Slicks for MTB -Continental Ultra Gator Skin?

keith_d99

Hi all,

Looking to put slicks on my MTB (Trek 4300) - for commuting and road cycles. Current tyres are 26 x 2.1,

Thinking of getting these http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=18801 - can anybody vouch for these as tyres??? Also what size tube should I get for these?

Thanks in advance,
Keith.

Gavin

Good tires, the difference will be phenomenal. Get these tubes

BostonB

I got specialised Armadillo's 1.5 for mine, but everywhere says the Gators are better. So I'd get them if I was buying again.

keith_d99

Looking forward to trying the slicks on the roads - keeping my regulars for off road stuff (didn't like the way they are wearing quickly on the roads anyhow)

Also noticed the Sport Contacts http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=18829 which also come with tubes - would there be much difference between these and the Gator Skins?

Turbulent Bill

Gavin wrote: »

Good tires, the difference will be phenomenal. Get these tubes

+1 on the tyres, used them on an MTB for about a year and they're great. The tubes linked to have Presta valves, though, whereas the rim is almost certainly drilled for Schrader. I use the 26 x 1.0-1.25 version of these, but they're out of stock now in CRC - maybe ask them for a recommendation.

You'll also need a track pump (if you don't have one already) to get the most out of the Gatorskins.

Turbulent Bill

keith_d99 wrote: »

Looking forward to trying the slicks on the roads - keeping my regulars for off road stuff (didn't like the way they are wearing quickly on the roads anyhow)

Also noticed the Sport Contacts http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=18829 which also come with tubes - would there be much difference between these and the Gator Skins?

I think the Gatorskins have better puncture protection compared to the Sport Contacts.

Robertd_07

I got these ones for my Trek 4100. Continental City Contact Reflex
Found them to be really good, compared to the conti speed king I used to have. Was getting punctures once or twice a week. None now form 3 months since I got the new tyre.

Gavin

Turbulent Bill wrote: »

+1 on the tyres, used them on an MTB for about a year and they're great. The tubes linked to have Presta valves, though, whereas the rim is almost certainly drilled for Schrader. I use the 26 x 1.0-1.25 version of these, but they're out of stock now in CRC - maybe ask them for a recommendation.

You'll also need a track pump (if you don't have one already) to get the most out of the Gatorskins.

Presta will fit into a schrader hole. Schrader won't fit into presta

BostonB

I got a puncture 2nd week with with the specialized nimbus armadillo's I have. A glass shard, just must have been at the perfect angle. I think its was just unlucky as I haven't had a puncture since and that was start of last summer. I only do about 40~60k a week though. I think a lot depends on your route. Some routes are better than others for avoiding puntures.

Would there be any difference in switching to from the armadillo's 26x1.5 to one of these other ones, which are narrower. Reviews on the web seem to suggest there would be. I'm not sure if its worth the hassle mine are hardly worn. I hope to switch to a FCR later in the summer anyway.

blanco

When I was a courier, I used these http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=25906

Must have got 50k out of them before having to change.

daymobrew

Turbulent Bill wrote: »

I think the Gatorskins have better puncture protection compared to the Sport Contacts.

Really? I thought it was the other way around.
The Sport Contact tyres have the Safety System Guarantee because they are so confident about the puncture protection.

I used 26x1.3 Sport Contact on my MTB for my commute. It would take a significant item to puncture it. Only downside was that the tyres were very tight on my rims - I got more punctures while refitting the tyres than while using them.

I later changed for Gatorskins 26x1.2. Easier to fit, higher PSI possible but I got a few punctures. Could have been bad luck.

In summary, the Gatorskins are definitely suitable for commuting on a MTB.

keith_d99

Went for the 1.3 sport contacts - first ride today on MTB with slicks - what a difference?!? Does genuinely feel like a different bike!

Bike looks mad though - wheels look tiny (21inch frame) -or maybe the clip on MTB mudguards make it look even stranger?

Might be time to pack a spare tube, levers, and pump?

rob1891

BostonB wrote: »

I got a puncture 2nd week with with the specialized nimbus armadillo's I have. A glass shard, just must have been at the perfect angle. I think its was just unlucky as I haven't had a puncture since and that was start of last summer. I only do about 40~60k a week though. I think a lot depends on your route. Some routes are better than others for avoiding puntures.

Would there be any difference in switching to from the armadillo's 26x1.5 to one of these other ones, which are narrower. Reviews on the web seem to suggest there would be. I'm not sure if its worth the hassle mine are hardly worn. I hope to switch to a FCR later in the summer anyway.

I'm using the same tyres as you. Yes, gatorskins would be lighter and faster, but I think the Nimbus would have better protection and outlast a gatorskin by a long way. They are quite a thick and hard in comparison. This would be the overriding factor for a utility bike (imo). I do a short commute also, 40km a week, I'd rather not have any headaches than reduce my commute time by a few seconds.

BostonB

Fair point. I only do about 20~60k a week. So 12 months + without a puncture is good I reckon.