Continental Gator Hardshell 27inch Road Tire

First bought these tires in 2020 for use on a 1971 Schwinn Paramount I was customizing. These tires look GREAT on the bike, ride smoothly, and are providing good protection against punctures. Although I've only put a couple of thousand miles on them (don't ride in snow, ice, or rain --- rain being a frequent issue in Oregon), they are wearing good enough that I bought 4 more for two other old Schwinns (1971 Sports Tourer, and 1982 Le Tour) that I am also customizing. I think these are far superior to the old-style gumwall tires used on 10-speeds from that era, both in looks and function. So for anyone who's looking for really great tires to use on their ten speeds of yesteryear, I heartily recommend these.

Needed a tire that would hold up to the "Cino Montana" ride. Its a very rough ride (Forest service roads, not just gravel roads) and a wide and deep tire help. A 650b wheel/tire combo would work too, but on pre-1983 steel bikes, this may not be possible / reasonable / etc. Not one pinch flat in over this 100 mile 2 day event. Braking power on Campy New Record brakes was a much bigger issue than the now-solved tire issue. Glad this tire is made!

After a previous purchase of Gatorskin tires for another bike I bought a pair of Gatorshells to try out. Still low miles on them but they roll smooth and have a nice tack feel to them. Also gives me confidence to ride streets regardless of loose gravel, occasional bolt, or whatever I bike across along the way.

I wish 27"x1" & 27"x1 1/8" were still available. Continental is my first choice tire and has been since I remember. Started touring in 1982 learning puncture protection is a key element in safety and enjoyment.

I replaced an ultrasport with this hardshell. The hardshell much less lively than the hardshell and appears to roll a bit harder, giving slower times on my usual 33 mile loop. Not surprising for armoured tire.

Use these tires on my cyclocross bike which I use for mostly road riding. So far so good, with no flats or problems. I live in Montana so the road conditions are not always great. the folks at BikeTiresDirect were absolutely great. had some size issues with the original order, that were my fault, and The guys at BTD bent over backwards to help me get it straightened out. free shipping and my items arrived extremely fast.

Of course it's great, it's Continental. The point is that BTD had 28-630's in stock. No one else did. (By the way, you can't put a 622 tire on a 630 wheel. Even though it's only 8 tiny millimeters too small. Nope. You just can't. Anyone want some free totally new 32-622's?)

The nice Nishiki road bike I commuted to work with in 1995 and simply kept with me, mostly unused in Seattle, remains a good machine. To have it be a gift to a deserving local daily street bike rider as a real upgrade the new tough Hardshell tires were a must in consideration of the local street conditions and expected years of use.

knock on wood I haven't had an issue since owning these tires (3 months). I had some wicked old gnarly bike tires. In one month I had FOUR flat tires. Big bummer. A co-woker and fellow bike commuter recommended this tires and I have been super happy with them!!

I commute to work by bike daily. Round trip is 11 miles over mostly asphalt, some dirt and over curbs. I got frequent flats using the Gatorskin Ultrasport but have had none since I put the Hardshells on. Plus, they were easier to mount on the rim. I wonder if the size of the Ultrasports was a little off.

I finally got around to replacing the gunwales on my 1980 Schwinn bike. Am I glad to see that Gaterskins were available in a size that fit. They went on easily, look sharp and while I may not get another 40 years of service out of them, who knows. So far, this bike only gets ridden less than 100 miles a year...

Let me start by saying that I still like this tire and that I put it on the front and back. The front lasted for 2 weeks before I hit a large rock, blew the tube and wrecked the tire...I had to ride on it for a short distance because the strech of road I was on was not safe to stop. Since then I've avoided that strech of road. I replaced the hardshell with a gatorskin in the front. The back lasted until last Friday, when I found a staple (a big one)during my ride. I run with sheilds as well, so you can guess that this was an industrial sized staple. My ride takes me through industrial areas with rough roads, rocks (big and small) lots of nails, staples, screws and other stuff.

That all said, these tires have done way better and gone longer than any others. It's in part due to the 100 psi that I can put in them plus the improved stability of the tire itself. I'm sticking with these ones.

The product is very sturdy. Went over some holes on the street, and it didn't affect the tires at all. No complaints... Just wish they were a little cheaper

After 8 years of sitting in the garage decided to get back on my 1985 Motobecane so went to a local shop to get new tires. Got a flat the next day and looking at the tire (I should of done this right from the get go) I was disappointed in the quality of the tire as well as they squeezed a slightly smaller size on. Bought the Gator Hardshells based on some research and the fact they were the right size which is important when you are out on the road trying to fix a flat. While I am a casual rider (40 miles a weekend) I have had no issues or flats with these and would recommend them to others. Are the worth the extra money? To me yes and will buy them again when the time comes.

I was having flats nearly every time I rode. It got so I didn't even want to ride anymore because of the hassle. Now I have a bulletproof setup.

Gator hardshell tires.

Thorn guard inserts (don't remember the brand).

Michelin A2 Airstop tubes.

Several rides now, no flats. I'm very pleased. Perhaps the combination is slightly heavy, but not noticeably, and unimportant on my rides of 25 miles or less.

I got to tell you boys and girls, if you want exceptional value for the same great products at your local bike shop you have come to the right site.

I live in Los Angeles area and these Gator Skin tires can cost any where from $50-70 dollars a piece.

Got like 2,700 miles on last set of tires probably could have gotten 3,000 though. The ride was starting to get a little ruff at 2,500, other then that great all around tires. Would recommend tires to anyone.

Best of all you can't beat the price!

hope this helps

DaD

Good tire, over priced, glad there still tires for 27.

The tire looked great I ordered the right size now. I will review it after I mount the tire. Bike tires direct was very helpful and gave great service. I will use them many more times

The tire is a great durable replacement for those old 27 inch rim bikes. I can under inflate this tire when running on rough surfaces without the fear of it coming off the rim.

The Continental Hardshell is the perfect commuter tire - I ride about 100 miles to work each week and enjoy not having to be overly concerned about flats - it is also nice to run them at 102psi for a good, fast roll - an added bonus is I purchased 3 tires for $116 (FREE Shipping!) - REI wanted to charge me $124 plus tax for TWO!! Very happy and happy to recommend Bike Tires Direct! Happy riding -)