mtb'ish commuter tires?

[sundial]

I searched this forum but didn't quite find recommendations for the type of tire I'm looking for, so uber commuters, I would like your opinions about what tire I should get.

Leading out from the garage, I have a long driveway with packed dirt and chat. Generally, I ride on the grass until I get to the road and then it's chip seal pavement. I am looking for a 700x38 tire that is durable like a mtb tire but not draggy. I average 5-7 miles daily for the doggie exercise ride and I will be riding on and off the pavement so it needs to handle grass pretty well. I don't have to deal with stickers per se, just chat that's occasionally tucked in the grass.

I'm impressed with Kendas on my mtb and Michelins on my road bike, but I don't know much about commuter tires. My bike will come with stock Specialized Infinity tires. Ever since I bought a brand new set of Specialized Captain tires and air leached out the sidewalls, I've been skeptical of their tires since.

Basically, I want a mtb strong type commuter tire but zippy enough to not wear my legs out by the end of the week.

Soooo, anyone want to share their recommendations?

[SadieKate]

Why not give those a chance first? I like my S-works Mondo road tires. There are many Specialized tires that get great reviews. Besides, you'll probably want to determine if you want a bit of lugging. Lugs wear fast on pavement and are not as safe as the tread pattern you have. That said, you may not be happy with that tread pattern for the route you ride. Give them a chance first so at least you can make an evaluation of tread vs lugs.

[sundial]

Sadie, I'll give it a whirl. I've noticed that in the past my Specialized tires wear kind of fast. I was just wondering what else is out there.

[PscyclePath]

I think a lot of it depends on the brand of tires that come on the new bike. I've noticed that I've only been able to get a little over 500 miles on the Bontrager racing slicks that came on the Trek road bikes, while I was able to get about 2500 out of a set of Continentals, and a little less than 3000 out of the Vittoria Rubinos that I've been running the past couple of years.

[SadieKate]

Sadie, I'll give it a whirl. I've noticed that in the past my Specialized tires wear kind of fast. I was just wondering what else is out there.

It is not necessarily the brand of the tire, but the durometer of the rubber. Soft rubber sticks and grips better, but it also provides a softer rider. That's why many racing tires (like Michelin Pros) don't have a long lifespan. Hard durometer (like that in "training" tires or city tires) lasts longer but gives a harsher ride.

It's all in the intended use of the tire - and, of course, how well that company met the goal.