I bought a Trek 8.3 DS and do love it. I'm putting about 5-9 miles, every two days on it.

If you've read my previous posts about me, skip this whole paragraph: I'm 51, recently went from 365 to 225lbs and haven't ridden since gas was .55 a gallon and all the cool cars had CB's. I need to add activity to my life and even though I have a completely destroyed back (multiple surgeries) and lots of nerve problems in my legs, I'm going to ride.

Further (about where I live), I live in a VERY hilly environment on the ridge of the foothills leading to the Sierra Nevada mountains. I live at 1825', while my town goes from 1100 to nearly 2500' - in about six miles. There is a central bike trail (from train to trail conversion) running through the center of town (basically, up and down). I started at about 2.4 miles last month and have built up to around 5-9 miles, with 400-600' elevation gains. The trail is paved, but we have extreme weather conditions and that means the trail (and the town) get the crap kicked out of it. We just endured 42" of rain in seven days. Our yearly average is 59".

So, I got the LR2 tires with the bike - 700cx38. They are 60psi tires. While they are a LOT easier to ride than the MTB tires, I'd still like to have a tire with a bit less rolling resistance. I would like something with more puncture protection, as well. I had Schwable Big Apples on my 'bent trike, and I liked the brand. Though obviously not considering BA's!

Once I start looking, there are just tons of choices. I was thinking something like the Marathon Plus or GG's in same size. I'm wondering if others have used these on hybrids and what their experiences were.

On a separate note, I'm also wondering about tubeless. I keep seeing 'kits' to do this and they are over $200! Should I go with a kit or just get dedicated wheel/tire combinations that are tubeless designated?

What I'm trying to achieve is less rolling resistance, good traction on pine needles and leaves and puncture resistance. I'd also love to keep some ability to use a dirt trail if the opportunity presents itself.

Or am I looking for the impossible?