by Darren Dencklau

Feature

Continental Gator Hardshell Tire Offers Grip and Flat Protection

Ah, springtime. Well, almost. Regardless, it’s coming soon and for most of us the longer days create an unexplainable urge to obtain new gear to further satisfy our cycling addiction. On my list of early-season “must haves,” a new pair of tires is usually near the top. Continental recently furnished me with their latest road clincher, the Gator Hardshell, for a ride and review.

Photo by Brett Hahn of Continental TiresThe Gator Hardshell is a durable and long lasting clincher tire that comes in 700 x 23c, 25c and 28c sizes.

I have sported Continental’s on my bikes for years and have continually been impressed with how well their road tires grip the asphalt and their MTB tires stick to the trails. And as far as fully loaded touring goes, their Contact line has been my go-to. That said, they do tend to wear faster than many competitors, and when they sell for more than $50 each, it’s something to consider when choosing a new pair of meats.

Designed for longevity while offering the least amount of rolling resistance, Continental uses its patented polyamide DuraSkin for the Gator Hardshell. This durable mesh material runs from bead to bead (previously it’s been used only under the crown of the Grand Prix and Gatorskin models), preventing punctures even when the tire is being cornered at sharp angles. They also beefed up the tread significantly on this model. This extra material adds up to about 10% more weight than the regular Gatorskin.

So how do they perform? At first, they felt hard. Rock hard. They also felt a bit “square.” However, both of these attributes were because I switched from a pair of 37c Conti Contacts I was using for winter commutes and light off-road riding on gravel roads; a few miles down the road neither of those qualities were noticeable.

Photo by Brett Hahn of Continental TiresThe breakdown of the Gator Hardshell, wire bead.

The Hardshells roll fast, so much so they feel more like a mid-level race tire than a commuting and winter training tire. The firm compound of the rubber took a little getting used to, but I quickly gained confidence when cornering with speed — as long as the roads were dry.

They are definitely durable. In fact, I’ve logged in close to 300 miles on them and they still have the factory spine running along the crowns. I’ve had zero flats — knock on wood — and the more I ride them the more I like them, due largely to the “break-in” factor and they’re slowly losing that fresh shiny sheen they had out of the box.

Although they’re a little heavier than the Ultra Gatorskin, the extra weight is hardly noticeable. They come in 700 x 23c, 25c, and 28c (size tested) and retail for around $55 per tire — a little pricey, but the long life you’ll get out of the Gator Hardshells is surely worth it. Plus, when I see another cyclist repairing a flat on a cold day during a rainstorm (of course I ask if they need anything), I secretly smile to myself and keep on riding.

If you are looking for a durable winter training tire or a fast commuter that’s worry free, the Gator Hardshell won’t disappoint.