Review on Gator Hardshell Road Bicycle Folding Tire Pair by Continental by Kevin Bigelow

Excellent tyres, like most Continental tyres. I've had several types including various from the Ultra, Grand Prix and Contact series and I usually use the Grand Prix 5000 for good coverage (urban roads and bike lanes) but for longer trips (50-100+km ), I want/need a more durable tire as the inland roads can be pretty dodgy with potholes, gravel, puddles and whatnot. I wanted a tire that would be easy to put on and take off, and like 5000s, could be popped on with little to no leverage, at least when the temperature (and tire) is relatively warm. So if you got an apartment they are easy to deal with as you are away from civilization. However, the chances of them going flat are pretty slim as they are very thick on both the top and sides. They got a pretty low rolling resistance rating, but to be fair they ride just as smoothly as 5000s if you're a real mortal riding your bike and not a superhuman professional racer. The problem with rolling resistance ratings is that they look at the extremes and ignore the fact that most people are far more modest about their driving habits - even on weekends. To that end, these tires are VERY comfortable - the most comfortable I've ridden, and the Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires are arguably even more comfortable (but at the cost of being a lot heavier and even more stable). I use 28s when my bike can handle it, 25s when not (I have four bikes, 2 Ridleys, Storck and Pinarello Opera) - two bikes are Grand Prix 5000 and two are Gatorskin hardshells. Both are perfect for their specific purposes. If you want a comfortable, durable, puncture-proof and reasonably smooth tire to drive with, then the Hardshell is worth the money - these days I wouldn't use any other for long rides (except the Schwalbe Marathon, which I use in rainy weather). ). /snow days). In the end, I'll equip all the bikes with hard shells - they ride as well as 5000ers and last three times as long.