New Conti Gatorskins - Ouch!

[Tater]

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.

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.