Originally Posted by
cyccommute
First, I wouldn't call the Bontrager LT3 a "knobby" tire. It's not that different from the Geax and two Kendas suggested above. It falls more on the road side of what are referred to in mountain biking as a "hardpack" tire. The side knobs are low and it would be a sketchy tire to ride fast on gravel or hard surfaces with bit of gravel on it. it would tend to wash out on fast, loose corners which can be very scary when you are going fast off-road. They would be much better than the other tires suggested above but not by much.
38mm Kenda Kwest tires somehow managed to get me thru 10mi of hardpack/soft dirt/gravel/loose gravel roads on Saturday. I didnt go fast around corners though, since I was on gravel roads and that just doesnt seem safe no matter what tire I have.
Just thought a ride report about how the 'hardpack' tire can more than manage multiple surfaces with aplomb would be helpful since the tire was dismissed as not being capable.