Gator Tires

HBNH86

I'm doing the Ring of Kerry cycle in July and changed bikes recently. I've had 2 punctures in a short time. Anyone recommend any tyres? Everyone I've asked has recommended Gator. They are quite expensive, €40 a tyre but I don't mind if it will greatly minimize punctures.

Thanks

thekooman

you won't go far wrong with Gatorskins.... 5000km on mine and no puncture.

Stevieg2009

HBNH86 wrote: »

I'm doing the Ring of Kerry cycle in July and changed bikes recently. I've had 2 punctures in a short time. Anyone recommend any tyres? Everyone I've asked has recommended Gator. They are quite expensive, €40 a tyre but I don't mind if it will greatly minimize punctures.

Thanks

I think Marrey bikes had a special going on a pair lately might be worth checking

HBNH86

Thank you both, that deal is still ongoing in Marrey bikes so gonna go with that - 2 Tyres and tubes for 62 Euro - good value!

Darkglasses

They are kind of a nuclear option when it comes to punctures. Gatorskins are pretty definitely the best when it comes to protecting you from glass/debris for sure, but they have their downsides. They're very expensive, and being made from such a tough rubber compound they don't have a great ride quality, they're quite difficult to put on, and in some people's opinions they handle badly in the wet.

I would only recommend them if you were regularly riding in areas with a lot of glass. If you aren't, and you're getting a lot of punctures, you probably don't need them. The source of the punctures may lie somewhere else - are you sure you're inflating them to the correct pressure for you? Are you fitting the tubes right? Is the rim-tape fitted properly?

I used them when commuting, but on my normal road bike I opted for Vittoria Zaffiro Pros. Waaay cheaper, fit much easier, much better road feel. Have had 1 puncture in about 4,000 kilometres so far, which is acceptable for me considering the benefits. I wouldn't buy Gators again personally, unless I had to commute through Templebar or something.

If it's too late and you've chosen them, then you definitely got a good deal at least! I paid much more than that for my pair. If you keep them at the right pressure, then you're all but guaranteed to get no punctures for 5-10,000km

Roadtoad

Got a puncture after about 30k on a new Gatorskin once. How sad was that!

Darkglasses

Roadtoad wrote: »

Got a puncture after about 30k on a new Gatorskin once. How sad was that!

That's bizarre, they're practically made of granite. How'd it happen?

Gallant_JJ

Gp4000s' for me. Much better handling tire, grippy even in the wet, loads of confidence in them. 7000km including the entire winter, 1 puncture. Got them at €23 each on Bike components, German site.

Unknown Soldier

Roadtoad wrote: »

Got a puncture after about 30k on a new Gatorskin once. How sad was that!

Mine was at about 90km

Gutted at the time but they have been fine since. Just the day that was in it and the feckin' piece of glass that did the deed.

omicron

HBNH86 wrote: »

I'm doing the Ring of Kerry cycle in July and changed bikes recently. I've had 2 punctures in a short time. Anyone recommend any tyres? Everyone I've asked has recommended Gator. They are quite expensive, €40 a tyre but I don't mind if it will greatly minimize punctures.

Thanks

€27 on chain reaction.