I'm buying a Giant Cypress SL ($820) hybrid bike. However, I'd like to swap the stock 700x28 tires for 35 mm wide, 100 psi tires with a slick thread.

It seems to me that the wider and higher-volume tires would handle better on broken pavement (cracks, ridges, seams, and potholes). They would also be more comfortable. According to what I've read, a wide, high-pressure tire rolls at least as easily as a thinner tire. For me, the slightly higher weight, the slower acceleration, and the increased wind resistance at high speeds are acceptable.

Questions:

1. Are there any problems with putting a 35 mm wide tire on the Xero XSR-3, 20/24H wheels on the Cypress SL? There appears to be plenty of clearance around the brakes and the frame.

2. Where can I find 35 mm (or at least 32 mm ) wide, slick 700 C tires that are rated for 100 psi pressure? Why wouldn't such tires be attractive to lots of folks?

Chuck Sten
San Diego Calif.

I got a Cypress back in June and, at about 500 miles, the LBS recommended that I move from the stock 700x28s all the way up to 700x38s. (I'm a little "robust" weightwise, but not overly so.) I rode that way for about 1,500 miles -- no technical issues at all in making everything fit, etc. (And I found that changing tubes after a flat was mch easier; the larger tires went onto the Xero rims much more easily.) I was, however, somewhat disappointed in the ride quality, especially on longer rides (metric centuries and above), and I just switched back to 700x28s.

In my case, however, I didn't go with slicks, so I'm afraid I can't help you there.

I actually don't know of any true slicks above say a 30c (even then thats a maybe in my book). Once you go above a 30 you are talking cyclocross/hybrid tires which have some tread. At 45c you are talkin about a 29" mountain bike tire practically. People who want slicks want to go fast, people who go fast don't really want anything bigger than 28c.

IRC makes a wide semi slick with only small rain grooves in it. IRC Duro Metro 700x38 (kevlar belted). Its what I use for my daily commute. I find it to be a quick tire for its width and I haven't had any flats with it yet after 3 months. The kevlar belted(duro) version is 14.95 at Nashbar. They have a non belted version for a little less. I think they are only rated for 90 pounds.

Have you thought about bringing the tire width back down and getting a set of specialized armadillos?
Specialized tires have never failed me.