What makes a good tire "good"? What would make some tires that look similar perform better? Since there are many tires for many purposes, let me narrow the topic down to this. What would make a good tire for a hybrid rider who wants to increase speed on pavement? What qualities should I look for in a tire? Thanks.

Narrower + higher pressure. If you get those characteristics, the tread pattern takes care of itself.

Now having said that, narrower + higher pressure WILL get you less rolling resistance, BUT, and this is a BIG "but," they'll also get you:

1. more flats
2. more chance of rim damage
3. more chance of broken spokes
4. more critical tire pressures

I, personally, prefer fatter tires at lower pressure. I've never had a flat, never had rim damage or broken spokes, and a simple thumb-test of tire pressure prior to a ride is always sufficient.

You pays your money, you takes your choice...

Compounds used to improve rolling resistance like conti's black chilli. Going slick no tread will really improve top line speed on payment. Using a supple casing so the tire doesn't lose contact with the road which slows you down. Studies have found that narrower is not faster. All the best

Thanks for your comments. I have never had a flat even though I run narrow, high pressure tires. I'm more concerned with performance (speed) than comfort. So my question really is this: As you go up in price in tires, what do you get? Thanks.

More expensive tires will be made of better materials. You'll get better ride quality,better handling/traction,and better puncture protection.

My favorite commuting tires are Schwalbe Marathon Supremes. They're $45+ a tire,but I've found them to be worth it. They ride nice,I've picked numerous bits of FOD out of the treads with zero flats,and I've gotten air under my rear tire twice panic breaking down hills(once in the rain) without wiping out. I've used cheaper tires that have worked ok,but none gave me the level of performance I've gotten from the Supremes.

For what you're looking for,it's best to look up reviews of different tires to see what people's experiences have been with them. There are many factors that make a tire suited for a purpose. Also to consider is load. A 100lbs rider on a full carbon road bike will be putting less stress on their tires than a 200lbs rider on a loaded cargo or touring bike. Look for reviews from riders who are similar to you.

+1 for Mr. dynaryder's comments. I'm a Continental tyre user, myself, but the Schwalbes are also excellent.

I ride Supremes, like Dynarider, and absolutely love them. The roll very nicely, traction is amazing wet or dry, there is no transition zone when leaning over as the tread wraps all the way around, and the reflex sidewall is really bright. I have picked many hitchhikers out of the tread, but they have never gotten thru the protection. (I used to get A LOT OF FLATS!)

I'd just like to know where he gets them for $45! I have bought them as cheap as 26 on sale, but it doesn't happen very often. Whenever I see them cheap, I buy them, and always have a set or two vacuum packed in the basement.

edit: the only downside of the Supremes, is that they really, really, really, don't like ice or snow!