Bontrager AW3 Hard Case or Gatorskin Hardshells

[lgibster]

Ok I need to change from my stock tires (noticed sidewall cracks in both front and rear and some cuts). My LBS recommended the Bontrager AW3 Hard Case (not sure if they are the full hard case or the Hard Case light). Any opinions on those or the Gatorskins. I have the Specialized Esprion Elite Tires and like those but was looking for something faster and tougher. I know "another tire question".

[lgibster]

What size tires are you looking for? 700c? And what width? 23? 25? Larger?


My favorite road bike tire is the Continental Grand Prix 4000s. Their 4 Season tire was also recommended to me. (And maybe a good idea).

I am looking for a 700cx25 Finding some tires are only offered in the 25 so my local choices are down to the two above and wondered if anyone had these tires. I think the LBS also carries the 4000s tires but the shop mechanics say they have seen trouble with larger riders having sidewall problems. The LBS mechanics group are all currently riding the AW3, but they also all work at a Trek dealer so I wanted opinions from here.

[thekarens]

FWIW almost everyone I know uses Continental tires.

[lgibster]

FWIW almost everyone I know uses Continental tires.

Do they use the Continental 4000S? How do they hold up on Chip Seal roads?

[lgibster]

Very well. But, if you want something a little more heavy-duty, the Four Seasons (http://www.conti-online.com/www/bicycle_de_en/themes/race/racetyres/gp4season_en.html)might make you feel more secure. Also great for a road bike, my mechanic recommended them for rough pavement. (It's a private mechanic/fitter, he doesn't work at a bike shop).

I haven't been able to find those at any of my LBS. The 4000s is all they carry. The mechanics all used the Bontrager AW3 on a 100 mile ride (85 payment/15 gravel) two weeks ago and said NO one had a flat or felt slowed down. They said Bontrager has a 30 day if you don't like them for any reason return them policy. I am going to talk to the mechanics at lunch and see their individual opinions since they aren't the sales guys. I did like the looks of the 4000s.

[ny biker]

I don't know about the AW3s but my bike came with Bontrager Race Lite tires and I was very happy with them. I had a pair of somewhat-used Gatorskins that I took off my old bike, and I left them in the closet for two years until the Bontragers were worn enough to need replacing.

The Gatorskins are now on my bike. When it's time to replace them I will consider another pair of Bontrager Race Lites.

Bontrager has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee for all their products so there's little risk in trying their tires.

[Owlie]

The GP4000 is really a racing tire. It's a different compound entirely--it's lighter and "stickier" for better grip in corners at speed. The downside is that it's less durable. The 4000S may be an improvement; I don't know. I haven't seen the Four Seasons, though I seem to remember that my BF recommended them to me.

I ride regular Gatorskins, and I like them.

[Crankin]

I have used the 400s for years on my Kuota. When I got my Guru, I had Gatorskins put on. The only flat I've had is when the tire exploded in the back of my car :eek:. I am about to put the Gatorskins on my Kuota, too, as I am switching to 25s on that bike, too. I have had flats with the 4000s; not a lot, but enough.
My only concern is that the Gatorskins have a rep for being hard to get off and I am not that swift with changing flats to begin with.

[lgibster]

Update: I went with the Bontrager AW3 Hard Case after talking to the mechanics and some other friends. Also Bontrager has a 30 day return policy if for any reason you don't like the tires. I will probably know within 30 days if they will work out. I will keep you guys updated. They had to order one of them for me last week and I get it put on today. I will be road testing them this weekend and next at the Katy Flatland.