Overhauling a very small Cannondale with 650c I was surprised in the lack of good training tires. The Continental Gatorskin comes to the rescue. I've used Gatorskins in various sizes and they have never let me down. You can spend more on a training tire but you will be hard pressed to beat the Continental Gatorskin, flat protection you can count on.
When the last Gatorskin rear tire on my Bacchetta recumbent started to get threadbare, I checked the mileage and saw that it was an astounding 4300 miles. Usually they ready to replace at about 3300-3500 miles. In any case, that's the most durable tire I've used. The front tires are good for 6500-7000 miles.
In the area that I ride in, road debris is an ever-present danger. With the GatorSkins I don't have as many concerns. There is no perfect riding condition for my situation so why take a chance on an ordinary tire; stay with a proven winner.
I purchased 2 of these so I would have new tires for the BP MS150 and give me the best possibility of have no flats!! THat was a great plan and workrf to perfection. The tires perfomed perfectly for 240 miles. Then a week after later, I went to go for a ride and found the sidewall had given out on the rear tire and there was a very ugly hernia sticking out of the tire. I have had Continental tires before with no issues.
Here is the great part. I emailed customer service and told them of my issue and sent them pictures as they requested. I was then told a new tire was being sent out at no charge!!!!
I think the tires are good, I just got a blemished one, but the customer service of biketiresdirect is what will keep me coming back!!!!!
I was looking for a tire to train on that would be worry free. This tire seems to be it. I have 900 miles on these tires now and other then the normal air check I don't have to worry about them.
I have been using these tires for years on my recumbent. I use them to reduce the number of flat tires and I am convinced that they help. My back tire has the majority of my weight so is more susceptible to flats. The only downside is that the wire bead means I can't use them as a backup tire on long rides.
Best tires I ever rode on.
Puncture proof!
Ultra Reliable!
Fast!
Gatorskins for life!
Bought this tire when i was experiencing a massive amount of flats with my old tire. This tire is worthless. It states that it helps by reducing the flats you may encounter, but i disagree. Every time i race, this tire fails me. Weather it is a pinch or it is a puncture, or an unknown cause, i get a flat. I know that one can not expect zero flats, but with a name like GATORSKIN i would think it would hold up. it does not. Save your money, and look for something else. This product does not work.
The choices for 650c tires is pretty limited and so far, these are the best I've found for the money. They are high pressure and relatively light and do a pretty good job of reducing flats from punctures.
Great tires for training or racing, when peace of mind flat protection is as important as going fast these tires are your choice, there are lighter tires but few can deliver this level of durability, cornering grip and speed in one great tire. So what are you waiting for, go kick some ashphalt and find out for yourself.
