Fifty Plus (50+) - Hardcase Tires?

I'm just waiting to test ride (need some better weather) several Trek Pilots - 1.2, 2.1, 2.1 s.p.a. - I see from the specs that the 1.2 comes with 28c race lite hardcase tires. What are the advantages/disadvantages of this over the race lite 25c found on the 2.1 and 2.1 s.p.a.?

OK - after searching, the opinion seems to be that they're heavier, slicker on wet pavement but give good flat protection. SO..what's the opinion? Worth the trade-offs?

I would guess that one of the elements that factors in is the type of roads you ride. If you're riding rougher paved roads that have a lot more debris and loose gravel the extra flat protection might be worth considering.

I've never really had an issue with flats from road debris myself but know some here do.

Personally I'd prefer to ride the 25's (or I ride 23's) and keep an adequate amount of air in them to avoid snakebite punctures. I'm not a weight weenie but I do notice when a tire is heavier than another, especially on the hills or if I'm trying to accelarate to catch someone ahead of me.

If it were me, I'd go with the smaller tires and make sure I had an extra tube or two with me.

TNX - I really appreciate that advice. One other factor that discourages me a bit from the hard case tires is that they're reportedly a bear to get on and off the rim. It may just be better to have that tube along and enjoy the advantages of the lighter, better traction tire.

I would guess that one of the elements that factors in is the type of roads you ride. If you're riding rougher paved roads that have a lot more debris and loose gravel the extra flat protection might be worth considering.

I've never really had an issue with flats from road debris myself but know some here do.

Personally I'd prefer to ride the 25's (or I ride 23's) and keep an adequate amount of air in them to avoid snakebite punctures. I'm not a weight weenie but I do notice when a tire is heavier than another, especially on the hills or if I'm trying to accelarate to catch someone ahead of me.

If it were me, I'd go with the smaller tires and make sure I had an extra tube or two with me.

Totally agree with this unless you have a special requirement. I run slicks on a A tandem but with 26" wheels so sizing is not the same. On this I do require a slighlty wider tyre than the norm, and it also has to be hardwearing. The tyre I got also has a puncture resistant band- so it is heavy, rubber does not grip, and has increased drag over a narrower tyre. Problem is that this is the spec required for our use.

One other factor that discourages me a bit from the hard case tires is that they're reportedly a bear to get on and off the rim.

I have the Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase 700X28c tires on my Trek 7.7FX, and had to fix a flat for the first time yesterday. They weren't that hard to get on and off the rim with a tire tool, but they would be with just your bare hands.