Anyone using Conti Gatorskins?

[Pupp]

If so, how did you get on fitting the buggers? Just had a right fight with a pair on some 650C rims... without exagerating, quite the worst tyre job I have ever had to do including many years of doing my own motorcycle tyres (tubeless and off-road). Still cannot believe just how tight these bds were and have even wondered whether the rims were, indeed, the 650C size I asked for... no chance whatsoever of fixing any punctures roadside

[Matt London]

I had the same problem with Conti XCs on my Kona. They went onto my Boardman easily. So for me it was a case of a clash between particular tyres and rims.
I did have to fix a few punctures on the Kona and it was easier to get the tyres on and off once they had spent some time on the rims.

[a11y_m]

If you think Conti gatorskins are tight, you should try fitting Schwalbe marathon plus tyres onto 700c rims. Extra points if you manage it without inventing new sweary words...

[yellowjack]

I swear by my Continental Ultra Gatorskins - yes, they are a tight fit on the rims, but after 650 puncture free miles, i'll be buying more of these bad boys when i wear them out. This may take some time, as they are not only very resistant to punctures, but they wear really well, and are very sure footed in all conditions. Winners all round, i reckon.

[Fourmotion]

I found them too tight as well, and there was no way they would mount without heavy leveraging with metal levers. They ruined a race because I just couldn't get them off the rims when I got a puncture.

Swapped them for some Schwalbe Ultremos, which slipped on easy by hand.

[Pupp]

Just to update this, the front one of the original pair failed so was returned for a warranty exchange. The sidewall parted from the bead and I'm pretty sure this might have been hastened by the traumatic fitting process. The replacement pretty much went on by hand however (just a quick and relatively easy lever of the final couple of inches on the second side, although still 'tight'), so seems they vary from tyre to tyre as all else was the same. Worth mentioning quick and quibble free exchange by Chain Reaction

[Parsnip]

The tolerances on wheels ensure they are perfect or bigger to stop a tyre escaping.

The tolerances on tyres are perfect or smaller to stop a tyre escaping.

If you have a big wheel with a small tyre then you have a fight on your hands.

[Pupp]

Updating this again, the replacement for the failed front has now failed in exactly the same manner - sidewall coming away from the bead. Another return to CRC who will no doubt replace but I'm now thinking there is a defective batch out there. Anyone read/heard anything?

[Fourmotion]

Pupp said:

Updating this again, the replacement for the failed front has now failed in exactly the same manner - sidewall coming away from the bead. Another return to CRC who will no doubt replace but I'm now thinking there is a defective batch out there. Anyone read/heard anything?

Can't find it anywhere now, but Continental issued a statement saying there was an issue with a batch, and that if you send them the number stamped inside, they'd replace it with a tyre from the non-faulty batch. Seems like CRC still have some of the faulty batch to shift!

[Pupp]

Ok, cheers for that FM

Replacement for the replacement now fitted but not yet ridden; holding fast so far with 110psi in. Fingers crossed

This one was tighter than the last but not as tight as the original. They do seem very variable...