Continental Gator Hardshell 700c Road Tire

Finally gave up on lightweight race tires poor rural roads and debris flats. The Gator Hardshells ride and handle much like a GP4000, but with vastly improved flat protection. I've dug bits of glass and other junk out of the tread, but nothing's made it through so far. They're fairly light, and relatively easy to mount. Unless Conti comes up with something even better, this is now my go-to tire.

I had used gatorskins previously but would still end up with about 1 flat per 100 miles on my commute. Not wanting to switch to something incredibly heavy to prevent flats, I tired this tire and I'm glad I did. After 2000 miles I've only gotten 2 flats. They ride very similarly to the standard gatorskins, and wear a little bit better. Highly recommended.

I ride country roads through out southern chicago land area which has crater sized potholes, rough chipseal roads and is often accompanied by lots of gravel and glass ect... these tires are not ligh nor heavy and conform to the road fairly decent compared to my recent specialized mondo's wkevlar or flak jacket which had an unpleasant bounce on these roads. The gators seem to roll just as easy but softer with a noticable amount less road vibration staying fatique for longer rides.

Currently riding this tire in the 25c variant, on my Winter & wet weather training bike. This tire is super-tough. Very rough tarmac and gravel don't damage or puncture this tire. However, I don't find the ride as supple or the grip as good in the wet as either the Mich Krylon or Vitt Rubino Pro. Both the Krylon and the Rubino experience tread cuts more than the Gator Hardshell, and I've gotten the occasional flat with either of these two other tires. I love the durability of the Gator HS, but not the ride quality or grip, in comparison to the two other tires I mention, here. Still, the Gator HS is one impressively tough tire, that manages to be reasonably fast and have a decent-if not spectacular-ride quality. Next time, I'll try the Conti Gran Prix 4-Season.

Since posting my original review in the spring of 2010, I'm happy to say that I've logged many miles on these tires on two bikes, including multiple centuries, and have been completely flat free. Several friends are using these as well, and between us, there's been a grand total of one flat. Very, very happy with the ride and handling as well. Two big thumbs up!

I've got maybe a couple hundred miles on these tires but enough to give a decent assessment. I usually train on Conti GP 4000 at 120 psi but changed to the Hardshell for more puncture protection. I run the Harshells at 120 psi and they feel like a GP 4000 inflated to maybe 130. That's where the hardnessstiffness come in, you can definitely feel more road imperfections. As for the weight or rolling resistance, I don't think it's hurting me, and if so, it's like resistance training and perhaps I'll ride better during centuries with my other wheels mounted with GP 4000 S.

What few turns I've taken at any speed show that there isn't as much grip as the 4000, so you definitely cannot attack a turn. The tire gives plenty of feedback so you know what's going on grip-wise. I avoid rides in the rain so I cannot comment on wet traction. As for puncture resistance, I've run over a bunch of strewn broken gravel and strewn broken asphalt and no flats or major cuts so far.

The Gator Hardshell is indeed a durable tire-zero punctures, and practically no casing cuts, from tarmac or gravel routes. But beware of it's hard compound rubber in the wet-the Gator has far well grip in the wet than the Vittoria Rubino Pro or Michelin Krylion. The Gator's ride is also noticably more harsh and the rolling resistance is more than either the Rubino Pro or Krylion.

The 25c Gator tire is undersized mine measure about 24.5, at 100psi.

Overall, this tire appears to be optimized for durability at the expence of other attributes.

I recently replaced the Bontrager Hardcase's on my road bike with these, though I had no issues with my BH's, and seem to notice a nicer ride and less rolling resistance. Will definitely upgrade my other bikes to these as tires are needed....

After riding conti gp4000, 4 season, and michelon krylion, this is the best tire so far. Smooth, steady.

First impression, an attractive and classic looking tire. Black with the brown sidewall makes for a nice look.

Installing was a pain. I can mount and remove 90% of tires by hand. However, these required multiple tire levers to mount. And yes, these are folding.

Once on the wheel, these tires are a bit narrower than many other 23mm tires. Compared to the Ultra Sport and a few Michelin tires, these seem at least 1mm narrower. 22mm? Most likely.

The ride quality is pretty good. Not supple, but not rough. Handling is average at first, but after 20 miles or so the initial 'slickness' wore off.

The tire rolls fast, which is exciting to me for such a flat resistant tire.

The real benefit of this tire is the flat protection. I flat a lot, which is because I ride on highway shoulders. Over 1000 miles in, and no flats.

One picky negative is the cosmetics on the side flake off. Detracts from appearance, but not a big deal.

Overall this is a winner of a tire. If I get 2000 miles, i will use these permanently as my rear tire. Even with the difficulty in mounting!

After more flats than I could stand with another top model of racing tire, I went with the Hardshells purchased from BTD and have been impressed. Only 4 ounces of added weight for both tires certainly is not noticeable. They are harder and as expected they do have less grip on wet roads, but I feel safer riding at higher speeds on them too. Rides are more enjoyable now since going with the new tires. I have put nearly 500 miles on them and I can't even tell if they are wearing yet.

Ive been a mountain biking for over ten years and have just recently taken to the streets. Since I am not yet racing my road bike, I was looking for training tires. Based on the limited reviews I read, I had narrowed my select down to two tires, The Michelin Krylion Carbon Tire and the Continental Gator Hardshell.

After finding numerous reviews bashing the Michelin tire for poor quality after moving its manufacturing site to Asia, the decision was made. Now I live in Northern New Jersey where the roads are anything but tire friendly. Between road patch work of uneven surfaces, large amount of debris on the shoulders, and lots of pot holes, you constantly need to be on your guard.

With that said, though I have only 50 miles on my new set of tires, I have the confidence that they can handle all of the road conditions that I will come across. I am satisfied with my purchase and will continue to update this review as I add on the miles.

The best tire for sticker ridden roads and bike trails in Phoenix. Long wearing tires with 3700 miles and still on the bike. These tires are not imprevious to goathead punctures maybe 7. Almost all in sidewall. I bought a new set, so when they do give out I will be ready.

Moved to an area near Houston a while back and was excited that a lot of roads have broad paved shoulders. However, they are strewn with all manner of debris, glass, nails, screws, metal shards, etc. I had been dedicated to the Mich. Krylian but found myself destroying about a tire a week. Tried the Hardshell and have yet to have one flat. They are practically bulletproof. I had heard they would ride like solid rubber tires -rough! However, I'm a big guy (200 lbs) and can't feel any difference. Not cheap but at the rate I was going through tires, it has already saved me some bucks.

After spending $45 on tubes and $100 on new tires this summer, I was fed up. I was getting flats everywhere (even double-flatted on one ride and had to thumb home). But since I've bought these Continental Gator hardshells, I've been flying along with no worries. Others on group rides have gone over the same stretch of road, but I'm the one who isn't dealing with flats, for a change. Tires feel sure and responsive in turns, little rolling resistance on level roads and hills. Good price from a reputable company that I've ordered from before.

Somewhat of a nubie (3 yrs experience) and light miles guy (700-1200 milesyr), I got this set after much research and reading the reviews here. After about 750 miles of riding I'm very satisfied and thinking about a second spare set, although wear rates are very low, and I think 2000 miles may be achievable with the set I have.

It was a relatively cool summer (only 1 or 2 90 degree days) so I can't say how well they will do in high heat locations and I never ride in the rain, so no idea how they deal with wet roads.

like everything about this product manly the flat resistance compound

So here is the deal, I am 6' 5' and 255 lbs on a good day. My previous tire was unable to put up with the wear, I has patching tires left and right and after about 320 miles it gave up the ghost. I scoured reviews for a tire that would hold up for me. It may just be that I will find no such tire because of my weight no matter how much I pay. But after looking through reviews I saw this expensive tire and thought it would surely hold up. Much to my dismay I am still having pretty bad patching issues. Although it is a step above my previous tire I am only at 450 miles and I have had 3 flats. This is rather discouraging to me. I would have to say in other ways that it is wearing better than my other tire (conti sport) it doesn't show the same amount of external wear. But I was expecting to have flats every 1000 miles or so not ever 115 miles. I have to believe that there is another tire out there for less money that can provide the same performance on flats. For now I am moving on to keep searching for that tire. It should be noted that where I ride about half the roads are chippedsealed, this adds to problem.

I have a Trex road bike and i use it everyday out in the plains of Colorado.I ride any where from 20 to 100 miles on my rides. I get very good long term use out of the Gator Hardshell-700c tires.Wouldn't change them.

We have terrible road surfaces in Santa Barbara. I used to get pinch flats often, even on reinforced tires, where the tire's sidewall would collapse on a downhill pothole and the tube would get pinched at the side. The Gator Hardshell tires are reinforced bead-to-bead, so that hasn't happened since. Get the folding version (kevlar bead I think) as this offsets almost all of the extra weight in the rest of the tire.

These tires feel just fine in the flats - I don't know if others might run faster. Wear is pretty good - I replaced them after about 3,500 miles last fall.

I commute 3 to 4 days a week, and ride on the weekends. These tires have been the most dependable and durable tires I've ever had. They roll smooth and can take loads of punishment from the differents roads around here ( Marin county to the streets of San Francisco)

I have absolutely no complaints regarding this product.

Since I'm a larger size bike rider the surface contact area is larger than your average rider. That translates into flats a common occurrence for me. This year I have been doing more winter riding than in the past and with all of the debris on the roads I wanted a tire that would hold up. I decided to give the Hardshell a try since I have been running Gatorskins for several years and have not been disappointed. I was a little hesitant with it being harder and thinking that it would result in a stiff ride but that has not been the case. I have close to 1K miles on them and have had no issues at all. I would definitely recommend this tire.

Greatest tire yet, had many flats before these tire, so far after 1200 miles no flats and the roads are not the greatest here in Florida. Yes will buy again, also I purchased a set for Patty which is a friend of mine a short while back, she loves them.

Decided to purchase these tires for my winter training regimine and have put approximately 800 miles on them. I am a big fan of the conti gp4000s tire, but wanted something more durable for riding with all the extra debris that comes with the winter months. So far, these tires have performed flawlessly. No flatscuts, the tire is pretty light considering its durabilty, and I feel comfortable with the grip they provide in corners or on wet surfaces. I look forward to using them for several winter months to come.

I have put about 500 miles on these now without any problems. Combined with the Continental 700 tour tubes these make an awesome commuter setup.

I have been running these and regular gatorskins on all my bikes the past few years. I am a mileage junky who rides 5 or more double centuries a year and I dont like it when my tires get taken out by staples, chipseal or gravel. These take a a great deal of punishment and just keep on going strong. Some people will tell you they are not good riding but I disagree. I ride 25c's on my road bikes and 28's on the tandem and fill to 100psi to 110psi and they are great.

I have been using Gatorskins for about two years now. When I changed to them form Specialized Armadillos, the Gatorskins seemed to be faster. In that time I may have gotten 3 flats, but I am not sure what will stop a Goathead. I like riding centuries and passing all of the riders with the fancy tires that are on the side of the rode with flats. Rode Oregon Coast, no flats, San Francisco to LA, no flats, while the other 5 guys I was riding with got flats. I am 215 lbs and the rear tire will last me around 2000 mi and the front tire at least 3000. I usually buy them on sale. I am now going to try the Continental 4 seasons tire. I have been told they are a better riding tire (more expensive).

I have almost 5,000 miles on my rear tire, I ride a 28 wire bead so it's bigger than a 23 or 25, the tire is warn flat and still going, I would get 2500 miles out of the gatorskin so I'm getting double the mileage out of the hard shell, knock on wood, I have never got a flat riding gatorskins and thats 50,000 or so miles over the last 10 years!!!, and everyone I see fixing a flat are not riding gatorskins,I would say its the best tire on the road and the safest

I have been using these tires for a couple of years 5,000miyr I can't remember the last time I changed a tube on the road. Brocken glass, shell pieces, whatever. They are bomb proof and you can put 3,000 miles on them. I previously used Bontrager's and got 2,000 mi with lots of flats.

Cortez, FL

I run a few tires on a higway 62 OKLAHOMA LAWTONFT SILL... this tire provides GREAT PROTECTION on the road when temp is above 100 deg and you have wire and other potential hazards on the road... was getting 1 to 2 flats on 100 mile rides . 900 miles plus ran the HOTER THAT HELL 100 AND NO FLATS... THESES TIRE ARE THE SHIZLE!

I ride about 240-260 miles weekly in South Florida. Since using this brand tire for the past 3 years I can only remember 2 flats (both of them were from very large nails in a construction area). Thousands of miles on each tire. Overall a very smooth ride. Please continue to offer these types of products that have long life.

Extra protection seems to come from more rubber on the tread of the tire.i was replacing mich. pro race 4 's which seem to be too flat prone for me.the 3's were excellent. I,ve had such good luck with gatorskin tha I decided to try these. They ride great .

good rolling tire.last set I had I got 3000 mi. out of them.they were still good when I replaced them.

I was a huge fan of the Gatorskins, but did not get all that many miles on them. The new Hardshells seem to wear much longer. As of today my rear (700x23 folding) has gone 2400 miles and should make another 3000 or more. The front has gone nearly 5000 miles. Wear is important to me, but time wasted on changing a flat is time I don't have on the bike, and I can't recall changing a flat more than twice since I mounted the Hardshells.

I've already purchased my next set, but likely will not need them for a while.

Riding on a mixed bag of NM roads I was getting a flat every other ride from wires from blown truck tires. Switched to these and no flats in several hundred miles. They ride better than I expected. Tough to mount and pricey, but avoiding flats makes them worth the hassle and the money.

I have used several tire types 4000, gran prix 4 seasons and others some lots faster but not as durable I weight 275 and that's a lot for any tire to support I have been riding these which have about 1500 miles on them since August 2011. Two pinch flats on back one rock puncture on the front in the rain last week, the other tires I used are what I would call debris magnets they were so grippe that everything sticks to them and what follows is the flat So the question I asked how fast are they if you fix the flats . Yes I would recommend them.

Before I purchased these ties I had gotten 3 flats in one week! Since then I've taken 20 rides with zero flats and this has increased my riding confidence a great deal, I ride in remote areas and can only carry so many spare tubes, don't have to worry anymore. my old regular tires it gave some 10 mile walks in the past. great tires and you can't put a price on peace of mind when riding. pick them up now.

I ran Specialized Armadillos for a few years on my commuter before this tire came around. I never used the original Gatorskin because it didn't seem hardy enough.

I've been using the Gatorskin hardshell for approx 3 months now in Portland OR, where the bike lanes have a lot of debris. This necessitates a strong tire. I've ridden through all manner of garbage, glass, wood, nails, shards of metal, syringes, you name it and there is not as much as a nick in one of these.

As far as performance I believe these tires are only about 50 grams heavier than the 4000s and have the same awesome tread compound which results in a grippy, heavy race tire feel. Compare that to an Armadillo which at 450 grams feels like you gutted a pig and stretched it around your wheel. that might be an exaggeration, but compared to the Gator Hardshell that's what they feel like.

In other words these are great tires for commuting and training, and even early season racing. I used them in a Roubaix style race with 4 miles of gravel and no flats, as well as on the Alpenrose velodrome, and they performed great. these tires are outstanding.

I commute by bike multiple times a week on roads that often are full of stones and glass shards. These tires hold up wonderfully. I've been getting almost 5000 miles between changes. I've experienced very few flats - they typically only flat when they are starting to wear out.

About 1200 miles on first set of these.

Was looking for a durable tire to handle the chewed up roads in W. PA.

Very good experience so far.

Fast and no flats even after hitting all kinds of road debris.

Just picked up another set to use once these are done.

I purchased Gator tires for my Specialized Road bike. I was constantly plagued with flat tires. I ride a lot of rough streets and sidewalks. My husband has a set of Gator tires on his bike and has put 3000 miles on them with only one flat. With statistics like that, why would I not put Gator tires on my bike? I'm very pleased with them so far. I have had some tiny rocks and glass lodge in the tires, but they do not pierce through to the tubes. Gators are thick skinned. I can do nothing but rave about them. They were a little tough to put on the rims - tight fit. But after they're on and you take that first ride, you'll be glad you purchased the Gators.

By far these are the best tires that you can buy when it comes to NOT getting flats!

If you ride bike trails and roads that are strewn with glass and sharp bits of metal these tires are a must. They are a little heavier, but the durability and protection is well worth the extra weight.

I am on my second set of Gatorskins. I will not ride anther tire especially for the type of riding I do. I live in Taiwan and recently rode around the circumference of the island. httpcdh.moreearnestheed.orgbiketaiwan eight days and approximately 625 miles. The roads are far from perfect, but not one flat. I rode the first set until I could see the steel belts. I was tempted to continue to use them just to see how far they would go. For endurance and riding far from home into the unknown of Taiwan, I will not trust another tire.

Ride 25 miles a day average with 1200 feet climb, put 4000 miles on a pair of Conti Gatorskins without a flat. Inflated a new set of Gator Hardshells to 120psi more elastic, better grip of the road, smoother and faster ride great experience so far. I expect to get equal or better mileage with these fantastic tires.

The fall and early spring riding in the State of Idaho brings out the ever popular State Nuisance more commonly known as the goat head. Simply put they like bike tires, they have been known to chase a bike tire all the way across a wide road just to jump on and go for a ride. Needless to say that usually creates a problem i.e. flat tire. Continental Gator Hardshell to the rescue. I have been riding these for the past several years and can't say enough good things about them. They might be a little hefty but you don't have to fix many flats either. They are worth their weight in flat protection. They also defend against glass, tire shards, squirrel teeth and the like.

Road cycling, group and charity rides

Great tire, have put over 1000 miles on them on HWY 62 in Oklahoma and went form 1 or 2 flats every 100 miles to no flats in last 1200 miles..... BAD-A** TIRE.

USE THEM U WONT REGRET IT!

This is by far the best road tire I have ridden. I have put just over 1000 miles on them and if you are familiar with the pot holes in northern california you have to be really on your toes and watch out for them. Not only will they flatten your tire but do damage to your bike! This tires hang in there unlike none other and don't see myself using anything else.

Though others may be more high-performance, this is supposed to do well without resorting to Mr. Tuffies, which I have used for moderate-terrain commutes before switching to Gatorskins. The ride is very good despite the long-term performance potential.

Since I starting using these tires I have not had a flat. Great for those secondary county and country roads.

If the tire is a little heavier in weight this is very minor to the many pluses about this product. Since I have dialed in the correct PSI for my personal stature, weight and riding style the tires have performed most excellent. I have reduced down time repairing flats and changing tubes. This has resulted in more quality cycling time, safety, savings on new tubes, and improved results with my personal cycling time challenges and enjoyment of cycling!

I own 3 beautiful parked cars and have reduced my carbon footprint by increasing cycling around town running errands. I have reduced my weight by 40 lbs. increased my heart health, improved my lifestyle cycling around 450 miles per month!

Had a lot problems with flat tires before purchasing the Gator Hardshells. Really like the tires and would highly recommend them.

I ride on average 30 miles per day with my wife. My tires are trashed but she has not had a flat with her Gatorhardshells. Well worth the100 grams or so more than racing tires.

I ride on average 30 miles per day with my wife. My tires are trashed but she has not had a flat with her Gatorhardshells. Well worth the100 grams or so more than racing tires.

These tires are tough and smooth rolling, easier hand mount than I ever imagined after reading some reviews to the contrary! Buy these if you live in a place full of sharp things like I do.

I used these tires across the Erie Canal path. Most of the trail was stone dust. No flat tires and the tread held up well in those conditions. I'll always buy these tires.

I've used these tires before, never had a flat on them, I live in bull thorn, or goat head central, fresno Ca. they last a good year of riding before you probally should replace them. The ultimate in flat protection.

Great tires. After having three flats in 2 months, I succumbed to the Gator Hardshells. Great ride and fairly quick. In addition to the Gators, I was not as good as I should have been checking tire pressure on each ride. Amazing what happens to tire pressure in just a couple of tires. Besides assisting with flats (or so I hear), definitely makes a difference on speed.

I especially appreciated BTD taking off a few extra dollars based on a Memorial Day sale after I ordered the tires and they were in the process of being delivered.

I got this tire because I needed something a little more durable when riding on the city streets of Buffalo. This tire has come through big when it came to hitting giant potholes or running over some real questionable items on the side of the road. I would recommend this tire, just make sure to inflate it to the suggested psi before riding.

I have these tires on my Specialized road bike. In Central Illinois I have all kinds of road surfaceses, black top,gravel,concrete, they work well on all.

I commute 3 times a week over roads strewn with broken glass. Never a puncture yet, despite pulling dozens of shards of glass from the outer portion of the tire.

Lighter and faster than my Armadillos, which are the only other tire I've avoided flats from around here.

I have two of these, both on the rear of the two bikes I alternate as commuters. I have standard Gatorskins on the front. So far, no flats, either front or rear with many miles on glass strewn DC streets. I run 28's at about 90 psi and they ride fine, even in the rougher patches. They were a bit stiff going on but not real issue. I thought they'd be slick in the rain but so far, no problems. I am not an aggressive rider when it is wet so I haven't pushed wet cornering but braking seems to be just fine. For an everyday tire, I value flat resistance and all round traction under a variety of conditions over the ultimate in lightness and these really fit that bill.

Got these for a 79 mile gravel gran fondo in 25 c width where running a sturdy tire was a must. I'm a little bigger rider 6'1 and 175 lb and these tires ran great on paved road and on the many gravel sections. Probably do great for winter training also. They even spin up pretty well for a little bit heavier tire.

These are on my daily driver. Only one puncture after first 35 miles, sidewall, tire still serviceable. Never found the offending object. I sure most puncture proof tires would have succumbed to that shot. Other wise still rolling fine after 500 miles. Highly recommend this tire for all the Clydes out there.

1750 miles and still going strong.

Rolled over everything including glass and have had no flats to this point.

First time on these Conti- Just ordered another set.

All I want is a tire that rolls, goes a long way and can handle today's roads....

THis might be the one!

Bought a pair of these a while ago. Ride them almost every day through the dirty, glass-riddled streets of Portland. Haven't had a flat yet. Traction is great too, wet or dry.

Been riding Gatorskins for years. These Hardshells give me an extra sense of protection from all the garbage that ends up on the sides of the roads I travel. Nice to think that you probably will not have to fix a flat anytime soon! Will buy again when I need to replace.

Great tires if you anticipate encounters with thorns like we have here in Texas. However, if you ever find yourself on any surface other than pavement (e.g. grass, gravel, sand), don't be surprised if the exposed weave on the sidewall starts to separate from the tire and begin to UN-ravel. The thin protective coating they put over this weave does not stand up very well and once compromised will lead to a very ugly looking tire. In addition to this, there is also a tendency for the threads along the tire bead to separate as well (folding bead model). This usually results in long threads working their way out of the rim just above the clencher bead. Both these problems are quite annoying but seem to be strictly cosmetic. I have several Gatorskin and Gatorskin Hardshells with a bad case of these frizzies. I feel this is something continental could easily fix.

I got a pair of the previous model Gatorskins after going through 2 Maxxis Re-Fuse rears tires in about 2400 miles total.

I would have to assume there are may factors to tire wear so here are some details.

Current Weight 210

Commute Daily 27 Miles Round trip

Carry a back pack that weights between 15 - 20 lbs

Carbon Road Bike

Ride 25mm wide tires

Tire pressure 120 rear, 110 front.

Ride on city streets and paved bike ways consisting of both asphalt an concrete surfaces.

I live in Phoenix AZ and there are lots of sharp pointy plants to go along with the natural occurring road hazards.

With this pair of Gatorskins I've gotten over 3000 miles on my rear and it's time to replace it. A huge improvement over the Maxxis. The front is still in good shape. I would estimate the front will go another 3000 as a front tire maybe more.

I've had a total of 8 - 10 flats with these tires. More at the end of life for the rear. Signs of road abuse like cuts, small holes etc did not show up until I was someplace over 1500 miles, while the Maxxis showed similar abuse within a few hundred miles.

I'm planning on buying another set this time the Gator Hardshells this week in hopes of getting even more miles than the Gatorskins. I'll be putting the GatorSkin front I've currently have on an extra rear wheel I have for our road bikes. My guess is I could get 2K out of this tire as a rear after the 3000 it has already experienced on the front.

The only reason for the 4 stars is I'm hoping to find something with more miles and a little bit better protection and I hope that will come with the new GH's.

As for ride the Gatorskins are far superior to the Maxxis, the ride was softer and at the same time I felt they were a little faster but I have no proof of them rolling easier. Also the handling was far superior.

Before using these tires I went through a period of rear tire flats just about every time I got on the bike. Since I started using Gator Hardshells, I've gotten only one flat (which was a sidewall puncture). I am currently on my third tire. They are a little pricey but I figure I've saved at least the cost of the tire in tube replacements.

This is my second set of these awesome tires. The first set had over 4000 miles on them, and not a single flat! They were mostly ridden on rural south Arkansas roads and highways, where the roads and shoulders, if there are any shoulders at all, can really be rough on a set of road bike tires. My wife has the same tires on her bike, and she has over 5000 miles on hers with no flats. We went on a 50 mile ride a while back with a friend, and he had three flats. My wfe and I had zero. Now our friend has Conti Hardshells on his bike.

I've ridden these tires over 3000 miles now and only have had 2 flats. One wasn't even the tire, I broke the valve stem while pumping up the tube. These tires are excellent for touring and great for training. They have stood up to dirt roads, rocky trails, and general rough terrain and have performed flawlessly. I highly recommend these tires. Amazingly after 3000 miles, they only show a little wear. I am very impressed with these tires.

Extra note At times I found the wire bead hard to mount.