Gatorskin tyre differences.....

[E38Ross]

Hi Chaps,

anyone know the difference between these, and which one would be more preferable?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/continental-gatorhardshell...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/continental-gatorhardshell...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/continental-gatorskin-fold...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/continental-ultra-gatorski...

Want to get some of these for added puncture protection but not sure what to go for!! I mean, i'm guessing if i'm not going to be taking them on rides there is no need to go for the folding tyres?

Cheers.

Edited by E38Ross on Saturday 13th April 09:48

[Jayfish]

Your first two are the Gatorskin Hardshells, these have an extra layer of puncture protection at the expense of 25-30% extra weight.
You also have a folding beaded tyre of each of the standard 'gators and the Hardshells, normal beaded tyres have a steel cable inside that clinches to your wheel rim, folding tyres use just a rubber bead but are lighter and cost a little more.
Apparently folding tyres are more likely to roll of the rim in the event of a puncture, but nothing really confirms either way.

[E38Ross]

how noticeable would the extra weight be, really? which tyre to go for, for commuting etc and also in future for the winter?

sounds like the hardshells will be the more durable and better protection?

thanks

[yellowjack]

E38Ross said:

Hi Chaps,

anyone know the difference between these, and which one would be more preferable?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/continental-gatorhardshell... wire bead *

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/continental-gatorhardshell... folding bead *

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/continental-gatorskin-fold... folding bead *

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/continental-ultra-gatorski... wire bead *

Want to get some of these for added puncture protection but not sure what to go for!! I mean, i'm guessing if i'm not going to be taking them on rides there is no need to go for the folding tyres?

Cheers.

Edited by E38Ross on Saturday 13th April 09:48

* where: wire bead tyres will always be round, and very 'tyre shaped' even off the rim, and folding bead tyres can be folded up and supplied in a relatively small cardboard box

Wire bead tyres are generally heavier and tougher wearing, folders are lighter, and less 'solid' in the sidewall. This can mean more comfort, but also more risk of punctures off the tread centre line. Main difference between the standard (ultra) Gatorskins, and the Hardshell version, is the width of the puncture protection, and consequently the weight. Hardshell tyres have a wider 'PolyX' layer beneath a thicker tread strip, on top of the standard 'Duraskin' bead-to-bead protective layer.

As far as extra weight goes, over to you. Where will the compromise hurt most? If you value puncture protection and high mileage, go for the hardshell, but expect them to be that much harder to spin up, and harsher in the ride. Value comfort/speed? sacrifice puncture protection, go for the Ultra Gatorskin, they'll be a tad quicker, and a bit more comfortable, but you'll need to be sure to appease the puncture faeries before EVERY ride

My recommendation? Forget the Gatorskins. I have, as I couldn't get on with them with regard to grip and ride quality. Go for the Continental Grand Prix 4Seasons instead. Good, grippy, comfortable tyres that have pretty good levels of puncture protection, yet roll really well.

[E38Ross]

thanks for that, really appreciate it.