Continental Gatorskin 25 mm rolling and cushioning qualities

[Patrick Moore]

The new road bike will be shod with Gatorskins; probably 25s. After doing a very cursory search for rolling qualities, including BRR, am I right in thinking that this is not the tire to choose if you value low rolling resistance over all else?

I did scan the thread on recommended 32 mm tires but I’ve not got the patience to do thorough review searches for all of them. So my second question is this:

Am I right in thinking that if you want low rolling resistance — or, at least the “feeling” that the tire isn’t sapping your pedaling input, that one can’t go wrong with the Snoqualmie Pass EL?

I plan to use TPU tubes with Orange Seal regular formula in the tires.

And lastly, as before, if anyone has for sale or trade a good pair or 2 pairs or pair-and-a-half of the SP in either EL or regular flavors, I’ll be very interested to hear about them. Will take reputable TPU tubes to fit, too.

For tires in trade, I have ultralight Big Ones, Soma Supple Vitesse SLs, and can probably throw in a pair of Conti Gatorskins, too.

Patrick Moore, who was just reminded during an otherwise very pleasant 20 mile Fall errand ride just now that input is limited enough without sapping output, in ABQ, NM.

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Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

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[Ryan Fleming]

So, does this mean you are buying that Roadeo?

[Garth]

Continetal Grand Prix 5000S TR(GP5000S TR) appears to about the best of the best by those that race with the need for spped. You wouldn't need tubes with those if you so choose as these won't leak. Even the regular GP 5000 is terrific. I know you're familiar with the RH brand and all but in the world outside the RH niche customers, Michelin, Vittoria, Pirelli, Schwalbe and the like rule. 

According to this one of many websites about fast racing tires, even using TPU tubes add a notable amount of RR. They also favor the GP5000s TR as overall best tire. While this test is for 30mm tires, many come in a 32mm, as does the Conti tires. 

https://granfondo-cycling.com/best-roadbike-tires-review-2025/

With the GP 5000 S TR, Continental deliver a true all-rounder – efficient, reliable and thoroughly convincing. For a price just above the test average, it offers a well-balanced package that impresses with only 11 watts of rolling resistance and the best puncture protection in the entire test field. Acceleration feels punchy, handling is sharp and precise, and the ride quality strikes a sporty, taut balance. Tubeless setup and sealing are effortless, build quality is excellent and the look is already a modern classic. No other tire in this test combines so many strengths at such a high level – a well-deserved test winner! Congratulations.

[Richard True]

If you are sticking with that size I highly recommend the continental gp 4 seasons.  Like a cushier, stickier gatorskin

On Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 3:40:52 PM UTC-5 Patrick Moore wrote:

[Patrick Moore]

Thanks, Garth; I’ve ridden a couple of generations of Conti GPs (last one 4000? 3000? I switched to Elk Passes in 2015) and Michelin Pro Races in the 559 or 571 X 23 size and they quite nice but not as nice *feeling* as the Elk Passes, and these *feel* even better with TPU tubes. I’ve ordered Stampede Pass ELs and I hope that the Stampede Pass with TPU tubes will feel like the EPs.

I’ve started liking tubes for sealant; less mess (barring the fortunately very rare very big puncture) and far less frequent need for replenishing. I’ll put up with a bit of theoretical added RR. 

I’ve used a number of Schwalbe tires, fat ones but rated by Schwalbe for least rolling resistance (the Big One was their “fastest rolling” tire for a while, including road tires; the Thunderburt is another fast roller despite small knobs) and they are indeed wonderful, and I prefer them for off road, but right now I prefer premium tube tires and TPU tubes for 32 mm.

[Piaw Na]

I ran Conti Gatorskins for a tour. They're very durable, but that's about the nicest thing I can say about them. The ride was harsh, the tires themselves heavy. Like all continental tires, they have an excessive amount of thread, meaning that the "gatorskin" sidewall will start peeling off the tire long before you wear down the tread.