What tyre for best of both worlds?

[Stu99]

I need a tyre (700x23) that will offer better than average puncture protection but which doesn't sacrifice too much speed or increase rolling resistance.

I was thinking of these

http://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticycle/ti ultra gatorskin.shtml

Any alternatives I should be considering?

 

[Young Un]

Just fitted those tyres (although in 25c), and very good they are too!. They have offering excellent levels of grip, both in the dry and the wet (I was out yesterday in so much rain that I had to pull over because I couldn't see, and when I got going again there was A LOT of standing water around and they did not slip at all, I was very impressed.) Puncture protection wise aswell they have been very good! I have ridden them over rough graveely surfaces with no problems and have even rode them across brambles and a pile of bark with no problems. They are also very fast considering the puncture protection they offer. Overall, a very good tyre IMO

Hope this helps,
Steve

 

[johnnyh]

I use the 23's on one bike and the 25's on another, seem fine to me, would buy again.

 

[Scoosh]

Exactly what I have and what was advised by both Paul Hewitt and Condor Cycles and recommended by various audax types as being 'bomb-proof'. I'm happy with them after 7 weeks/1500km

Another to consider might be the Bontrager Racelite, which I have on another bike and seems fine.

 

[Redvers]

Used the Gatorskins for quite a while and found them be excellent.

On the basis that Conti just don’t make any bad tyres I switched over to the Conti 4000S’ last year. 3000kms and no punctures later they seem to be just as tough, grippy and long lasting as the Gators but they are lighter, quieter and with a lower rolling resistance.

 

[HLaB]

I find the conti 4 seasons a good middle ground but touch wood I'm not p'ture prone.

 

[HJ]

I use 25mm Gators without problems...

 

[scook94]

I was recommended the Gators on here and am delighted with them so far. Just make sure you keep them well pumped up. I failed to follow this advice and got a pinch punc deflation... Lesson learned...

 

[Tynan]

Not everyone loves them, I hated them for cutting and sliding in the wet, others agree with that, it's a mystery to me how others get on with them so well, I agree that the chap in Condor heartedly recommended them

likewise I found that a GP4000 (at £40, sob) cut too badly to stay with

and a chap here has just junked a pair of the racelights

I suspect it's a London commuter thing, more sharp things per mile

 

[SimonC]

Not everyone loves them, I hated them for cutting and sliding in the wet, others agree with that, it's a mystery to me how others get on with them so well, I agree that the chap in Condor heartedly recommended them

likewise I found that a GP4000 (at £40, sob) cut too badly to stay with

and a chap here has just junked a pair of the racelights

I suspect it's a London commuter thing, more sharp things per mile

You must have all sorts of crap on your London roads.

I commute every day 'oop Noorth, have been for good few years, also lots of training miles in Peak District, + road racing, and I reckon on no more than 1 or 2 punctures a year, in fact just had first one for over a year.

Gatorskins in winter and Michelin Pro 3's in summer, both crackin' tyres.

 

[Blue]

I find the conti 4 seasons a good middle ground but touch wood I'm not p'ture prone.

+1

I have these on 2 of my bikes and have been delighted with them.

 

[monnet]

Bonty racelights are good. I love Deda Tre Grintas but not many places sell them, however as Deda make Bonty's tyres the Racelights are pretty much the same thing.

 

[nmcgann]

Michelin Krylions are excellent. Light, but tough and reasonably hard wearing.

Gatorskins didn't work for me at all due to numerous punctures, but some people get on OK with them.

Neil