best 32c slick?
 

I'm currently running the stock 28c Hutchinson Flash slicks that came with my bike but I may need to change to 32c to deal with rougher pavement on a potential new commute.

what's the best 32c slick tire to get, that doesn't raise my rolling resistance too much? and will I need to get new fenders? does my frame have enough clearance for both (it should)? my bike is a '06 Jamis Coda Sport if that helps.

specialized borough cx has a slick center section, maxes at 100psi, and rolls quite well. it does have tread at the edges though.

as for clearance--how much do you have now? imagine a tire that is a bit larger. will it rub against anything?

I like my Panaracer UrbanMax 32 mm tires ($15/each from Performance). I have been using them for about 4 months now without a single flat, even while my commute has doubled in length recently.

They are quite thick and flat-proof (the reason I got them!!!) but in my experience the rolling resistance compares favorably to a thin 28mm slick such as the IRO Duros (my previous tires). In the photo on PB's web site, they appear "knobby", but rest assured that these are just cosmetic grooves, and they run very quiet and I don't believe these affect RR.

Avocet Duro Plus is the only 32mm slick that I know of. Probably a good tire.

I had a pair of Michelin Dynamic 32's that were almost slick. These are cheap tires (<$15), but don't seem like they have flexible sidewalls (low rolling resistance). In a strange coincidence, my rear Dynamic developed a bulge, and I am currently running a 28mm Hutchinson Flash. (I think it's closer to 25 in reality). Also a cheap junky tire.

How about the Schwalbe Marathon Racer?

Almost-slick: Serfas Tuono, Schwalbe Marathon Slick, Vredestein Perfect Moiree, Vredestein Perfect Girando

I ride a lot of 32 slicks.

I like the Bontrager Hard Case, should be available at any Trek dealer. Dual compound tread for better cornering grip, very flat resistant.

Continental Gatorskins are also now available in a 32c.

panaracer T-serv for messenger 32c is microtreaded but is still a HP tire.

Had the Michelin Dynamics and hated them. They do give a somewhat smooth ride but there is almost NO flat protection. Better is to follow the advice of next post which was the Schwalbe marathon racers, easy to put on, fast and you have puncture protection. As a bonus if you get caught riding a tad late and hit low light situations you have reflective sidewalls so some idiot is less like to blow thru a stop sign and run you over.

+1 for the Boroughs. I have the Pros and they're tough as nails! I run anywhere from 75-max psi depending on whether I'm commuting, touring, road riding. You get the idea, the Boroughs are versatile.

I think I did this to Bekologist in another thread, but I'm kinda down on the Bontrager Hard Case and much prefer the Ultra Gatorskins. I am riding 28c, but the Gatorskins have held up much better on my commute.

Anyone found a good stateside source for the Borough CX? Specialized seems awfully proud of them - $50 each on their website - but a Google search says they're more reasonably priced at shops in the UK.