best 32c slick?
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: College Park, MD
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.
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.
#2
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?
as for clearance--how much do you have now? imagine a tire that is a bit larger. will it rub against anything?
#3
cyclist/gearhead/cycli...
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,166
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From: DC / Maryland suburbs
Bikes: Homebuilt tourer/commuter, modified-beyond-recognition 1990 Trek 1100, reasonably stock 2002-ish Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo
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.
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.
#4
Certifiable Bike "Expert"

Joined: May 2005
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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.
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.
#5
34x25 FTW!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,013
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From: NYC
Bikes: Kona Jake, Scott CR1, Dahon SpeedPro
How about the Schwalbe Marathon Racer?
#7
totally louche
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 18,023
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From: A land that time forgot
Bikes: the ever shifting stable loaded with comfortable road bikes and city and winter bikes
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.
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.
#8
Rides again
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,282
Likes: 1
From: SW. Sacramento Region, aka, down river
Bikes: Giant OCR T, Trek SC
Originally Posted by Phantoj
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). .
#9
ROM 6:23
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,713
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From: Coastal Maine
Bikes: Specialized Tricross Comp, Lemond Tourmalet, Bridgestone MB-5
Originally Posted by tlupfer
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?
as for clearance--how much do you have now? imagine a tire that is a bit larger. will it rub against anything?
#10
Originally Posted by Bekologist
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.
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.
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 584
Likes: 1
From: Tucson AZ
Originally Posted by flipped4bikes
+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.





