Hybrid Bicycles - New Tire for 2012 Trek 8.3 ds

I've been having a problem with flats on my Trek 8.3 ds ever since I got it last September. Doesn't matter that I have liners in them and it doesn't seem to matter where I ride whether it be offroad or on. I always get flats. I mentioned this to some of my friends who are long time cyclists and they basically told me that the problem is the stock tires suck. In fact, one of the flats I got was caused by a pebble we pulled out! So, can anyone suggest some good tires for this bike? Keep in mind that I use it to ride with my roadie friends quite a bit so I don't want any heavy duty mountain bike tires. I want good, strong tires that will let me go fast, but not shred if I hit the trails. Thanks!

Don't take this wrong way, but are you making sure that your tires are properly inflated?

When I first got my bike back in '08, I made the mistake that the air compressor at the gas station would be okay, since it handles car tires. Wrong. 3 flats in 2 weeks. Found out that my skinny (26x1.5) 65 psi max has higher pressure than car tires.

That was my first thought as well. I even took it to my lbs along with my pump to ensure that I was doing everything correctly and it all checked out.

You also might want to check out the rim tape..if the spokes are poking your tubes it will cause a flat. I would replace both tubes and start fresh. As far as tires, i been using these on the road.http://bikereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/bontrager-rxl-all-weather-plus.jpg

Bonty RXL All Weather Plus.

If you want a little for both, a really good rolling tire in a 700c is this.
http://www.soniccycles.co.uk/tyres/small-block8.jpg

Excellent grip and rolling resistance.

Some of the things i did to prevent flats:
*Re-taped my rims
*Bought new tubes($3-6 bucks each)
*Applied baby powder on the tubes before installing
*Made sure i was never under inflated.
**700cx32 60 psi
**29x2.0-2.3 30 psi

You also might want to check out the rim tape..if the spokes are poking your tubes it will cause a flat. I would replace both tubes and start fresh. As far as tires, i been using these on the road.http://bikereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/bontrager-rxl-all-weather-plus.jpg

Bonty RXL All Weather Plus.

If you want a little for both, a really good rolling tire in a 700c is this.
http://www.soniccycles.co.uk/tyres/small-block8.jpg

Excellent grip and rolling resistance.

Some of the things i did to prevent flats:
*Re-taped my rims
*Bought new tubes($3-6 bucks each)
*Applied baby powder on the tubes before installing
*Made sure i was never under inflated.
**700cx32 60 psi
**29x2.0-2.3 30 psi

Thanks. Just out of curiosity why do you apply baby powder to the tubes?

I'm also looking for new tires for my 8.3. Just ordered some Vittoria Randonneur Hypers. Those might be a bit slicker than you want, but they have some Randonneur Cross styles that have a bit more bite for light off road stuff.

I was looking for much more road centric, but lighter/faster, while still in 32c or above. YMMV.