I had a pair of Gatorskin Hardshell tires 700/23 and they lasted 4700 miles without a flat. My LBS finally said the side walls were ready to go and I needed new tires. They recommended replacing them with 700/25 for better handling on roads with potholes and bad pavement. Since I don't want to change flats on the road, I love these tires. Even though they cost more, they last twice as long and no money is spent on tubes. So, saving money on inexpensive tires might actually cost more.