What kind of tire...

[Bicyclette]

would you recommend. I measured the rim on my Trek 7.2FX and I can put a 700x25 on my bike - I would like to try a 25 but do not want to spend a whole lot of money on a set of tires in case I don't like it and decide not to use them. I ride only on paved surfaces but most of them have lots of patches and small potholes. Anyone know a decent tire that won't flat easily and won't break the bank either?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

So, what kind of tires are you using now and tell us why do you want to try something else?

[Bicyclette]

Lisa -

I currently use Bontrager Invert Puncture Resistant, 700 x 35c tires - I am mostly curious to try a different width tire and see what difference it may or may not make to my ride. I have no particular need to go for a lot of speed - I can get fast enough for me right now - but if a skinny tire would make that easier then I'm all for it - not sure if a skinnier tire would help me at all on hills - all we have here are hills - hills are my friend

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm using 700 x 37 (actual width 36c) because we go on a lot of gravel roads and I'm still pretty inexperienced. We won't do REALLY skinny tires because of all the gravel roads we love to bike on- we would likely get too many flats. My husband had been using 37's for years, and just last week changed to a 700 x 28c tire. He loves it. I think it's heavy enough that he won't get many flats on gravel, but he finds it more agile and faster.
My 2 cents: I'd say a 700 x 28 is plenty thin enough if your top goal is not getting the highest speed possible. It will handle potholes better than 25's, and will be less of a drastic change when going from the 35's. Going to 28's will seem WAY thinner to you than what you are on now.

[bcipam]

would you recommend. I measured the rim on my Trek 7.2FX and I can put a 700x25 on my bike - I would like to try a 25 but do not want to spend a whole lot of money on a set of tires in case I don't like it and decide not to use them. I ride only on paved surfaces but most of them have lots of patches and small potholes. Anyone know a decent tire that won't flat easily and won't break the bank either?

Look for Continental Gatorskins... you can get them as 700 X 25. Performance usually has them on sale for about $30. Good rolling tire but also puncture resistant. Very durable but not all that heavy.

[short cut sally]

I am with bcipam on the continental gatorskins, they come in a wire bead (for low $30.00 range) and the foldable ones (are low $40.00 range). They are kevlar which is more durable. I have the $40.00 ones and swear by them..You can get them from Performance or Nashbar, not sure about any place else..

[7rider]

I also have the Conti (Ultra) Gatorskins, 700 x 25's on my commuter (a flat bar road bike)
I think they were $39 each at Performance. A bit more than I wanted to spend, but DH picked them up for me.
I've had them on for only a few months now, but so far they've been great.
In the winter, I'll switch them out with Michelin Transworld City 700 x 28's with reflective sidewalls. I picked those up at REI for $20/each.
They're a bit slower than (and don't allow as much air pressure as) the Conti's, but they are tough and (so far) durable.
I'd recommend both or either.

[melissam]

www.biketiresdirect.com has the non-folding Conti Ultra Gatorskins in 700x25 for $26.95 + shipping.

They have the folding ones in 700x23 for $6.00 more.

-- Melissa

PS Standard disclaimer applies: I have no association with biketiresdirect.com other than being a satisfied customer.

[SnappyPix]

Just one point - I'd choose the folding ones over the wire beaded ones personally.
I've just gone from folding to wire beaded Gatorskins and it's an all out battle getting the tires back over the rim; I need an extra pair of hands!!
Just makes it quicker when you're fixing flats out on the road, etc.
The folding ones are slightly lighter too.

[Bicyclette]

Wow!! Thanx for all the great replies - I will definitely check out the gatorskins - if I don't like them I'm sure someone here will take them off my hands