I'm in the market for a new set of tyres for my commuter/general runaround bike. It came with 700x32c tyres with an inverted tread. For a while I had an almost slick 23c tyre on the back which, while fast, was rather harsh on the local towpath. I've got a hankering for a new set and have a few needs/wants:

• Fully slick tread pattern. On the road, a tread pattern only serves to reduce traction so I'd like something entirely bald. I'd be doing light off-roading (think beaten-up paths) but I think the increase in on-road traction is worth the trade-off. I'm not convinced about how effective an inverted tread pattern is on this type of surface anyway.
• 28mm width. This seems like a reasonable middle-ground between speed on-road and comfort off it. 23c was too rough, and I'd be worried about flats on rough ground.
• Reasonable puncture-resistance. It doesn't need to be laiden with every other kind of protection but something that can survive the rigours of road debris and stones, twigs etc.

Something like the Freedom Thickslick Sport (28c) seems perfect except they're darn heavy - 467g each. Despite that they seem like good tyres and might end up going for them. A tyre similar to the Thickslick but a little lighter would be ideal. Does anyone know of my "perfect" tyre? Thanks!

I use panracer pasela tourguard. 700x35, kevlar bead also comes in 32. Small tread siping. Works great for me, pave, dirt paths, beat up MA roads.

Use either Panaracer Pasela Tourguard or the Panaracer Pasela non-Tourguard. There is nothing better, though you could spend more money.

Roadie bike? 28 may be max that will fit.. puncture protection adds weight. now if you bring spare tubes,
and are fast at replacing them in any place or weather., that makes super light tires OK.

If you want to get there without mending a puncture , then the added weight will be welcome.

fietsbob. I prefer to take some risk and fix a few flats now and then. Heavy tires are unpleasant to me.

On this note I'm starting to lean towards a faster tyre such as the Michelin Pro 4 Endurance in 25c. It'd be plenty fast on the roads and it sounds like it'd be up to the light off-roading I'm planning on doing. Do you think it would stand up to uneven ground, small rocks etc or would I just tear it to pieces?

That's a pretty aggressive racing tire. I've ridden potholed-city streets on those, but I don't think I would any more, given a choice. I like to ride very-light-weight, narrow tires on weekend rides. On normal streets, I prefer 28mm or more. I'm currently using 32mm Paselas on my SUV. They don't feel heavy at all, and they're nice and cushy.

I went with freedom thickslicks 28. The role really nicely. I like the feel.

maf, although the Panaracer tire doesn't have a completely bald tread, which I would prefer also, the tread is light enough that it doesn't slow me down or make me slip on the surface.

It sounds like you're describing the Vittoria Rubino Pro Slick. I have Rubino Pros (non-slick) from last year that I have yet to mount, as I am not entirely convinced that tread is useless on a bicycle tire. I'm hoping the 25mm will fit on my BMC Streetracer. It will be a tight fit.