Originally Posted by
dhopper521
Hi all, new to the site. Have 2014 Trek 7.2 with 38s for tires. Was wondering what to expect if I dropped down to 32, 28, etc. any tire suggestion would be very appreciated! Mostly pavement with an occasional gravel path.
Thanks
Dave from Jersey
Bontrager AW1 Lite 32 came stock on my 7.4. , a durable smooth rolling road tire. I'm 99% paved roads, and I pass thru short runs of packed gravel (slowly if its big stone). Small packed cinder with the 32mm is no problem at all. I will be dropping to 28s when the 32s wear out.
Recently rode some park trails with friends and the 32s (Road tires) felt "slippery" on constant mixture of packed cinder, 1 inch gravel, sand... that was at a high pace. So, next day, I put a 35 Schwalbe Sammy Slick on the front wheel (kept the 32 road tire on back) and rode 25 miles at same high pace and I felt totally comfortable & in control.
"Mostly paved with occasional gravel" ... Wouldn't hesitate to drop to a 32mm.