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Continental Gator Hardshell Bicycle Tire - Clincher, Wire Bead, Hardshell, Black, 27.5", 700x 23, 25, 28 or 32 Sizes

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 170 ratings
Price: $67.95 Free Return on some sizes and colors

Black
Item Diameter 27 Inches
Brand Continental
Tire Type Clincher
Item Width 1.25 Inches
Bike Type Road Bike
Material Polyester
Tread Type bead

About this item

  • PERFECTLY BALANCED- The Gatorskin has set the bar for a perfectly balanced blend of ride quality and long term durability, all without breaking the bank.
  • POLYXBREAKER- The polyester fibers overlap during manufacturing, yielding a very dense fabric and minimal space in-between threads, making the PolyX highly resistant to any foreign body without reducing the rolling resistance.
  • DURASKIN- Sidewall protection coming from the high quality polyamide fabric encasing the core casing of the tire from scuffs and cuts under the worst conditions.
  • HARDSHELL- Hardshell protection is comprised of three main components, a deep casing overlap providing added sidewall protection, and extra wide PolyX breaker protecting the entire tread strip and finally, the casing is sheltered by a bead to bead layer of DuraSkin fabric.
  • HANDMADE IN GERMANY-Continental has been hand making their tires since 1871, maintaining the integrity of tradition, while evolving with the most advanced technology.
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Top Brand: Continental

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Product Description

Cyclist rides a road bike over wet pavement using Continental Gator Hardshell Tires

Go Hardshell or Go Home

The Continental Gator Hardshell is an ideal tire choice when it comes to extremely long service life, for the next tour or the commute. Made for rough surfaces and rugged pavement.

Continental Gator Hardshell Tire - three quarter angle view of top half

Why Choose This Tire?

  • Ideal when it comes to extremely long service life, for the next tour or the commute.
  • Made for rough surfaces and rugged tarmac.
  • Handmade for You.

Continental Hard Shell Protection logo with tire casing cross section illustration

Hardshell Protection

Puncture protection and mileage are the strengths of ­Hardshell-ProTection. A wider PolyX Breaker, the specialist against punctures, under the tread center and shoulders provides for great reliability. The three-ply – each layer with 60 TPI – ­carcass covers the entire tire and makes it a real ­bastion against urban detritus. The outer ­sidewalls of the tire are reinforced with ­DuraSkin fabric providing even more reliablility due to the casing being so well protected. ­Hardshell tires are the puncture-resistant ­flagship amongst racing tires – produced ­exclusively in Germany.

Continental Dura Skin technology icon and tire cross-section diagram

DuraSkin

Tires with DuraSkin sidewall protection can take a beating as they are designed for the most adverse conditions. In rough terrain on a cyclocross or a gravel bike, on commuter bikes where tires scrape along curbs, on touring bikes as they cross continents encountering many different road qualities and on the race circuit where they prove themselves in endurance events such as the Paris-Roubaix. The high-quality polyamide fabric reliably protects the wall of the tire.

Continental Gator Hardshell Tire tread detail closeup view Continental Gator Hardshell Tire tread detail closeup view Continental Gatorskin tread detail closeup Continental Grand Sport Race Tire tread detail closeup Continental Ultra Sport III tire tread detail closeup
Gator Hard Shell Wire Bead Tire Gator Hard Shell Folding Bead Tire Gatorskin Tire Grand Sport Race Tire Ultra Sport III Tire
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Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
170
4.6 out of 5 stars
852
4.6 out of 5 stars
1,511
4.6 out of 5 stars
2,714
4.6 out of 5 stars
3,193
Price $67.95 $61.95 — $44.99 —
Bead Wire Folding Folding Folding Folding
Puncture Protection Hardshell, DuraSkin Hardshell, DuraSkin PolyxBreaker, DuraSkin NyTech Breaker None
Tire Type Clincher Clincher Clincher Clincher Clincher
Tubeless Compatible No No No No No
Threads Per Inch 3/180 TPI 3/180 TPI 3/180 TPI 3/180 TPI 3/180 TPI
Rated for E-Bike Use No No No No Yes

Product information

Technical Details

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
170 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the durability, condition, and quality of the cycling tire. For example, they mention it's reliable, has very few flats, and works great. That said, some complain about the ease of installation. Opinions are mixed on value.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

31 customers mention31 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the durability of the cycling tire. They mention that it's reliable, long-lasting, and stable. They also appreciate the hard shell and say that it feels like steel when it rolls over anything.

"...These feel like they are steel when they roll over anything...." Read more

"...most annoyingly lots of broken glass, and I have to say these tires hold up well. They are not flat-proof though, this should be known...." Read more

"...GOOD THING THESE ARE RESISTANT TO FLATS so I don't have to change flats very often...." Read more

"This tire is extremely durable, cut-resistant and puncture-resistant. I would have rated it 5 stars, but the rolling resistance is fairly high...." Read more

29 customers mention29 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the condition of the cycling tire. They mention that it is a great tire, with great quality and an outstanding on-road cycling tire, regardless of season and conditions. Some praise it for its good ride quality and general durability. Overall, most are happy with the quality and performance of the tire.

"...bike shops in NOLA sell the Ultra Sport and champion it for it's good ride quality and general durability but I found that it just couldn't handle..." Read more

"...Great tire, still recommend them." Read more

"...Joking about casual misanthropy aside, these tires are amazing, based on my limited experience at least...." Read more

"The product looks and feels tough, but it was way too tight for my rim, even though I use the same tire size all the time... so I could not mount it,..." Read more

13 customers mention13 positive0 negative

Customers have had very few flats with the cycling tire.

"...No more flats, no more, stopping, no more fixing tubes and losing hours of my life a week...." Read more

"...I was really pleased with their performance - over 2,500 miles, no flats. Well, I was recently able to upgrade to a new bike (Specialized Roubaix)...." Read more

"...Since I've changed to the Gator Hardshells I have had no flats (about 1000 miles so far)...." Read more

"...So I spent the money and bought these hardshells. I am glad I did, no flats despite riding over sharp rocks from construction and broken glass all..." Read more

11 customers mention11 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the cycling tire. They mention that it has top puncture resistance, and it works great. Some say that the tires are made for rolling and rolling in all conditions, and that they have less rolling resistance.

"...It is lighter and less expensive than a Specialized Armadillo and has ok performance...." Read more

"...I keep them at a good 110 psi and they serve me well. I am not a professional biker, so I cannot attest to their longevity yet...." Read more

"...The ride is good on dry pavement (haven't ridden in wet yet). I read in the reviews some had issues with fitting the tires on the rims...." Read more

"...heavier than the Kenda tires they replaced, but seem to have less rolling resistance." Read more

8 customers mention8 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the comfort of the cycling tire. They mention that it has a smooth ride, and is easy to seat on the rim.

"...I got lucky with the seat, it is fairly comfortable but the tires were another matter. Within the first 200 miles I had already had two flats...." Read more

"...and won't slow me down...I have 100 miles on it so far and love the feel,hope it last !..." Read more

"...Make sure to wipe it off afterwards. This makes it a lot easier to seat the tire on the rim, but makes it that much messier...." Read more

"...They gave me all the flat protection I needed and provided a comfy ride as well." Read more

6 customers mention6 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the cycling tires. They mention that they look great, are beautiful, and have a visual appearance.

"Originally, I restored a 70's 10 speed with gum wall tires. It looked classic, but the balance was not so hot...." Read more

"...They look great, and are "Hand made in Germany"." Read more

"Look great...haven't had a chance to ride yet..." Read more

"...are tough and can handle the hot streets of Phoenix, they are a good looking and long lasting tire that will take a day to day pounding...." Read more

11 customers mention7 positive4 negative

Customers are mixed about the value of the cycling tire. Some mention it's good value and worth the weight in gold, while others say it'll break the bank.

"...It is lighter and less expensive than a Specialized Armadillo and has ok performance...." Read more

"...SO glad I did, over 500 miles so far - NO flats! This is not a cheap way to go...." Read more

"...Worth the extra $. and Much cheaper than in store.NOTE: I ride Velocity Deep V rims and these are a perfect fit...." Read more

"...Heavy as poo- but worth the weight in gold as I don't miss changing out flats in skin tight Lycra as tourists speed by!" Read more

19 customers mention3 positive16 negative

Customers find the installation of the cycling tire difficult. They mention that it's tough to put on and that it requires a tool to install. Some say that the wire bead does make mounting a challenge and that the tire is small.

"...(note that they are very stiff and take some pressure to mount)...." Read more

"...but I can say this is the first tire of this size I am not able to mount on my rim !..." Read more

"...it 4 out of 5 stars because they are very pricey and are a huge pain to put on the bike, but once they are bought and put on they are amazing." Read more

"...The new tires were firm and required a tool to install the last bit of the way, but I installed them most of the way by hand...." Read more

Hardshell is worse than soft
1 Star
Hardshell is worse than soft
The Hardshell is a very poor excuse for the price of 48 dollars. The top of the tire is reinforced, probably as an afterthought. But the sidewalls are exactly the same as regular Gatorskins, and will be the first thing to get punctured, if the tires other fatal flaw does not show up first. You see, since the top is reinforced, the pressure against the sidewalls is uneven, and the rubber cannot expand and compensate normally over the three aspects of the tire. Please take the following steps to ensure your Hardshells are not defective as one of mine was: get any spray bottle of degreaser or diluted dish detergent. Spray the outside of the tire after installing and inflating it. Watch for tiny bubbles on the sidewalls. If you see any, your tire has weak spots and is defective. If you do not see any, you got lucky, but you should check again after a short ride. Better off buying cheap tires from now on, eh?
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Top reviews from the United States

Malachi fletcher
5.0 out of 5 stars Indestructible
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2023
Size: 27x1.25-InchColor: BlackVerified Purchase
Well not exactly indestructible but close to it.
I've ran over giant thick goat heads, glass, and other things and not once have I popped a tube yet since I got them. If you are still debating if it's worth it to drop the money on these tires or not, JUST BUY THEM!
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Alfajores
5.0 out of 5 stars Impenetrable
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2012
Size: 27x1.25-InchColor: BlackVerified Purchase
Hands down the best tire for horrible road conditions. It is lighter and less expensive than a Specialized Armadillo and has ok performance. I have put down a few hundred miles (250) so far on this tire without any flats or accidents in conditions I would get a flat every five miles using Continental Ultra Sports. 5 stars!

After a few months of riding in New Orleans on Continental Ultra Sports I was desperate for a tire that wouldn't pop daily. Being an aggressive rider from the west coast, the road conditions (maybe better described as trail conditions?) would often leave me pulling off my tire, and fixing a flat at one point per long ride and usually 3-4 times per week. Many bike shops in NOLA sell the Ultra Sport and champion it for it's good ride quality and general durability but I found that it just couldn't handle rides off the levee, City/Audubon Park, or St Charles (maybe most people ride at these locations exclusively). I was talking to some friends about Armadillo's from specialized and my girlfriends father rides Gator Skins on his training bike. No shop in town had 27" tires so I couldn't patronize local business without waiting a few weeks to a month. I had this tire in 2 days after ordering (note that they are very stiff and take some pressure to mount). No more flats, no more, stopping, no more fixing tubes and losing hours of my life a week. I kept my front tire as a Ultra Sport for agility and weight, a great pair.
7 people found this helpful
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Blackcloud_9
5.0 out of 5 stars Go with What You Know
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2011
Size: 700 x 23mmColor: BlackVerified Purchase
I wrote a review for Continental Ultra Gatorskin 700x28c's in Feb. 2011. I had bought those tires for my old bike (Steel Performance - 21 speed). I was really pleased with their performance - over 2,500 miles, no flats. Well, I was recently able to upgrade to a new bike (Specialized Roubaix). It seems like there are usually two things that most bike companies do not invest any money in when it comes outfitting new bikes - Tubes/Tires & Seats. I got lucky with the seat, it is fairly comfortable but the tires were another matter. Within the first 200 miles I had already had two flats. I asked the bike shop where I bought the bike for advice. They said to try something called "Caffe Latex" (btw - Caffe is not misspelled, it is an Italian product). I found it to be pretty worthless, as I had another flat within a week.
That is when I decided to "Go with What You Know". Having such good luck with the Ultra Gatorskins, I searched again for the same tire. That is when I happened on these Gator Hardshell tires. These were advertised to be Ultra Gatorskins taken to the next level of protection. I didn't hesitate, I bought a set of these and puncture resistant tubes (Michelin Airstop). SO glad I did, over 500 miles so far - NO flats! This is not a cheap way to go. But the peace of mind I have, that every time I walk out to get on my bike and knowing that my tires will still have air in them is next to priceless.
5/1/2013 - Quick update. Just changed out these tires. Managed to get 2,700 miles out of them with just two flats. First, was a really large nail. It wouldn't have mattered what the tire was made of, it wouldn't have stopped this nail. Second was a pinch flat, again not the tire's fault. I rotated the tires approximately ever 500 miles. They were still holding air but some of the thread was starting to show through. Great tire, still recommend them.
41 people found this helpful
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Jason
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth it!
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2012
Size: 27x1.25-InchColor: BlackVerified Purchase
I just completed my first real ride on these tires, for a total of ~30 miles. These are the first tires I have ever bought - my bike is an old Raleigh ten speed that had Continental Ultras when I purchased it in July 2012. As one review for those tires stated, they have the puncture resistance of wet kleenex.

Whatever the case may be, after thirty miles the little strip of rubber on the tread that is formed when the tires are molded has not even begun to show wear.

Also, I ran over a stray piece of gravel, which normally would have caused a puncture. Instead, the gravel shot out from under the tire and broke a window pane in a condemned building I was passing (there are many of those where I live). I would argue on this evidence that these are less tires and more Mobile Ambient Death Systems (MADS). I imagine one day I am going to put a child's eye out or something. That's OK though, because I will be able to peddle quickly away on my fully-inflated tires!

Joking about casual misanthropy aside, these tires are amazing, based on my limited experience at least. I cannot compare them to the non-HardShell Gator Skins, but given the extremely awful road conditions where I live, the $5 difference per tire is probably worth it (it's the cost of one inner tube, or thereabouts).
2 people found this helpful
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Lars Bogard
5.0 out of 5 stars Like rolling on steel - will crush anything you roll over.
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2022
Size: 700 x 23mmColor: BlackVerified Purchase
I have ridden 30-miles four times on these, and they have not been flattened yet. I used to get at least one flat weekly (3x 30-miles / week) with other continental clinchers. These feel like they are steel when they roll over anything. When you hold your finger between the inside of the tire and the outside of the tire, they feel thicker than anything else I've used. It's almost like you could ride over a bed of nails and you wouldn't get a flat. I put a spare clincher in my bag with a couple inner tubes, but now that's probably just a waste of extra weight. During installation, it was about 30% more effort to get the bead over the wheel rim due to the stiffness of this tire construction type, but it was totally possible, and I'm convinced I'll be removing these due to flats a LOT less often.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Michael M
5.0 out of 5 stars Tire delivered quickly and worked as expected
Reviewed in Canada on January 24, 2019
Size: 700cm x 32Color: BlackVerified Purchase
Great Bike tire
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Daniel M.
4.0 out of 5 stars 0 pinchazos
Reviewed in Spain on June 26, 2020
Size: 700 x 23mmColor: BlackVerified Purchase
0 pinchazos
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great tyre
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 11, 2017
Size: 700 x 23mmColor: BlackVerified Purchase
Been using these for a while. Very good road holding and hardly ever punctured. Make sure you look for the rotation direction arrow when fitting. It relieves resistance if you put them on right way round. Roll beautifully if you do them right.
3 people found this helpful
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Vinay
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent rolling tyre
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 28, 2015
Size: 700 x 23mmColor: BlackVerified Purchase
Superb puncture protection. Excellent rolling tyre. Worth every penny.
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DJM
4.0 out of 5 stars Good tyre for puncture resistance with good rolling resistance. Recommended
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 1, 2014
Size: 700 x 23mmColor: BlackVerified Purchase
For competitive cyclists this is a great training tyre that offers good rolling resistance, grip and a high degree of puncture resistance. As a keen, but non competitive cyclist I use these tyres all year around on country roads covered in flint and sharp stones and I may have one or two punctures a year. This is a tyre that can take a lot of abuse whilst retaining a good level of performance. Recommended.

Pros
Good grip in both dry and wet.
High puncture resistance.
Low rolling resistance but not optimised for speed.

Cons
They are a tight fit on the rims.
5 people found this helpful
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