Continental Ultra

I bought these tires to replace the Continental 23c 4000's that I loved. I really think the 4000s were the best tires I've ever used on my bike for decades. Great tires. But, since I ride streets and trails around town where there seems to be an ever increasing amount of broken glass, I thought I'd try the Gatorskins and up the size a little to the max recommended for my rims, 28c. My immediate thought within yards on my first ride with them was that they were obviously a heavier tire and that they seemed a "harder" tire. A little harsher ride. However, I realized that I'd inflated them to the same psi that I used on the narrower 4000s. On my next ride I adjusted the psi down from 80 front, 90 back, to 75/80 and that helped some. I've gotten used to them after a couple of months riding, but they're still an obviously heavier tire. But, I don't notice it as much now. My original reason for buying them was extra flat protection. I have been very happy with the extra confidence I have when I ride of small particles of glass. I still try to avoid glass and I still hold my glove over the rotating tires after running over glass, but I do not really worry about it as much now. So, overall I'd recommend them for that extra confidence. And, they do seem to give a slightly more comfortable ride in the larger size and lower inflation.

I usually wait a couple months before commenting, but not in this case. I ordered these Gaterskins a week ago and will give my initial observations. First, I was expecting to receive them on a Saturday and they arrived on the Tuesday prior. Very quick for standard shipping. Second, I was expecting to have a difficult time mounting them but not so, I spent less then 5 minutes per rim. a A suggestion, Start at the valve, put a small amount of air in the tube so it gets its round and install it once the first bead is in. As for the tire itself, I replaced some almost new Schwalbe Lugano 700x25c tires that I got 3 punctures on in two 20 mile rides with these Gaterskins in a 700x 28c size on my Cannondale Synapse. What a difference in comfort, speed and road feel on my first ride yesterday. I rode over the same roads I road two days before and the difference was like night and day and no flats. To top it off they look very nice in my bike. That is my inicial review, but will follow up in about a thousand miles.

For people with road bikes who ride in cities, I can't say anything bad about these. They are tough, grippy, attractive, and easy to mount. They are not cheap, but given that things made in Germany are insanely expensive compared to bike products made in Asia, they are surprisingly inexpensive. One thing I would note is that these are "taller" for some rim sizes than you might expect. This is not super-important, but you might need to recalibrate your bike computer.

Only been installed a little while, 120ish miles on it so far. No flats yet, fingers crossed, would have had a flat by now with my previous tire. Only complaint thus far is I wish they had a little more traction on the sides for cornering. The slightest bit of gravel, moisture, grass clippings, etc and you have to slow way down or it will slip and down you go. Seems to be a good quality, well balanced, fast tire otherwise. Just be careful in the corners unless they are clean and dry or you are going slow.

These are a very good tire for my commute to work over some gravel, streets and beat roads of New England. Last thing I want is to change a tire at 5 AM on the ride to work and these have kept me for doing so so far. Good traction on wet roads and sandy edges. NOW THE UPDATED STORY After 60 miles the bead separated from the sidewall of the tire. Continental said sorry we have a 1 year warranty but we don't cover road hazards. This wasn't anything I hit if it was I wouldn't waste my time updating my review from a 5 to a 1. I will provide pictures to anyone who wants to see what this company is like. UPDATE The front tire shows no sign of wear and Continental did replace this tire after talking with supervisor of person who answered phone. So updated rating from 1 to 4 stars.

I haven't ever bought a tire this wide....I used to ride my single bike on 18's back in the day....but comfort plays a bigger role now. With the recent purchase of a tandem fitted with 700 by 38 tires it was time to consider larger sizes. The 38's looked like something I would use on my motorcycle so after reviewing recommendations/experiences on the tandem forums I settled on 700 by 28 as the most likely replacement. The Conti GatorSkin was high on the list of "most durable" tires. The fit on the Bontrager rims was a bit of a struggle initially but the bead seats great. Paired with size-specific tubes the combination is great. I don't have many miles on the tandem yet....it's a very different riding experience...but so far the comfort is good with not a lot more rolling resistance. Conti makes a super tire and this is no exception. Probably suitable for a tandem load of up to 350 pounds.....I run 115 PSI which a little over the max recommendation but it doesn't negatively affect ride and I feel gives me a bit of margin for pinch flats and the lowest rolling resistance. Great product.

Just wow!! So I’m a heavier rider & do roughly 60 miles a week on my bike. My bike has Giant SR4 tires 700x25c. Super light performance tires but I think I weighed too much for them tires because Every time I went on a ride I’d catch a flat within 2 miles in! It took 6 tubes till I got fed up and upgraded to these gatorskins and also went wider to a 28mm tire and I can’t make this up! The confidence I have on my bike now is a great feeling! These tires ride soooo much smoother, handle much much better especially in wet riding and here’s the big surprise! My avg speed is 16mph vs 13mph! They are faster then the lighter tire! Hmmm.. The bike feels completely different and I’m so glad I went this direction with tires instead of GP 5000s! I have done 96 miles on these tires and record holding zero tube replacements! I also replaced the rim tape with a high quality specialized tape same time!

This will be short and simple because this is a great commuter tire. Why? Because the tire is designed to be puncture resistant and, it roles well. It is also easy to mount. I put this tire and tube on the rear without tools. Will I eventually get a flat? Yes, because I have to ride the shoulder of the streets/roads in the city I live in. Bike trails are few and far between and the city makes no real attempt to sweep/clean its' roads and shoulders regularly. As long as I am able to negotiate my way around nails, bolts, sharp metal, large stones, and glass I'll be OK. I'm using a Gatorskin 700/28mm tire on the rear and a Gatorskin 700/25mm on the front. Remember to get a descent inner tube that matches the size of the tires you're using. I feel comfortable with Continental tubes. There are no 'cons' and I highly recommend these to any commuter. Good Luck!! Remember to carry a patch kit and a one dollar bill. If you slice the side of your tire, fold the bill and slide it between the inner tube and the tire casing and center the folded bill over the cut. Inflate the tire until you see a slight bulge where the tile casing was cut and slowly ride home or to your ride. Try to stay off your seat.