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Continental Ultra Gatorskin | $37.20
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BikeRadar verdict

4 out of 5 stars

"A road, all-round and winter training tyre with enhanced puncture protection "

By Dan Joyce

The 26in version of Conti's Ultra Gatorskin is new for 2006. It's a lightweight skinwall like the 700C version that's done well in past tests.

Since it's high pressure and narrow - just 28mm - it feels more like a 700C training tyre than a mountain bike slick: it's harder, less bump absorbing, and faster. In fact, it's one of the fastest 26in tyres I've ridden. Grip is fine and puncture protection is good for such a light tyre.

The Kevlar belt resists sharp objects well: I've had one puncture in about 1,000 miles on a 700C version. The sidewalls are protected by 'DuraSkin', a synthetic-mesh layer.

This should help against slashes but offers little resistance to piercing. Despite the wire bead, the Gatorskin is very light for a 26in slick. That surely means less rubber so we'd expect mileage-life to be lower. But it's cheap enough to factor in the price of a spare.

 

Manufacturers description

The

ultimate

wire

bead

training

&

racing

tyre

where

puncture

protection

is

priority.

Using

the

latest

technology

against

flats

the

GatorSkin

range

uses

an

aramid

breaker

and

Duraskin®

sidewall

ProTection.

The

Duraskin®

sidewall

reinforcement

forms

an

external

protective

sheild

over

the

entire

casing

to

prevent

cuts,

puntures

and

abrasions.

The

slick

natural

rubber

tread

is

designed

to

perform

well

in

wet/wintery

conditions.

Intended

for

high

mileage

winter

training

for

serious

cyclists.

User Reviews

Post your review

  • User review of Continental Ultra Gatorskin

    My tyres did not appear to be uniformly round - a bit bumpy. One was punctured by a 2mm sliver of glass, which was very disappointing.

    Good in the wet unless you are planning to use your brakes at any stage.

    Very good in the dry if there's nothing sharp about.

    0.3
  • User review of Continental Ultra Gatorskin

    Had them for two years (2000Km) now without any puncture, or even worn the pattern is still there

    0.3
  • User review of Continental Ultra Gatorskin

    I have just fitted a pair of 700 x 28 gatorskins to my commute hybrid it has had a huge impact!! The rolling resistance is very low compared to previous tyres (Vittoria adventure touring 700 x 35) and due to the much lower weight the acceleration of the bike is significantly better. If the puncture resistance is all it is supposed to be then a great tyre.

    0.3
  • User review of Continental Ultra Gatorskin

    Good tyres! I have these on my mtb for road use. Had no problems over the last year and helps me keep up with the roadie groups. Used them at the weekend for a 100km off and on road challenge ride with no punctures even though most people had a puncture and I know people who have had upto 6 on that particular course.

    0.3
  • User review of Continental Ultra Gatorskin

    Very disappointed with these tyres. They are fast, that is true but I have had two punctures in the first week of using one on my front wheel. They are also too small for my Mavic wheel and getting them on and off is very hard work (and I have strong thumbs). And no, the punctures weren't pinch punctures they were both flints that I picked out. Bad enough that I am considering ditching them when they are almost still brand new.

    0.3
  • User review of Continental Ultra Gatorskin

    disappointing. I installed 26x1.115 slicks on my mtb commuter and had a puncture next day. Totally had 3 flats in less then 60miles, tried running 100pse recommended pressure and on 115psi - max pressure - no difference re puncture protection.

    It looks like kevlar layer is too thin to provide real protection however the tires are really fast.

    Had finally to replace them with Schwalbe Stelvio HS350 yesterday - will see how they perform

    I also have Spec all condition armadillo on my other bike - haven't had any puncture for abt 800 miles - touch wood. It's a pity they do not exist for 26inch.

    0.3

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Specification

Name:
Ultra Gatorskin
Built by:
Continental
Price:
$37.20
Manufacturer's Description:
Conti's sophisticated anti puncture tyre The ultimate wire bead training & racing tyre where puncture protection is priority. Using the latest technology against flats the GatorSkin range uses an aramid breaker and Duraskin® sidewall ProTection. The Duraskin® sidewall reinforcement forms an external protective shield over the entire casing to prevent cuts, puntures and abrasions. The slick natural rubber tread is designed to perform well in wet/wintery conditions.
Weight (g):
300 g
Colour:
Black
Additional Features:
THE only tyre for your winter / high mileage bike, Aramid belt under tread , Plus Duraskin® cut-resistant layer from bead to bead , Quality German made natural rubber tread , Praised by both the press and thousands of satisfied users, Intended for high mileage winter training for serious cyclists.
Diameter:
559 mm
Max PSI:
116 psi
Tyre Sizes Available:
23-571, 23-622, 25-622, 28-559, 28-622, 32-630

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