Mongo267

Gatorskins 28mm are what I use to commute 33miles every other day. The tires are at 100psi and I'm 300lbs. Is there a better tire for less flats and better ride than the Gatorskins? Thanks

znomit

32mm would be better if you have the clearance on the bike.

CliffordK

There are two gators...

Gatorskins & Gator Hardshells.

The hardshells are supposed to be slightly beefier, although I can't tell a lot of difference between the two. I've had the occasional flat with both.

What types of flats are you getting? How frequent? Every flat should have a diagnosis.

• Pinch flats (snake bites). Underinflation, and running over sharp debris. Also, a slow leak from some other cause can show up as a pinch flat.
• Goatheads and thorns.
• Radial Tire wires... those little things are invisible and wicked!!!
• Glass
• Something else?

It is quite possible that different environments and problems will favor different solutions.


I like the gator hardshells, but I'm still exploring.


There is a class of TOUGH tires:

• Schwalbe Marathon Plus
• Michelin Protek Max and Protek Cross Max
• Panaracer Tourguard.

They tend to HEAVY and thick. Part of the design is to absorb debris, so for simple thorns or goatheads, the thorns may not reach all the way through to the tube. I still think they are, however, vulnerable to glass.


There are also tire liners. I've stayed away from them as I tend to avoid flats, but they may help. I've seen the Panaracer “Flataway” tire liners recommended as being tougher than other lines.


Tubeless tires are becoming more popular, and in theory a sealant should be able to seal many things causing flats.



One can also use sealants in tubes. Slime (green goo) will last more or less forever, but doesn't make a good permanent seal. Other latex sealants will apparently make a permanent seal, but require periodically adding more.

Homebrew01

Duplicate thread. Closed.

Please see this thread if interested.

gatorskins 28mm
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