Durano Plus tyres vs Continental Gator Hard Skin

[bobzeller]

I have been using Schwalbe Durano Plus tyres for sometime but am wondering if the Continental Gator Hardskins might be a better choice relative to rolling resitance. Neither of them have any tread so they aren't great in many off road situations, but I usually prefer roads anyhow.
I originally went to the Schwalbes on the recommerndation of SJS and they have cut way down on my punctures. But according to rollingresistance.com they have greater rolling resistance to the Contis. Does anyone know if it is worth changing to the Contis?

Many thanks

Bob

[TrevA]

I’ve not ridden Durano Plus, so can’t compare, but Gatorskin Hardshells aren’t very good for rolling resistance. They are hard wearing and puncture proof, but that comes at a cost to performance. They feel a little “wooden” to me. I have them on my winter bike and have Conti Grand Prix GT’s on my summer bike. These are worth an extra 1 mph for a similar effort, in my experience.

The Grand Prix GTs are actually cheaper than the Gators and I may well start running them all year round. They were recommended to me by someone on here and have been a revelation. Equal in performance to my previous GP4000’s and much cheaper than GP5000’s.

[bobzeller]

Thanks. I am grateful for the suggestions.

[peetee]

The Grand Prix GTs are actually cheaper than the Gators and I may well start running them all year round. They were recommended to me by someone on here and have been a revelation. Equal in performance to my previous GP4000’s and much cheaper than GP5000’s.

I think that might have been me. I have been on GT’s on two of my bikes for nearly two years now and so far no punctures and they ride really well.

[bobzeller]

My real concern is riding on non-paved surfaces. My bike was made in 1978 for me for both touring and Audax use. Thus 700 x 22 tyres were the logical choices for those times. These days, while roads are still my usual touring choice, there are some times when I would like to have the option of a velo verte or similar. That's why I am wondering if another tyre would give me a more logical ballance of excellent puncture resistance, limited rolling resistance and some tread. Any ideas would be greatfully received. Right now, I have excellent puncture protection but at a cost of high rolling resistance and no tread whatsover for those occasional non-paved routes.

Thanks again!

Bob

[TrevA]

The obvious answer if you want a bit if tread for mild off-road would be a Schwalbe Marathon, but these have even higher rolling resistance than the Gatorskins . I think your requirements are mutually exclusive i.e. you can have low rolling resistance or a tyre with good off-road grip, but not both, especially in a narrow tyre.

[Jamesh]

My real concern is riding on non-paved surfaces. My bike was made in 1978 for me for both touring and Audax use. Thus 700 x 22 tyres were the logical choices for those times. These days, while roads are still my usual touring choice, there are some times when I would like to have the option of a velo verte or similar. That's why I am wondering if another tyre would give me a more logical ballance of excellent puncture resistance, limited rolling resistance and some tread. Any ideas would be greatfully received. Right now, I have excellent puncture protection but at a cost of high rolling resistance and no tread whatsover for those occasional non-paved routes.

Thanks again!

Bob

Is go up to 28mm tyres which will be fine on good trails and canal tow paths. ..

Cheers James

[mumbojumbo]

Why do you need tread off-road?If in very muddy terrain you need MTB type tyres,but on gravel etc.a smooth tyre works.

[bobzeller]

Many thanks for all the advice. I'll stick with what I have.

Cheers