Continental Grand Prix 4 Season Vectran vs Continental Gatorskin Tyres

[Distorted Vision]

I'm looking at upgrading the stock Schwalbe Lugano on my new road bike as they are budget tyres and don't seem to have a good reputation. I'm mostly concerned for grip, wet weather performance and puncture resistance. I'm less concerned with weight and speed.

I've been looking at the Continental Grand Prix 4 Season Vectran and Continental Gatorskin tyres. Which of these would be most meet my requirements? Any other suggestions please.

Many thanks!

 

[DCLane]

GP 4000 / 4 Season / 5000 are way better in the wet than Gatorskin, otherwise known as skaterskin.

 

[cosmicbike]

I've been using Gatorskins for the past 5 years, all year round. Never had an issue. GP4000's on the other hand I tried since people rave about them, rear laster less than 200 miles before being cut right through on a not very big bit of glass.
Personal choice at the end of the day

 

[steveindenmark]

I have just taken my Conti GP4000 off for the winter as I am getting a lot of punctures. They are great from Spring onwards. I have the new GP5000T on order and they sound interesting.

 

[BorderReiver]

I've used GP4000, Gatorskin and 4 Seasons. The GP4000 seem to suffer quite badly from cuts, the Gatorskins have very poor wet weather grip and the 4 Seasons are definitely the best of the lot for both grip and durability- they seem to be just as puncture resistant as the Gatorskins and grip as well as the GP4000.

 

[pawl]

I swear by the Michelin Endurance range.

 

[GilesM]

Just fitted some Gatorskins, had GP4000 on before, so far, I'm not impressed by the Gatorskin's lack of grip, the GP4000 was much better.

 

[wonderloaf]

I swear by the Michelin Endurance range.

Tried both Gators and GP4S, didn't find either very good for puncture resistance. Now using Michelin Endurance Pro 4 and not had a puncture since last spring. Hard wearing as well.

 

[jayonabike]

Continental Grand Prix Gt’s
Give the same rolling resistance as the GP4000’s and the puncture protection as near as the 4 seasons. I have them on my bikes all year round

 

[vickster]

Michelin pro 4 endurance (£21 at CRC but only 23mm) or Vittoria Rubino (25mm £20 at Halfords https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/bike-tyres/vittoria-pro-endurance-folding-bike-tyre-700c)

would be my choice

I have recently fitted gatorskins 25mm and they do seem slippery in the wet and are useless if muddy (it can be going into a couple of parks around here)

 

[Paulus]

I have run Gators 25mm for years without noticing any problems. I know many riders say they are slippy in the wet, but I can honestly say that I haven't noticed it.

 

[gbb]

Just fitted some Gatorskins, had GP4000 on before, so far, I'm not impressed by the Gatorskin's lack of grip, the GP4000 was much better.

As a former long term user of Gators (now trying GP4000s) what i ALWAYS found was when new, Gators have to be run for a couple weeks or so to rough off that shiny new surface. Once done, i never had problems with them.
They do require some vigilance when new ...but that passes IME.

 

[Distorted Vision]

The Michelin Pro 4 Ensurance look good. Great review from Cycling Weekly:

"Verdict
I haven't used every tyre on the market, but of the ones I have tried these are the best by a long way. Puncture resistant, fairly fast and very grippy, a brilliant pair of tyres"

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/tyres/michelin-pro4-endurance-tyres

Shame they are OOS at CRC as they are a heck of a lot cheaper than Continental Grand Prix 4 Season. My fear is that the price will go back up when they get them back in stock.

 

[vickster]

The Michelin Pro 4 Ensurance look good. Great review from Cycling Weekly:

"Verdict
I haven't used every tyre on the market, but of the ones I have tried these are the best by a long way. Puncture resistant, fairly fast and very grippy, a brilliant pair of tyres"

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/tyres/michelin-pro4-endurance-tyres

Shame they are OOS at CRC as they are a heck of a lot cheaper than Continental Grand Prix 4 Season. My fear is that the price will go back up when they get them back in stock.

What width are you looking for? How much are the 4 seasons?
Edit...around £32
https://www.merlincycles.com/continental-grand-prix-4-season-folding-road-tyre-700c-45210.html

 

[NorthernDave]

I run Gatorskins on both road bikes, year round.
Never had any issues with grip.