Gatorskins... Any reason not to?
Discussion
Afternoon all,
At some point in the next few days (fingers crossed), I will be getting my hands on n+1 - a Boardman CX Pro. This comes with Ritchey Excavader tyres, which are somewhat too chunky for my requirements, so I'll be getting it on different tyres.
My default choice would be Conti Gatorskins, having run them on my soon-to-be-deceased old rattler for some 4,000 miles of London commuting with a grand total of 4 punctures, but I figured I'd just check first if anyone has any other recommendations?
The main reason for asking is that I reckon this one will do around 80% of its miles on wet London roads, so good wet weather grip is even more critical.
At some point in the next few days (fingers crossed), I will be getting my hands on n+1 - a Boardman CX Pro. This comes with Ritchey Excavader tyres, which are somewhat too chunky for my requirements, so I'll be getting it on different tyres.
My default choice would be Conti Gatorskins, having run them on my soon-to-be-deceased old rattler for some 4,000 miles of London commuting with a grand total of 4 punctures, but I figured I'd just check first if anyone has any other recommendations?
The main reason for asking is that I reckon this one will do around 80% of its miles on wet London roads, so good wet weather grip is even more critical.
Vittoria Open Pave Evo CG - awesome in the wet, I love them. If grip is critical, that's what I'd use. Used them on a wet and snowy 200 at the weekend, and they felt indomitable. Had to brake unexpectedly for a road full of sheep from 78kph in a hurry, on a road running with snow melt. Thought I was going to have to pitch the bike into the bank, but I stopped short. They are fantastic.
http://road.cc/content/review/15731-vittoria-open-...
Still, for me they are a best bike tyre, so for commuting I stick with Marathon Plus and tell myself that the extra kilos of rotating weight only makes me stronger. Grip in the wet is shocking. I've felt the back end slide going downhill around a bend (whilst riding fixed). The feel like they are made out of the plastic kids ride-on toys are made on. On the upside, you'll never have a p*nct*r*
http://road.cc/content/review/15731-vittoria-open-...
Still, for me they are a best bike tyre, so for commuting I stick with Marathon Plus and tell myself that the extra kilos of rotating weight only makes me stronger. Grip in the wet is shocking. I've felt the back end slide going downhill around a bend (whilst riding fixed). The feel like they are made out of the plastic kids ride-on toys are made on. On the upside, you'll never have a p*nct*r*
Rolls said:
Im in much the same boat (cross bike - used for commuting in london)
Use gatorskins for the same reason, but IME the wet weather grip isn't great!
If you're concerned about lack of grip with the Gators, you could do worse than try Continental's 'Grand Prix 4Seasons' - I never got on with the Gatorskins, for both grip, and puncture protection. Fair enough, I was asking a lot of them... http://goo.gl/maps/OpHaI (in the dark)...but after a couple of punctures and a front wheel 'wash-out' I lost all confidence in them. [And also found a better route Use gatorskins for the same reason, but IME the wet weather grip isn't great!
]I've got a pair of Conti Grand Prix 4 Seasons on bike at the mo (and have all winter). One single puncture (which I think was a dodgy tube TBH), felt pretty secure in the 2,000km I've done on them, a lot of which I've done on the potholes and glass-adorned roads of London. Pretty impressive.
yellowjack said:
If you're concerned about lack of grip with the Gators, you could do worse than try Continental's 'Grand Prix 4Seasons' - I never got on with the Gatorskins, for both grip, and puncture protection. Fair enough, I was asking a lot of them... http://goo.gl/maps/OpHaI (in the dark)...but after a couple of punctures and a front wheel 'wash-out' I lost all confidence in them. [And also found a better route ]
+1 ]
kers too Mr Will said:
I'd join the others in recommending Conti 4 seasons over Gatorskins. More than enough puncture resistance, but a better ride and more grippy.
This is starting to look like the way to go, cheers to all.I've got plenty of time to look though, as Boardman are saying up to 4 weeks more before my bike arrives.
BliarOut said:
Mr Will said:
I'd join the others in recommending Conti 4 seasons over Gatorskins. More than enough puncture resistance, but a better ride and more grippy.
Don't listen to him when it comes to puncture resistance, I've still got one of his old tubes in my garage somewhere 
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