Bike Forums - New Tread

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Hey,
I have a Trek DS and currently have the 700x38c tires on there. They roll very well and I really like them when I am on pavement or a light trail. I do not think I am getting the most out of the bike. When trying to go up hill on a trail my tires slip and especially going downhill while braking, not very fun. So my next question is, what tires do you run? I have looked at different tread lately and have found some good options.

-This tire in the 42c

http://www.conti-online.com/generato...oXKing_en.html
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=266287

This tire is a 35c
http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_ti...s/smart_sam_cx

I have looked at the cyclocross tires which seem pretty sweet. Cross tires are mainly in the 33c or thinner. Have you guys checked them out? I just started reading their posts and they are pretty sick! Seems like thats what I thought my hybrid could do out of the box, and which I am trying to achieve little by little. \

Pretty much I just want to know what kind of you guys are running.
THanks

How much air pressure are you running? If you have the tires inflated to the maximum, that's part of the problem for loose surfaces.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SignARama (Post 14583142)

Interesting post. These are the same two tires I am considering for my Hybrid.

My suggestion is that you look at a second wheelset for offroad use. Offroad specific tire, including cyclocross, are made of a softer compound, and have deeper tread patterns than road specific tires. That makes them wear faster and increases rolling resistance on the road. It also makes them very effective off-road. 'All rounder' tires are a compromise that do a bit of both and nothing terribly well - thats what you have now.

those Smart Sam tires *are* CX tires.

before you do anything else, try dropping the air pressure in the x38's you have when you hit the trails. if you're around 170 lbs, and the bike riding position is such that you have around 100 lbs on the back wheel and 70 on the front, you could try 60psi rear, 50psi front, and see how that tracks. when you get back to the pavement and want to go fast/far, pump them back up +10 or +20 psi.