dortonwildcat5

If I purchase Conti Gatorskins, with limiting flats in mind, what tube would be best to use with them?

Cyclist0383

Whatever is cheapest. 'Thorn proof' tubes rarely work and are very heavy. If you are willing to have a heavy wheel then go with Schwalbe Marathon or Marathon Plus tires.

ken cummings

For a year I saved my tubes after they failed at the valve stem. The 2 Kenda tubes failed at 7 and 9 patches and the two Bontrager tubes failed at 2 and 0 patches. 'Nuff said.

Al1943

I like to use tubes with no threads on the stem because the threads are hard on pump chuck "O" rings. My favorite tubes for road bikes are Michelin Ultra Lite.

Al

cpb406

Just this weekend I replaced my tires (700c x 23) and installed Michelin A1/B1 AirComp Tubes (Ultra Lite) with 52mm stems. I have found the air chuck on my Park Tool PFP-3 Home Mechanic Floor Pump does not fit as well as the previous stems I have used (either smooth or threaded). In fact the other Michelin tubes I had (Michelin A1 AirStop Tube with a smooth 36mm stem) fit the chuck just fine. Anyone else have this problem. The problem I am having is related to the insertion depth. The length of the small dia. section on the Ultra Lite 52mm length stem is not allowing the seal on the chuck much room for a seal. I will take some photos to illustrate.

Al1943

I hate it when I have insertion depth problems.

If I understand you correctly you may need a longer stem. I've had a similar problem with Cosmic Carbone wheels and tubes with 66 mm stems. Just barely long enough, the chuck has problems locking onto the stem.

Al

froze

Whats wrong with your current tubes? I would use those unless their old. Otherwise any good quality tube will work. Specialized has a couple of good tough tubes including the Airlock Tube that has a sealant in it that works far better then Slime, in fact Slime won't work at all above 65 to 70 psi. Or they also have the Desert Protection which is the same as their regular Airlock but has a thicker thorn resistent area that contacts the tire. But as one poster mentioned these are heavy.

If you want the 2nd best flat protection then turn to Specialized again with their new Roubaix Armadillo Elite combines lightweightness and superior flat protection. OR for the best flat protection then Specialized All Condition Armadillo Reflect Tire is it, though heavy at about 475grms very little can penetrate either the tread or the sidewall. This last tire is a great commuting tire because you don't have to worry about road conditions and whether or not your going to make it to work on time! It also has a reflective stripe on the sidewalls to aide in your visiblity to motorists.

Deanster04

I find the best luck with continental tubes. The Gatorskin are great tires. If you want something a little more racy then the 4 Seasons (gator skin sidewalls and 430tpi) is the best bang for the buck. I have had zero problems since changing to Conti. Good riding.

waldowales

Don't let my tubes see this post! Slime in them works just fine at 100 and 110 psi.

froze

Maybe over the past 7 years since I tried them they changed the formulation of Slime and now it works above 100psi. I know the last time I mentioned they failed to seal above 65-70psi several other posters here on this forum chimed in agreeing that they experienced the same problem.

froze

Depends on where you live; Gatorskins are good for mild street problems, but if you live with very trashy streets and or natural problems like goatheads then the Gatorskins are almost useless. I tried Gatorskins when I lived in the Mojave Desert Area of Caifornia where Goatheads are plenty and I found those tires to be just a tad better then regular tires but still averaged 3 to 4 flats a week (vs 4 to 5 with other tires). My biggest complaint with the Gatorskins or any Conti tire for that matter is their paper thin sidewalls that damage easily. When I switched to the Armadillo my flats went to an average of 0 a week! Plus the sidewalls are noticibly more stout then ANY tire I saw on the market.

Just depends on what you want in a tire. The Gatorskin is indeed a good tire and it's lighter then the Armadillo. If weight is an issue then use the Gatorskin, and if they work out well for you then stay with them; but if you still experience too many flats or problems then try the Armadillos and see if they work better for you.

dortonwildcat5

Thanks. That helps a lot with my decision.