Hybrid Bicycles - Hybrid used for road biking

I have a Cannondale Quick 5, which I use exclusively on the road. I chose it because I wanted the flat handlebars, but otherwise wanted as many road-like features as possible. The bike has a triple crankshaft (48/38/28) and 8 gears (32-11) at the rear. I installed clipless pedals.

The bike came with rims that fit 700c tires, and the dealer threw in a pair of 38mm tires, which I understnad is narrow for a hybrid but wide for a road bike. I am contemplating putting on true road tiers. What is the smallest I can go without changing rims? Should I change the rims too? Will I notice a significant difference in rolling resistance?

How wide are your existing rims? That's the best way to tell how narrow you can go. Measure the inside width.

Then check: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire_sizing.html#width

I put 700x23 tires on my hybrid (a Trek 7.5FX). Check the rims to see if you can do that. IMO it makes a big difference.

By all meens check the site(s) concerning tire sizing. 28s will fit fine. NO ... changing the rims (wheels) isn't warranted. You'll notice a difference in the thinner tire. Actually, I've noticed less of a dif. between 25s & 28s than between 28s & wider. 28 is a great size. Especially the Specialized.

I put Vittoria Randonneur Pro Touring Tires on my Cannondale Road Warrior and it made a huge difference over the stock tires yet still remain a pretty tough tire for commuting.

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_207661_-1_201485_10000_201490#ReviewHeader

YMMV,but I don't like to go skinnier than 28mm,even on my road bike. DC roads just suck too bad. Also note that things like tire weight and max pressure also make a difference.

I looked up the specs to your bike. I noticed you've got a straight blade alloy fork. I'd advise against skinny,high pressure tires with that fork unless you have very good roads. The ride will get noticably harsher.

I put 700x23 tires on my hybrid (a Trek 7.5FX). Check the rims to see if you can do that. IMO it makes a big difference.



But do you flat more?

I had 23's on mine for awhile and they seemed very high maintenance with always having to air them and avoid debris...

And they were Schwalbes, too!

The cheap Nashbar 38's seem so much easier.:)

You might be surprised by the 32s or 35s in quality road type tires, over the 38s and above. I still like a 40 in the rear for a smoother ride. Smaller and higher pressure doesn't always translate to lower rolling resistance, and there is a very fine line between comfort and performance. All you have to do is find it, usually with some help from a quality tire. A 32 is just a hair over 1 1/4, while a 28 is just a hair under 1 1/8 (a 25 is just about exactly 1".) Not much difference in size, but it can be a really big difference in ride.

I'd recommend Panaracer Paselas (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/TI407B04-Panaracer+Pasela+Tire.aspx) in a 32 width. If the 38 tires you have on there are sized appropriately for your rims, I wouldn't go below 28 for the replacements. +1 to all the comments about ride smoothness.