Bontrager's AW3 Hard-Case Lite tire offers flat protection without sacrificing high-end road feel. Its sub-tread puncture barrier keeps you rolling so you can concentrate on putting in the miles. And, the Hard-Case Lite's high-speed tread compound provides optimal traction and low-rolling resistance no matter what the weather, so this tire is equally at home racing or spring training. It even has a unique bead that closes the gap between the tire and rim for improved aerodynamics.
I started riding the AW3s last year and they're my go-to training tire now. They're very durable and puncture resistant while still handling well in dry, wet, dirt, whatever. I've maybe had 2 flats in past 8000 mi and no issues with cracking or delamination that I've had with other brands.
They feel best running the pressure a little lower than a race tire--I'm about 170lbs and run 95psi front, 100psi rear for the 25mm AW3.
Highly recommend to anyone looking for high-performance training or fast touring tires.
Gift:
No
Jul
17
2015
4.0
Most underrated performance tire out there
By MNRider
from Minnesota
About Me Intermediate
Pros
Durable
Excellent Handling
Very Compliant
Puncture resistant
Lightweight
Cons
None
Best Uses
General Road Riding 25mm
Light Touring 32mm
Comments:
This tire does it all. Lightweight, excellent handling, reasonably durable, very comfortable, with good puncture resistance. I've used Specialized All Condition Armadillos, Continental Gator Skins, and a few others but these are superior as an all around road or light touring tire. I highly recommend this tire.