mrtuttle04

I have worn down my back tire to the point that it needs replacing. Here are the particulars.

1. My bike is a Trek Verve with stock Bontiger Hardcase AW-3 tires size 700X35.
2. I primarily ride rail-trails but will do a road ride two or three times a month.
3. I am happy with my current tires but are will to look at other options.

Here are my questions.

1. What are some of the other brands of tire that I should look at?
2. What will I gain or loose by going to a smaller (700X32 or 700X28) tire?
3. If I go with a smaller tire, do I need to change both front and back to keep them at the same size?

Wanderer

I'd stick with the 35s, for comfort. And I won't put anything but Schwalbe Marathon Supremes on my bike. Truly amazing tires.

Let's face it, none of us are TDF material, and 3-5mm of tire width isn't going to make that much difference, except in comfort.

Of course you can mix sizes. Search Marathon Supremes for some enlightening reading. There are good reasons for mixing sizes.

KonaRider125

I put a pair of Schwalbe Marathon Supremes 700x32c on my bike a month a ago, and love the tires. They roll noticeably faster than the 40c tires that came on my bike but still work just fine on dirt roads and trails.

Yes they are a little pricey, but they are high quality andy supposed to be flat resistant so I think they are worth the price.

hybridbkrdr

Here's a Michelin Protek Cross Max
XXcycle - Michelin Protek Cross Max Tire - 28' (W) - en

SPiN 360

Are these really so good for trails that are not paved, have packed dirt, loose gravel, etc?

Wanderer

They do fine on gravel country roads, gravel trails, aglime, packed dirt, pavement, etc........ But they sure don't like ice or snow.............

MRT2

Panaracer Ribmo, Pasela TG, or Urban Max. I have used all three over the years. I have Ribmos on my road bike, and my wife and son both use Urban Max.

i am currently using the Michelin City tire on my mountain bike, though you can get them in 700 x 28, 32' and 35 sizes. It has a nice, smooth ride. I haven't used them enough to comment on longevity.

i used Kenda tires for a couple of years on one of my bikes, had no problems. Don't remember the model, but the price is very good.

I hear good things about Continental Gatorskins, but never used them myself.

dont know if you will notice much difference in performance, but if you want to try something different, I can relate.

yashinon

What is the perception on Bontrager Hard-case tires? Good, bad or ugly? I believe the tires on my 7.3 FX are the Invert Hard-case 700 x 35. If I do get thinner tires, would I have to change rim or hub? Any reason to swap out rims for lighter ones? Just asking for personal knowledge.

Thanks!

Panthers007

My favorites on my hybrid - custom wheels with Mavic A719 rims, Shimano Ultegra hubset, and DT spokes - is the Rolly-Polly's from Panaracer. And their tougher versions, the Ruffy-Tuffy's. Sweet riding, smooth and nimble:

Roll-y Pol-y 700c x 28 - 10034

Roll on.

mrtuttle04

I have been happy with my Bontrager Hard Case tires. I wore down my back tire to the Kevlar so I decided to look at other tires. The LBS that sells Bontrager was closed on Monday so I went to another shop and ended up buying a Gator Skin tire. After a 27 mile ride on a wet paved/packed limestone trail, my first impression is very positive.

Sunsanvil

The Bontrager LT3s that came on my 8.4 have proven to be a real nice multipurpose tire. I like that at 38 they are slightly on the wider side (for cross tires that is). I thought they'd be the first thing I'd swap out but I think I'll wear them down.

If they hadnt come with, I was planning on the 700x35 Small Block 8s which is what I had on my last bike (a mountain-turned-hybrid).

As for your other questions, theoretically a 28 will be faster and/or harder than a 32, but they are close enough that rubber compound and tread could make a bigger difference.

No you dont have to match front to rear. In fact its common practice to have a thinner, less aggressive tire at the back and a fatter one on the front.