Which one is the most sidewall resistant

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...e/rp-prod18800

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...e/rp-prod49762

According to bicyclerollingresistance.com, the Gator Hardshells have more protection, but the also have higher rolling resistance. According to that website, The Conti gp 5000 have a 10 watt rolling resistance, the Gator Hardshells are 19.2. That's a big difference.

I used both regular Gatorskins and Hardshells. I just ordered another set and ordered the regular. The regular have a better ride feel.

That said, if sidewall resistance was my concern, the Hardshells are more puncture resistant.

Good luck.

The Hardshells have the ride quality of a tire made entirely out of LEGO brick. But they don't get flats. The Hardshell gives up everything in the name of puncture resistance. Be aware.

Thanks for the info

I use Hardshells, but I live in an urban environment that has a good amount of broken glass. It is worth it to me to avoid the aggravation and time loss of changing a flat. If I lived someplace else, I would explore a different tire.

I've tried both. Don't really like either. I'd rather deal with infrequent punctures than arrive at work feeling like my a**hole got welded shut.


To put it bluntly....

I ride tubeless with nice supple, fast tires, and don't get flats.

🤣😂🤣

The key word is "infrequent". What is your definition of infrequent as applied to flats ? I use Gatorskins exclusively now. Not the nice ride as with GP5000's for instance but around here with the neglected roads and goatheads I was getting flats at a minimum of every other ride. Some rides I was getting two flats and decided enough is enough................

For me, getting 2 flats in a month is frequent. For reference, I usually ride about 150-200 miles a week, using several different bikes. As far as the Gator Skins are concerned, I had 700 x 28 Gator Skins and later Gator Skin Hard Shells on a Cross Check that I commuted on every day for about 3 years. I had them at 80 F and 85 R. Yes, they only flatted a couple times in that time span. I wore the rear tires pretty much to a point of being squared off and the wear markers long gone. I mean, highest marks for durability, but it wasn't until I tried 38mm Panaracer Gravel King slicks that I realized I'd suffered enough. They wear out MUCH faster, though. I think they have a 1000-1200 mile life span. But I've only had 2 punctures in that time and I commute through industrial neighborhoods and even on the side of highway 101 for about 1/2 mile each direction. You should see some of the stuff that winds up on the side of a freeway!
Anyhoo-if you can take the ride, more power to ya! My tuches gave them the hook.

Yeah it is a compromise. Thanks for the info on the Panaracer Gravel Kings. I may give them a try. BTW, I see you have a Surly Cross Check. I am thinking of getting a Cross Check myself. A ride friend has one and I really like it. My wife doesn't understand the need for another bike but my strategy is to get her a new bike too

The Cross Check is a great "do-all" bike. I have mine set up with fenders, front and rear racks and a sub-compact cranket (46/30) and wide range cassette (11/34) in back so it will pretty much go anywhere and still have some speed on the flats. The 38mm tires really made it a much more comfortable bike.

Maybe his and hers Cross Checks?

Ha,ha that is a good idea. !

I used to be a bike messenger in NYC, riding both a road bike and a fixed gear. Gatorskins were a MUST! Never got a single flat, except for like one or two pinch flats. Never a puncture. Swear by this tire, if your main goal is to avoid flats. Performance i think is acceptable, but they are more slippery on wet surfaces from my experience than regular tires.

Even a Hardshell has a bad day. Still a mighty tough tire, and a comparable ride...