Conti Gator Hardshell Alternative?

[jpw]

I've been very successfully (very few punctures) using the Conti Gator Hardshell 32c, but I now want to up the volume to 35/38 to run slightly lower pressure on mixed surfaces including stoney gravel, and as the CGH tops out at 32c I need to consider other options.

I want a puncture protection layer ("the hardshell' of the Conti), a tread pattern for grip on loose surfaces (but not really knobbly - I want decent rolling on smooth road), not too heavy, and folding.

I've seen the Panaracer Gravel Kings, the Rene Here offerings, and one or two others. I have no experience of any of these.

Seeking recommendations.

Thanks.

[mktng]

I've had great success with panaracer pasela's and gravel king's.

Gravel king's are definitely "faster" and feel a bit more comfortable. But the big thing is that they have TLR options.

Pasela's. Ran their 38 option. Low PSI. They felt great. Not as smooth rolling as the RH or the GK slicks. But still a great tires, and really affordable with good puncture protection.

[AngryScientist]

I think the new Gravel King SS tires have your name written all over them. Smooth center strip to roll fast on pavement, and they should be pretty durable also.

Also - pretty much anything over a 32c tire really should be run tubeless with sealant, which will further reduce your incidences of punctures.

[jpw]

Thanks.


Keep 'em coming :-)

[skijoring]

Ugh, I recommend Schwalbe Marathons. Not for their ride quality/weight/general garden hose demeanor, but for their resistances to flats.
They have wire bead and folding models.
#Springwaterproven

[zzy]

Marathon Supreme or gravelking SS with the pt belt. Also maxxis refuse

[jpw]

Originally Posted by zzy

Marathon Supreme or gravelking SS with the pt belt. Also maxxis refuse

The GK SS+? It is presently at the top of my short list

Do they run true to nominal sizing?

[jpw]

Originally Posted by skijoring

Ugh, I recommend Schwalbe Marathons. Not for their ride quality/weight/general garden hose demeanor, but for their resistances to flats.
They have wire bead and folding models.
#Springwaterproven

I've used Marathons. Very good protection, but a bit heavy. Thanks.

[azrider]

I’ve been very happy with my Gravel King slicks so far. For me The tiny treads on the SS quickly wore off and weren’t as puncture resistant than my slicks. Maybe I was just lucky.

My 700x38’s measure out to 37.92








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[.RJ]

gravel kings or something from maxxis with their extra protection layer (EXO?) and set them up tubeless if you can.

you'll be pleased coming from gatorskins....

[luke_ross]

Commuted through NYC/Bk on both Panaracer Ribmo PT & Gravel King’s. Highly recommend both options. Ribmos would be the most puncture resistant (over 1k miles on 28c)but also like riding on a hard garden hose. Gravel Kings would be the supple Cadillac type feel.


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[jpw]

Originally Posted by azrider

I’ve been very happy with my Gravel King slicks so far. For me The tiny treads on the SS quickly wore off and weren’t as puncture resistant than my slicks. Maybe I was just lucky.

My 700x38’s measure out to 37.92








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Great 'service' here

How much clearance is there through your fork, to the sides and above?

[Hilltopperny]

Panaracer Pasela tour guide are nicer rolling and durable tires IMO. Not very expensive either.


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[edward12]

This may seem a little odd, but I’ve had really good experiences with the Rivendell Jack Brown’s (blue label), I’m a pretty big guy and they roll great on any surface (including gravel). They feel relatively supple, too. No punctures as of yet (after several hundred miles). If you can get past the gimmicky checkerboard tread patter, these might be a good option.


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[avalonracing]

If you are looking for a similar ride quality to a Gatorskin Hardshell I would recommend a wooden wagon wheel with a steel belt.