Tyres for Hybrid Bike - Town and Trails

[Pauluk]

Hi
I ride a hybrid on the road, tarmac and grit cycle paths, canal/river tow paths (a bit muddy in wet weather).

My aim is just to make the commute a little easier/faster. My commute is quite a nice route being a combination of road, 3 parks, a river and a canal tow path.

I would like to change my Kenda multi surface tyres to something like the 'continental sport contact'. The Kendra tyres (45c) seem way over sized for my rims (17mm internal) but came with the bike from the manufacture like that!

If I use something like the conti sport (32c to 37c) will I see/feel much improvement and can I expect to experience more punctures.

Any advice gratefully received

 

[HLaB]

I doubt you'll see any difference in p'tures, Kenda's don't have a good rep there IMO, conti contacts do, but a lot of it is down to luck, rider weight, how you ride, what pressures you ride, etc luck probably being the biggest factor. IIRC, my own 37mm rear contact got 8400miles 1 p'ture before it got replaced by the front which is still going 8800miles and it has had 2 p'tures. A new 32mm conti reflex has been put on the front mainly because it was cheaper and I think it may have speeded me up slightly.

 

[Arjimlad]

I have Vittoria Adventures 700x35c on my hybrid, which are inexpensive, have puncture protection, and are pretty smooth for road riding.

 

[tyred]

Consider Panaracer Crosstowns. Quite heavy but bombproof and they roll well.