I started using Gatorskins on the advice of a fellow biker. They are more expensive than the bargain basement tires I used to get but thay are more than worth it. One Gatorskin tire outlasts four or more regular tires. I was glad to find them in the 27" size so I can use them on my classic Schwinn LeTour.
I have a tandem bike. We have put over 12,000 miles on this bike with, so far, 3 sets of GatorSkins over the past several years, riding 6-7d/week in season. Live in North West Montana. I cannot say enough positively about these. Flats have been extremely rare, due to lousy tubes, not the tires. Once I had better tubes, no flats. One set gave me 6000 miles, which was pushing it, but these easily can get great longevity. When the current set needs replacement, it will be another set of GatorSkins.
This is the first time I�ve bought thus kind of road tire; I decided to go with these since Georgia did away with glass recycling and within a week, there were glass shards on my normally-clean path. I�ve recently relocated and while there are miles of country roads to explore, there are no bike trails like the Silver Comet. Thus, I bought a trainer for now, and it will serve until I find a house closer to public trails. I did take it for a test drive after I got it out of the shop; very happy with the feel. They are definitely firmer to the touch and I was pleased to see the radial pattern in the sidewalls; it looks less jacked! I�m deciding on a new paint job and some more upgrades but I�m super happy I splurged on these. Thank you!
This is for a new (2020) set of Gatorskins 27x1 1/4 (630x32c). This is my 2nd set of this size and 4th set of Gatorskins overall. I keep buying them because they're great tires for general recreational riding and commuting.
These went on a new set of 27" CR-18 rims and fit well. As with the tires in my March 2017 review they go on easily but I need tire levers for the last few inches. Not a problem at all.
I use these for commuting, recreational road and gravel rail trail riding. Still find them comfortable and so far flat proof. I'm a big guy at 235# and have never had an issue with tread wear, casing longevity or ride quality. While there are tires that weigh less or roll more easily, I'm not a racer and appreciate the all around ability of these tires.
Take note that the weight listed on BTD is 325g (and while the 700x32 come with a foldable bead and weigh 325g), the 27" is only available with a wire bead and both of mine weighed 425g each. Generally not a big deal because people looking for performance aren't looking at 27" tires.
Having recently begun riding a road bike after a 30 year hiatus I didn't really know where to begin. After speaking with a couple of serious cyclists and inquiring at the local bike shop, Continental was the brand. I checked into several tires made by Conti. I decided to go with the Gatorskins. Since putting them on the bike 500+ miles ago I have zero gripes. These tires are excellent and have given me no worries, issues and/or problems.
I try to put in 75 to 100 miles in a week on the bike.
I highly recommend the Continental Gatorskin 27 inch Road Tire.
I use this tire for regular training using my road bike. All paved roads, although some fairly rough. I like that the tire has low rolling resistance. Also, the profile for the 1.25 inch version is wide enough to absorb some road shock.
i WAS HAVING TO REPLACE MY TUBES AS MUCH AS THREE TIMES WEEKLY DUE TO ALL THE CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS AND GLASS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. THESE TIRES ARE REMARKABLE. I HAVE NOT HAD A FLAT TIRE SINCE THESE WERE INSTALLED. THE ONLY DRAWBACK I HAD WAS WHEN THE BIKE SHOP OVERFILLED THE AIR IN THE TUBE AND IT EXPLODED. NOW, I AM CAUTIOUS ON NOT OVER INFLATING THE TIRES. WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THESE TIRES.
This is the second set of Gatorskins I own. The first are the Hardshells I put on another bike. I liked them so much I thought I'd try these when looking at new tires for a 27 fixed gear. After speaking to one of the customer service reps I decided to try the regular Gatorskins.
While I know Conti's have a reputation of running small, these measure 32mm (1.25) on my rims. The rims are regular square cross section, not aero's. They leave a mm or two under the rear brake and plenty of room under the front on the Schwinn Traveler frame. Mounting was fine though I did need tire levers for the last bit of both the front and rear. My front rim is an 80's era Weinman without a lip and there have been no problems with this tire pulling off. I run them around 90-100 psi and find them compliant, comfortable with low rolling resistance and good road grip in both wet and dry weather.
I've put a couple hundred miles on them and the front still has the mold line and the rear is showing no wear. I don't skid stop so have no data on their slide characteristics or wear rate in that capacity. Over all I am very pleased with the tires and would recommend them to others.
I haven't had these tires on my bike for long, but I did have Continental's cheaper model Ultra Sport on my bike for eight years of daily commutes and touring through gravel, glass, and mud. Once I put some tire liners between the tires and the tubes, I literally never got flats through years of riding. And the Gatorskins are a step up! They were easy to get on and look great. These models look a little bald and slick brand new, but the grip seems find and I expect them to last longer than my 1982 frame at this point.
An absolute cinch to install, and these are becoming increasingly difficult to find in 27 inch size. Kudos for keeping them in stock. Such steady performers, and though they add a bit of extra thickness to one's overall wheel profile, most rim brakes can accommodate the space. Very pleased overall.
What a great feature to these tires. Normally you would guess when it was time to change the tire. I have 2800 miles on mine and the indicator is still showing. Normally I would have started worrying about tread life 800 miles ago.
My Panasonic dx-1000 does not have enough room to mount this tire between the rim and the seat tube. It mounts ok on the front fork. I bought 2, and so Im using one on the front and a much lower profile Serfa tire on the rear. Used the second tire for a different bike. But beware if you have a tight clearance between frame and rear rim, especially near the front derailleur.
The most durable, easy to mount, longest lasting, and bullet proof (no flats), 27 inch tire available! Higher cost than some other options but lasts longer so evens out. )
Mounted this to replace a finally shot Schwalbe Marathon. In spite of my contempt for its poor fit, they are in fact hard wearing and resilient tires. I had to unmount it to true the rim and, just as they had in the past would not mount again and blew off for the final time. Into the dumpster it went. Looking at the options for a 27 I picked up a Conti Gatorskin at my LBS. I needed a tire that afternoon, so online wasn't going to work, although I will definitely keep ordering from BikeTiresDirect. They are a wonderful company to shop with.
The Gatorskins are a breath of fresh air. Smooth, round, and lots of grip. Cornering feels more secure and the ride is plush compared to my last tire. I am impressed at what a difference it makes. I've been skeptical of the claims people make about tires but my experience matches the claims. These mount round, roll smooth and grip well. I'm very happy with them.
