chuychanga

Anyone use this tire for touring? It has flat protection and just a very small amount of tread. Much slicker than the Top Touring. It also only weighs 320 grams vs. 490 for the Top Touring (both in 700 X 28C).

I ride exclusively on the road and wonder if the Top Touring might be a little overkill.

Thoughts???

ljbike

For everyday street use, the Ultra Gatorskin would be my choice. It uses higher tire pressure to reduce rolling resistence.

However, if you carry loaded panniers and such, you might go with the Top Touring.

late

I found the 28c Gatorskin to have a rough ride. It is belted all the way around, and doesn't give much when you hit a bump. It's a very nice tire, other than that.
I also find the Top Touring to be overkill; it's really designed for loaded touring.
I like something faster. You might take a peek at Rivendells Roly Poly and the belted version, the Ruffy Tuffy. These are 27c tires that are very simliar to the Avocets (discontinued, sadly) that I am currently using. Lots of other choices, too, like the Pasela T-Serv Messenger.

hayneda

I tend to agree. I rode gatorskins on BMB last year in a 28c and found the ride too harsh. I've since switched them to our tandem.

Dave

OregonBound

I use Ultra Gatorskins (700x28 at about 120PSI) for both my daily commute of 20 miles over mostly bad roads and for touring. The ride is a little harsh, but when balanced with the almost total lack of flats, I'll still go with the Gatorskins. Your mileage may vary! :-)

Paul