Just brought some new gatorskin tyres from decathlon

[Jameshow]

It's always odd how you will find different people have different experiences...
I rode Gators for years, no problems at all barring they can be a bit slippery when new, once the shiny coat has gone, no problem.
I replaced them at one stage with GP4000 or 5000s, can't remember which, didn't notice any difference at all really. Average ride times didn't change ...

That said, had i brought really top end tyres, perhaps I'd have a different opinion...but worked fine for me, minimal punctures, 6k per year cycling all weather's, no problem for the cost.

I thought gp5000 were top tyres!!

 

[Webbo2]

I thought gp5000 were top tyres!!

I had a Gatorskin and few sets of GP4000/5000 and there’s a massive difference. On a wet road I dare not get out of the saddle with Gatorskin as it would slide all over the place. The other thing it refused to wear out so I was stuck with it for ages.🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

[DCLane]

Gatorskins are awful imo, if you're commuting then Vittoria Rubino / Schwalbe Durano with GP5000 or similar for best.

And no, you can't return them. eBay / Facebook Marketplace / an advert in the Classifieds on here.

 

[Dan Lotus]

I thought gp5000 were top tyres!!

They certainly have been for me, and the 4000s before them.

I was somewhat sceptical I have to be honest, especially given the cost, and had had bad experiences with the lesser priced Rubino Pros (That loads of people love) and some stock Mavic tyres that came with a set of wheels - tyre side slash on the very first ride 😕

I went for 23mm 4000s and they faired really well - I'll be honest, I keep them for my best bikes, and I'm not someone who chooses to noodle down gravelly country lanes, so perhaps that is why I have had so much success with them.

Some form of 4000 or 5000 is now on 4 of the bikes in our household.

I do still struggle with the price, the last set I purchased from Lordgun I think it was, for £80 delivered which in the scheme of things and other price rises was still (to me) justifiable.

Far from scientific, and I didn't have a power meter on both bikes, but in terms of perceived equal effort and similar conditions, I was 10% faster on my GP4000 shod bike, as opposed to the Durano Pluses I used to use as commuters - ymmv of course :-)

They are definitely more of a race tyre, so I'd personally not entertain the idea of using them as a commuting tyre, both in terms of cost, and potential delays caused by fairy visits.
Pair them with some superlight TPU tubes or similar, and you've shed a decent amount of weight, for a moderate amount of outlay.

 

[biggs682]

I use them and have no issues with them