
User submitted reviews
Review by WiCrazyGuyOnABikeReviewed 10/13/2023by WiCrazyGuyOnABikeCentral WisconsinTrustworthy for long unsupported ridesI�ve ridden these Continental tires since about 2016 on a pair of road bikes (one with 23/25mm width, one with 32mm width) without a single flat, riding 2000-3000 miles a year split between them. The last set replaced still had good tread after 3750 miles, but I replaced anyhow for peace of mind just prior to a 500-600 mile road and crushed limestone /gravel bike packing trip around north central Wisconsin. I still pack a full spare tire and three spare tubes on my 7-9 day trips, but have never needed one. Long bike trips are always more enjoyable without flats!
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I�ve ridden these Continental tires since about 2016 on a pair of road bikes (one with 23/25mm width, one with 32mm width) without a single flat, riding 2000-3000 miles a year split between them. The last set replaced still had good tread after 3750 miles, but I replaced anyhow for peace of mind just prior to a 500-600 mile road and crushed limestone /gravel bike packing trip around north central Wisconsin. I still pack a full spare tire and three spare tubes on my 7-9 day trips, but have never needed one. Long bike trips are always more enjoyable without flats!
Review by AnonymousReviewed 10/27/2023by AnonymousBest tires for road training If you're looking for a tire that can put on miles and be reliable, this is the best choice, save your racing tires for an event and use this Gator Hardshell instead, you will not regret it.
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If you're looking for a tire that can put on miles and be reliable, this is the best choice, save your racing tires for an event and use this Gator Hardshell instead, you will not regret it.
Review by sconwayReviewed 6/6/2020by sconwayCycling EnthusiastSan Francisco, CA2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.Excellent tire at a reasonable price.When I first installed the tires on my Mavic rims, at about 60psi one popped out of the rim bead and the inner tube blew. I reseated the tire and haven't had a problem since. I really like these tires, because they fit the tight clearance my frame requires for the tread height.
I have about 500 miles on the tires now with no flats and they provide wonderful control.
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When I first installed the tires on my Mavic rims, at about 60psi one popped out of the rim bead and the inner tube blew. I reseated the tire and haven't had a problem since. I really like these tires, because they fit the tight clearance my frame requires for the tread height.
I have about 500 miles on the tires now with no flats and they provide wonderful control.
Review by DoccusReviewed 6/15/2023by DoccusCycling EnthusiastNorth Alabama1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Lightweight and bulletproof!I enjoy long unsupported rides. With the Continental Gator Hardshell tires, I don't have to worry about flats.
Despite their puncture resistant build, these tires are reasonably light and don't hold you back on century days.
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I enjoy long unsupported rides. With the Continental Gator Hardshell tires, I don't have to worry about flats.
Despite their puncture resistant build, these tires are reasonably light and don't hold you back on century days.
Review by DougReviewed 9/5/2018by DougTucson AZ10 of 10 customers found this review helpful.The best tough training tireI live in Tucson and ride nearlt everyday. There are myriad road obstacles, debris and sharp pointy things to puncture my ride, and thats why Ive gone back to gatorskin hardshell. I rode other continental products here and while they are as road gripping on downhills and across sand and gravel, they punctured far more than the gatorskins. Ive been riding the hardshell 25's now for a year or so and see the difference in tracking and softness on the road. Weight issues dont effect me as Im not racing and the small difference doesnt seem to effect climbing mt. Lemmon or flying down the mountain on the way hime. Not too clear on the difference between hardshell and standard gatorskin but seems like the hardshell has more sidewall protection which seems to help stop rock punctures when riding on gravel ( which I do everyday to get from my house to the main road). In any case, I recommend these tires to all my friends and so far, Ive heard nothing but positive comments..
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I live in Tucson and ride nearlt everyday. There are myriad road obstacles, debris and sharp pointy things to puncture my ride, and thats why Ive gone back to gatorskin hardshell. I rode other continental products here and while they are as road gripping on downhills and across sand and gravel, they punctured far more than the gatorskins. Ive been riding the hardshell 25's now for a year or so and see the difference in tracking and softness on the road. Weight issues dont effect me as Im not racing and the small difference doesnt seem to effect climbing mt. Lemmon or flying down the mountain on the way hime. Not too clear on the difference between hardshell and standard gatorskin but seems like the hardshell has more sidewall protection which seems to help stop rock punctures when riding on gravel ( which I do everyday to get from my house to the main road). In any case, I recommend these tires to all my friends and so far, Ive heard nothing but positive comments..
Review by SNespoReviewed 9/7/2018by SNespoCycling EnthusiastSouth Bend, Indiana7 of 7 customers found this review helpful.Smooth RideI replace my tires about once a year and have found out that the Continental Gator Hardshell works out very well for me. I got a quick delivery and the tire is very easy to put on and my bike. Thank you for your service.
Steve
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I replace my tires about once a year and have found out that the Continental Gator Hardshell works out very well for me. I got a quick delivery and the tire is very easy to put on and my bike. Thank you for your service.
Steve
Review by AnonymousReviewed 8/24/2023by AnonymousCycling EnthusiastRochester, MNGreat tires. Always put a new set on prior to RAGBRAI. No issues with flats!I put them on my road bike and use them for my training rides and for RAGBRAI.
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I put them on my road bike and use them for my training rides and for RAGBRAI.
Review by PDXlarsReviewed 6/24/2022by PDXlarsCycling EnthusiastBeaverton, Or1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.My go to winter tireThe Continental Gator Hardshell has been my go to tire during the rainy season for several years. Rarely had a flat with them.
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The Continental Gator Hardshell has been my go to tire during the rainy season for several years. Rarely had a flat with them.
Review by 209DavidTReviewed 10/23/2017by 209DavidTSacramento, CA12 of 12 customers found this review helpful.Best Bike Tire EverThe Continental Gatorskin Hardshell tire happens to be the most versatile tire ever. I use them on my road bike, commuter bike and fixed gear bike.
The tire compound rides aliitle harder than most but durability and cornering cancel the harder ride. I ride at 225 lbs and have lowered tire pressure FR to 95 psi and tires perform flawlessly! They hug the road even in wet conditions. Highly recommend for all road riding bikes.
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The Continental Gatorskin Hardshell tire happens to be the most versatile tire ever. I use them on my road bike, commuter bike and fixed gear bike.
The tire compound rides aliitle harder than most but durability and cornering cancel the harder ride. I ride at 225 lbs and have lowered tire pressure FR to 95 psi and tires perform flawlessly! They hug the road even in wet conditions. Highly recommend for all road riding bikes.
Review by ChuckeeReviewed 8/1/2017by ChuckeeCycling EnthusiastKamas, Utah7 of 8 customers found this review helpful.Favorite tire for years due to reliability, cornering and puncture protection.I have used the tire for several years for both training and racing, averaging about 3500 miles per year. I don't remember the last time I had a pinch flat and have found it to be extremely puncture resistant - fulfilling the promise of increased flat protection. The tires have excellent sidewall strength and reliability, never having any issues with cracks or ruptures due to potholes, cattle guards or hitting any other obstructions. The wear indicators (two small holes on the tire tread) are reliable in indicators in determining when to change out the tire. I normally change the tires after 2000 miles regardless to be safe. Only downsides are the price and weight. I try to buy when the tires are on sale to save a few bucks since they are pretty expensive. The added weight due to the flat protection is a concern, but not overly so. I am somewhat of a weight weenie, so the concern is a psychological one, I'm sure.
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I have used the tire for several years for both training and racing, averaging about 3500 miles per year. I don't remember the last time I had a pinch flat and have found it to be extremely puncture resistant - fulfilling the promise of increased flat protection. The tires have excellent sidewall strength and reliability, never having any issues with cracks or ruptures due to potholes, cattle guards or hitting any other obstructions. The wear indicators (two small holes on the tire tread) are reliable in indicators in determining when to change out the tire. I normally change the tires after 2000 miles regardless to be safe. Only downsides are the price and weight. I try to buy when the tires are on sale to save a few bucks since they are pretty expensive. The added weight due to the flat protection is a concern, but not overly so. I am somewhat of a weight weenie, so the concern is a psychological one, I'm sure.
Review by Type2DcyclerReviewed 4/25/2017by Type2DcyclerCycling EnthusiastSan Diego, CA6 of 8 customers found this review helpful.Best tires ever...I bought these Gator hard shells for a charity ride in April-May. We rode from Key West, FL. to Jacksonville, FL, over 500 miles and I had zero flats!
Everyone else on my ride had to deal with flats but they didn't have Gators...soo, get you some!!!
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I bought these Gator hard shells for a charity ride in April-May. We rode from Key West, FL. to Jacksonville, FL, over 500 miles and I had zero flats!
Everyone else on my ride had to deal with flats but they didn't have Gators...soo, get you some!!!
Review by AnonymousReviewed 7/20/2023by AnonymousCompetitive RacerBitch to get on but then seems goodGetting the tire on a carbon deep rimmed Aerlous wheel was very difficult. Fingers crossed I don't have to deal with it out on the road.
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Getting the tire on a carbon deep rimmed Aerlous wheel was very difficult. Fingers crossed I don't have to deal with it out on the road.
Review by BrianReviewed 6/26/2023by BrianPhoenix1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.No More FlatsRides a little hard but are great at preventing flats. And they have lasted for almost 4k miles and counting
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Rides a little hard but are great at preventing flats. And they have lasted for almost 4k miles and counting
Review by AbuninReviewed 8/29/2022by AbuninHouston, TXToughest Bike TireGator Hardshell bike tires are the most durable around. I commute on urban streets everyday and have been doing so for a couple decades. Combined with a strong tube, I have gone up to a year without a flat or leak.
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Gator Hardshell bike tires are the most durable around. I commute on urban streets everyday and have been doing so for a couple decades. Combined with a strong tube, I have gone up to a year without a flat or leak.
Review by Nick HReviewed 9/4/2020by Nick HCycling EnthusiastSacramento, CA2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.I have used Hardshells for years without having any problems and very few flats.I use Hardshells on all of my wife's and my bikes, and our tandem, and have done so for years.
Good mileage and very good flat protection.
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I use Hardshells on all of my wife's and my bikes, and our tandem, and have done so for years.
Good mileage and very good flat protection.
Review by AnonymousReviewed 7/21/2022by AnonymousCycling EnthusiastLittle Rock, AR1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Sturdiest and most flat proof I've found.Love that you hardly ever get flats. Wears well. Glad it folds for when you need to take an extra tire. Can tend to be a little slick in rainy weather (run at a little lower psi for this).
Hate how hard it is to remove and install if you do get a flat. I'm a small woman and I've had to resort to a tire bead jack for installation if I ever get a flat. But it doesn't happen often.
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Love that you hardly ever get flats. Wears well. Glad it folds for when you need to take an extra tire. Can tend to be a little slick in rainy weather (run at a little lower psi for this).
Hate how hard it is to remove and install if you do get a flat. I'm a small woman and I've had to resort to a tire bead jack for installation if I ever get a flat. But it doesn't happen often.
Review by Cycle TouristReviewed 7/3/2020by Cycle TouristCycling EnthusiastTucson, AZ4 of 4 customers found this review helpful.Durable, smooth rolling road bike tire.I've used Continental tires on my road bike for years. More recently, I've been using the Gator Hardshell folding tire, and I find that I get about 10,000 miles use from a pair of these tires. I rotate them once a year, & I ride them on a variety of terrain mountain roads, city & bike trails. I like the two 'dots' that allow me to gauge the remaining tread on the tire. I count on these tires on several tours a year, whether domestically in the U.S. or in Europe.
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I've used Continental tires on my road bike for years. More recently, I've been using the Gator Hardshell folding tire, and I find that I get about 10,000 miles use from a pair of these tires. I rotate them once a year, & I ride them on a variety of terrain mountain roads, city & bike trails. I like the two 'dots' that allow me to gauge the remaining tread on the tire. I count on these tires on several tours a year, whether domestically in the U.S. or in Europe.
Review by KATReviewed 5/21/2020by KATCycling EnthusiastGreensboro, NC5 of 5 customers found this review helpful.No Flats in YearsI'm not the best mechanic, I can change a flat - but don't like to. I ride 10K a year. I chose Gator Hardshell after wading through flats from other tire companies. I have worn out 3 sets of 'Hardshells without a single flat. Currently, I ride without a repair kit or tubes, that's how confident I am in these tires. The ratings say they aren't the fastest - but they are certainly the most reliable.
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I'm not the best mechanic, I can change a flat - but don't like to. I ride 10K a year. I chose Gator Hardshell after wading through flats from other tire companies. I have worn out 3 sets of 'Hardshells without a single flat. Currently, I ride without a repair kit or tubes, that's how confident I am in these tires. The ratings say they aren't the fastest - but they are certainly the most reliable.
Review by AnonymousReviewed 3/16/2023by AnonymousCasual CyclistSan Diego COUNTYExcellent tireEasy to mount.
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Easy to mount.
Review by MatkReviewed 4/2/2020by MatkAsh Flat, AR4 of 4 customers found this review helpful.Every day rider!I teamed this tire up with puncture resistant tube and have only had 3 flats in about 3 1/2 years. I get about 3500 miles out of each set of the Hardshell tires
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I teamed this tire up with puncture resistant tube and have only had 3 flats in about 3 1/2 years. I get about 3500 miles out of each set of the Hardshell tires