New Conti Gatorskins - Ouch!

I just put some new Conti Gatorskin tires yesterday. Is it just me, or are those THE HARDEST ever to put on? Is there some trick I don't know? Normally I can finagle pretty much anything on with just my hands, but I had to use my tire levers for this (and now I'm paranoid that I've punctured one or both of my tubes -- if so I've sworn to let my LBS fix it for me!) It felt like the bead, and indeed the whole tire, was stiff like a steel cable, totally inflexible. Is this because of the puncture-resistant nature of the tire?

For those of you who use these, please tell me they really do help prevent flats. I can't imagine taking them on and off all the time.

No help with the Contis, but that is why I stopped using Specialized Armadillos. They were a bear to get on and off, and I did not find they helped all that much with flats. I have read that other people swear by them, though.

I have gone back to foldable tires, and I don't think I am getting any more flats, and when I do, it is SO much easier and quicker. :)

They're on my bike, DH puts them on all our bikes. I have no advice for you except isn't that what tire levers are for?

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Originally Posted by mimitabby

I have no advice for you except isn't that what tire levers are for?

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It seems like every time I use tire levers to get tires ON, I end up pinching the tube and getting flats. I went to a basic bike repair class a couple months ago and the teacher there also heavily stressed avoiding tire-lever use for getting tires back on, because of the likelihood of giving yourself a flat.

I had some Michelin road tires that were almost impossible to get on and off. I stretched them, did the dryer thing, but they were my first set of tires that I used and I thought I was just doing it wrong, or weak or something. Then I got some Schwalbe tires and those were an absolute breeze to put on! I've heard since that others have had trouble with the michelins. Made me feel better.

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Originally Posted by kfergos

I just put some new Conti Gatorskin tires yesterday. Is it just me, or are those THE HARDEST ever to put on? Is there some trick I don't know? Normally I can finagle pretty much anything on with just my hands, but I had to use my tire levers for this (and now I'm paranoid that I've punctured one or both of my tubes -- if so I've sworn to let my LBS fix it for me!) It felt like the bead, and indeed the whole tire, was stiff like a steel cable, totally inflexible. Is this because of the puncture-resistant nature of the tire?

For those of you who use these, please tell me they really do help prevent flats. I can't imagine taking them on and off all the time.

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I have Gatorskins on one road bike and Armadillos on the other. I like both brands of tire and haven't had any problems with them yet. However, it took me a good half hour of grunting, cussing and fussing to get each pair on. Having recently flatted with the Gatorskins, I didn't have an issue getting the tire off to snatch the tube out. I do use levers and haven't had any pinchy issues yet. I've rolled over glass, sharp rocks and a few other assorted things and both brands had no problems. It is just the long thorned goatheads that are my nemesis!

Tater - the goathead magnet.

i have gatorskins and the first time is very hard but it becomes much easier after that. Depending on how far you get with the tire I try use my hands:

put the bike wheel in your lap with the part of the bead that won't go over away from you and sort of roll it on with the palms on your hands. it takes some time but if you don't want to use your tire irons or don't have the thumbs this usually works out.

I rode them for a long time, had only a couple flats in 2,500 miles (one puncture and one I didn't have proper inflation). This was a blessing because it never got easier for me. I now ride Maxxis Detonators, they are pretty strong themselves but the folding bead makes it possible for me to get them on. The Gator Skins I would bloody my thumbs getting on.

Of course I say the Detonators are easier, but last night I put on a new pair and had to get the husband to help. So maybe I am just a weakling. :p

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It is just the long thorned goatheads that are my nemesis!

Tater - the goathead magnet.

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TATER: What exactly is a "goathead"? Do I have something to worry about that is worse than all the broken beer bottles around my house? :(

Jesvetmed, check this out, http://www.goatheads.com/. We have a lot of these here in Idaho!

We sure do!

Sometimes, I think about making armadillo booties for my dog!

Karen in Boise

I used the Continental gatorskins on my Southern Tier Ride last year, and yes they were hard to get on the first time. I had NO flats in 6000 miles, 3200 on the long ride and 2800 other miles. I did have to change the tubes twice due to a defective pump that pulled the valve out. It WAS difficult to get the tires back on, and YES I did use tire levers, very carefully.

I just put a brand new pair of gatorskins on for my next long (2000) miler coming up in ten days. I know that they will be tough to change but the puncture resistance of these tires is worth every bit of difficulty on the one or two flats you might get. I keep mine inflated to 105# or even more and have not had a problem. They do loosen up a bit.