years... just order them, well stop reading this review and get 'em... oh i don't like paying for them... well you asked what i don't like about them.... solid performance year round all conditions. bike tires direct has best prices on these.. i've got more in my house and on my bikes than most stores...

Maybe just bad luck? Punctured my front tire on my second ride. No debris or anything left in the tire not sure if it was caused by glass, very small pinhole. I was a little disappointed, but will update after I have a chance to ride them longer.

No flat tire, yet

Gatorskins is my tire of choice and since gravel across roadways prone to flooding during moderate to heavy rains is a concern, I need a tire that will hold up to these conditions. I have only ever had one issue which is a wite had lodged itself into the tire and it took me several flat tubes to locate the little devil

I have used these tires for years. As an avid cyclist, I go through about two sets a year. They have great traction in all conditions and with the small divots, I know when to replace them.

I have used Gatorskins over 10 Years and never had a flat due to road debris.

These tires give you a good feel of the road, plus comfortablysafely handle my 220 lb. weight. I am in my 70s, I ride mostly for enjoyment and health 10 miles a day . I have vintage Schwinn Paramount aluminum road bikes that have the adequate space for the wider 23 tires with this specific brand. These tires are a bit pricey, but they say, you get what you pay for...

These are the third set of Continental Gatorskin tires I have used on my 1987 Trek Cirrus. They last forever and perform magnificently!

I have these tires on a Specialized Sirius . I live in Clearwater Florida...ride on streets trails sidewalks...I have put 5400 miles on these tires. The rear shows some wear. One flat...piece of wire. 700x28...rolls great.

I commute by bike 5 days a week around 18 miles per day. I ride in all kinds of conditions, so it's important to have a tire I don't have to think about.

These tires have always been bomb proof for me. I don't think I've ever had a flat while riding them. I have a set on my road bike(s) too.

BTD makes ordering simple, deliver is fast and the price is always good. Easy and convenient.