Originally Posted by
442dude
Oh it's heavy...as in real heavy. But it always rode super smoothly. Guess those 2 are related?
They're Kenda Kross Plus. It used to see gravel trails years ago so they worked OK but they're a little prone to punctures at bad times in my experience...always rode with a spare tube or 2.
Not sure what will be after these wear out. They still have plenty of tread on them so I'll probably try to wear them out first.
Spend some time
here and you can find the details on the year and original build. The 800 was intended to be a reasonable priced Trek to complete with lesser brands. Frames were definitely heavy but still nice bikes. I've cleaned up one 800, three 820s, one 830, and three 850s and there is definitely weight reduction and jump in component quality as you go up the line.
r/xbiking is filled with bikes built similar to yours - you'll find multiple tire conversations in that group. IMO there are two approaches - durable and long lasting
or comfort and ridability.
As I spend more time one two wheels, I have move the second of the two. I like 26x1.90" or 26x2.0" and run lower pressures for better ride. As for tires, any Panaracer GravelKing with the "Plus" or "+" designation is a nice balance between durable and comfortable. Continental DoubleFighters are another great all around option I have used in 26"x1.90" and 700cX38 sizes. Another option I like are Panaracer CometHardpack but they tend to have a bit of a buzz while on paved trails. The DoubleFighters can be found for $25-30 and CometHardpacks can be had for under $20/shipped on eBay.
Also, check out the
Classic & Vintage section of the forum for more ways that people have remixed the late 80s/90s mountain bikes.