Conti GatorSkins vs Halo Twin Rails?

rick694

Most of my riding is either on-road or light off-road, country parks, trails, etc. I'm thinking about changing the knobblies that came with my Trek 4500. Plus, I'm doing a 50-mile charity fun ride in a month and reckon 50 miles on knobblies may take some of the fun out of it!

I've had two tyres recommended to me - Conti GatorSkins:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Conti ... 360021704/

Halo Twin Rail:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Halo_ ... 360010349/

Just wondered what your opinions were on the best choice for me? Or if you had any other choices to consider? I'm around 17-stone at the moment, if that would impact on tyre performance.

Thanks guys.

hounslow

the twin rails wont be much change from the knobblies you have. gatorskins are widely recommended by roadies, i have used them myself and they are great, fast and very puncture resistant. didnt know they made them in mtb size though.

rottitera02

Hi Rick, here's another very good choice for you......

Hutchinson Cobra XC Airlights........i rate these highly.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=34948

I have these as a xc tyre, as you can see from the tread the nobbles are very close together giving virtually no rolling resistance, superb for what you require on road and off road....they are one of the lightest tyres around with nobblies on, you can use on front or back or do what i do and have one on the back (which is where most of the rolling resistance matters) and a maxxis ignitor up front for grip.

I also used these in the liverpool to chester and back to liverpool charity ride (54miles) and they are superb.

I've never had experience of the two tyres you mention but am aware of reviews slating the conti gatorskins for punctures and they are a bas**rd to get on and off the rims.

Hope this helps bud.
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ajmooseman

Sorry but got to disagree with the point about twin rails. I recently ride the c2c and after doing all my training with knobblies I switched to the twin rails a week before and change was vast. Fast rolling and easy on the road, quite as well but still enough grip to get my though the off sections such old coach road.
Highly recommended by me if that counts

rick694

rottitera02 wrote:

Hi Rick, here's another very good choice for you......

Hutchinson Cobra XC Airlights........i rate these highly.


.

Thanks for that rottitera02. It does look a nice tyre. Another one for the mix!

Best of luck with your charity ride, btw.

rick694

Thanks for those who replied. For those that have used the Twin Rail, how long would the rails last, especially for someone of my weight? Otherwise I'd just be left with a set of semi-knobblies.

The Conti's do look a sexy package; but if the rails are hard-wearing, I'm leaning towards the Halo out of those two at the moment. :?

Any other Twin Rail users out there?

Thanks again for your input guys.

stevep3156

Hi, apologies if i'm posting after you've made your mind up (too much information is sometimes a bad thing!!!), just wanted to add perhaps one more option - Schwalbe Marathon Plus ATB.

I've been using these on & off road for about 3-4 years & I rate them highly. I've done 100 mile rides on-road & taken the same tyre across some half-decent off-road tracks & it's coped well with everything. Virtually bombproof too - not one puncture & i've been through 2 pairs now.

The only drawback is the weight, as they are very heavy! However it's another option, hope it helps, good luck!

rick694

Thanks guys,

I've gone with the Twin Rail. It fits all my criteria, without being hard to fit (according to some reviews - Conti and Schwab) which, being a spacker at bike maintenance is relevant, and Wiggle have them at £18.

Once again, thanks for all your advce.