Road Cycling - Which Road Tires for my Hybrid?

So I made the mistake of buying a hybrid about a year ago and now I regret not getting a road bike. However, I do like the bike (Marin San Anselmo) but crave more efficiency. I'm currently riding twice a week on paved paths, doing about 30 - 40 miles and averaging around 14 MPH. From previous posts, I've learned that a narrower tire with higher pressure may increase efficiency so I'm wondering if I should go that route. My current tires are Kenda Kwest size 700 X 35, max pressure is 80 lbs but I've been going up to 100lbs (I weigh around 210 lbs). Wheels are Alex Rims TA19. My questions are how much of an impact might a narrower tire have my speed and what tires/size would you recommend?

Thanks for the help!
Post

I put 700x28 armadillos on my trek 7500 hybrid and noticed a big improvement in ride quality (on roads). The OEM tires were 700x38 semi-knobby. I think any good road-tire would be good, but I'd consider something narrower than the 35 you use now.

I'm 215 lbs and my speed didn't so much improve as the effort required to maintain speed was reduced. I found my speed limiter to be my riding position and wind resistance, not the tires.

Wow, 14 mph average would be great with me. I'm at 12-13 mph and 20-30 mile rides. I have a Univega hybrid, 10 years old, and the original tires were a 700x38 knob type. When those wore out I replaced them with a semi-slick design, 700 x 35 from Performance bike and noticed quite an imporovement, good tire for the price. When those wore out I went to the Avocet 700 x 32 fast grip slick. Big improvement, but the tires came apart at the sidewalls after less than 100 miles. Switched to the Ruffy Tuffy with Kevlar belt and bead 700 x 28, (actually a 27), and these tires really made the difference in handling. This has been a really nice tire for me with about 500-600 commuting and light touring miles on it, just right.

I was averaging around 12 -13 MPH for a while too. Then, I lowered the handlebars, added Powergrips, increased tire pressure and that seemed to give me the boost in speed. From your comments, it sounds like the narrower tires should also help. Thanks for the input!

I've had trouble finding good tires wide enough to be compatable with hybrid rims (many come in 25 width or smaller). Many have luck with specialized armadillo, but mine unravelled on the sidewall as did vittoria. I now use continental gatorskins 700x28, they hold up, roll fast, flat resistant.

Hi,
I agree with the 700x28c idea. If you're not worried about flats or cost, get the Rivendell Roly Poly. I have the slightly heavier Ruffy Tuffy.
http://rivendellbicycles.com/webalog/tires_tubes/10033.html
They are light, and quick, compared to the tires you're used to. My favorite tires. For something that's more rugged, durable, slower and cheaper you can consider the tires I have on my commuter. Performace has them on sale right now.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=18938&subcategory_ID=5420