General Cycling Discussion - Which Tires for Rough Streets?

I'm buying a Giant Cypress SL ($820) hybrid bike. However, I'd like to swap the stock 700x28 tires for 35 mm wide, 100 psi tires with a slick thread.

It seems to me that the wider and higher-volume tires would handle better on broken pavement (cracks, ridges, seams, and potholes). They would also be more comfortable. According to what I've read, a wide, high-pressure tire rolls at least as easily as a thinner tire. For me, the slightly higher weight, the slower acceleration, and the increased wind resistance at high speeds are acceptable.

Questions:

1. Are there any problems with putting a 35 mm wide tire on the Xero XSR-3, 20/24H wheels on the Cypress SL? There appears to be plenty of clearance around the brakes and the frame.

2. Where can I find 35 mm (or at least 32 mm ) wide, slick 700 C tires that are rated for 100 psi pressure? Why wouldn't such tires be attractive to lots of folks?

Chuck Sten
San Diego Calif.

I got a Cypress back in June and, at about 500 miles, the LBS recommended that I move from the stock 700x28s all the way up to 700x38s. (I'm a little "robust" weightwise, but not overly so.) I rode that way for about 1,500 miles -- no technical issues at all in making everything fit, etc. (And I found that changing tubes after a flat was mch easier; the larger tires went onto the Xero rims much more easily.) I was, however, somewhat disappointed in the ride quality, especially on longer rides (metric centuries and above), and I just switched back to 700x28s.

In my case, however, I didn't go with slicks, so I'm afraid I can't help you there.

2. Where can I find 35 mm (or at least 32 mm ) wide, slick 700 C tires that are rated for 100 psi pressure? Why wouldn't such tires be attractive to lots of folks?

Chuck Sten
San Diego Calif.

I actually don't know of any true slicks above say a 30c (even then thats a maybe in my book). Once you go above a 30 you are talking cyclocross/hybrid tires which have some tread. At 45c you are talkin about a 29" mountain bike tire practically. People who want slicks want to go fast, people who go fast don't really want anything bigger than 28c.

IRC makes a wide semi slick with only small rain grooves in it. IRC Duro Metro 700x38 (kevlar belted). Its what I use for my daily commute. I find it to be a quick tire for its width and I haven't had any flats with it yet after 3 months. The kevlar belted(duro) version is 14.95 at Nashbar. They have a non belted version for a little less. I think they are only rated for 90 pounds.

I'm buying a Giant Cypress SL ($820) hybrid bike. However, I'd like to swap the stock 700x28 tires for 35 mm wide, 100 psi tires with a slick thread.

It seems to me that the wider and higher-volume tires would handle better on broken pavement (cracks, ridges, seams, and potholes). They would also be more comfortable. According to what I've read, a wide, high-pressure tire rolls at least as easily as a thinner tire. For me, the slightly higher weight, the slower acceleration, and the increased wind resistance at high speeds are acceptable.

Questions:

1. Are there any problems with putting a 35 mm wide tire on the Xero XSR-3, 20/24H wheels on the Cypress SL? There appears to be plenty of clearance around the brakes and the frame.

2. Where can I find 35 mm (or at least 32 mm ) wide, slick 700 C tires that are rated for 100 psi pressure? Why wouldn't such tires be attractive to lots of folks?

Chuck Sten
San Diego Calif.

Have you thought about bringing the tire width back down and getting a set of specialized armadillos?
Specialized tires have never failed me.