Sometimes it is pretty easy to figure out what kind of tire you need for your bike. If you spend all your time riding on paved roads then you get a smooth road tire that will greatly reduce rolling resistance. If you spend your time on off-road trails then you buy a knobby tire so you get great traction. However, what type of tire do you get if you have to ride on a paved road just to get to the off-road trail? My favorite tire for this type of situation is the Bontrager H4 Hard-Case Plus Bicycle Tire.
Bontrager H4 Hard-Case Plus Tire
The Bontrager H4 Hard-Case Plus Tire has a semi-slick center tread that offers minimal rolling resistance while you are on the road, and slightly aggressive outer stability knobs on the sides so you get great cornering, even in wet weather. The 26×2.0 tire weighs 750 grams and is listed as having 60 TPI (threads per inch).
As an added bonus, this tire has Bontrager’s Hardcase triple puncture protection. First, there is an aramid (a strong heat-resistant synthetic fiber) belt that helps prevent tread punctures caused from glass or stone. Second, there is an anti-cut casing that also resists cuts from glass and other sharp objects. And third, it has an anti-pinch sidewall to prevent snake-bite punctures (this is the type of puncture you get from hitting hard objects like railroad ties or potholes).
Bontrager H4 Hard-Case Plus Tire
I have used this tire on one of my mountain bikes for a long time and would highly recommend it to anyone who rides a hybrid bike or uses their mountain bike for both road and off-road riding.
As a final note, Bontrager tires come with an unbelievable guarantee: “All aftermarket Bontrager tires are unconditionally satisfaction guaranteed for 30 days from the date of purchase. If you—for any reason—don’t like your new Bontrager tire, return it (along with your original sales receipt) back to the place of purchase within 30 days of purchase date for full refund or exchange.”
The Bontrager H4 Hard-Case Plus Tire is available in two sizes—the 26×1.5 tire retails for $40, and 26×2.0 retails for $45. This tire is available at local bike shops all over the United States and Europe, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding them in stock at a dealer near you.
dfmw
August 8, 2012 at 11:21 AM
Reblogged this on crisp clean clear and commented:
i’ve been looking at these tires for a hybrid city/mtb bike. they look good
All Seasons Cyclist
August 8, 2012 at 3:16 PM
I’ve worn out several sets of these tires in the past few years and still like them a lot!
Mike
August 8, 2012 at 11:31 AM
How very timely of you! I have been commuting by bike – train – bike for a couple months now. It is much easier to lock a bike up on either side than drag one on NJ Transit trains, my terrain varies in just such a way that these might be the tires I need. what makes them better than similair tires?
All Seasons Cyclist
August 8, 2012 at 3:19 PM
Mike, since I have not tried every other tire on the market I can’t really say that these are “better” than the other tires, but I can say I really like them. They work exactly as advertised and are available in just about every bike shop. The biggest advantage I see is their guarantee — not many other companies are willing to let you use their product for 30 days and then return it if you don’t like it — especially on something like bike tires.
Mike
August 20, 2012 at 4:31 PM
cool! thanks for the reply! i will definetly look for this product at my lbs!
motopsyco
August 10, 2012 at 8:45 PM
I was thinking of getting another set of Maxxis Holy Rollers for my mountain bike but may try these instead. Most of my dirt riding is flatland anyway so I don’t need extreme off road tires.
All Seasons Cyclist
August 10, 2012 at 9:28 PM
These tires do a pretty good job in most conditions — the only things I don’t like them for is sand, snow or mud.
Shonnie
August 31, 2012 at 6:44 PM
we use this one on our hybrids too. The nobby tires made it hard when we were on the road, but there are times when we get into dirt and gravel–sand even–so we needed a bit more off-road traction than just the road tire would give.
All Seasons Cyclist
August 31, 2012 at 11:08 PM
These are perfect for hybrids — glad you like them!