Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase Tire Review
by Stacey MosesDisclosure: My full-time employer is an independent bicycle retailer, and we sell tires. Lots of tires, in all shapes and sizes, including the tires that are described in this review. I am announcing this fact at the beginning of this tire review because it may lead some readers to believe that I am biased. I prefer to believe that this fact makes me more discerning. But, as always, feel free to share your opinions in the comment section.
And now, the review:
Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase road tires have been my tire of choice for city riding for the past half-decade. I put these tires on my Trek 1500 when I moved to Washington, DC and I rode them into squares. Bontrager offers this tire in a wide range of sizes (700×23-32c as well as 27×1 1/4-1 1/8 and 650x25c), but I prefer the 700x25c. As a smaller rider with a relatively light load, this width gives me enough stability without creating too much additional rolling resistance.
The “triple flat protection” is the selling point (or three selling points) for the Bontrager Hardcases. The bead-to-bead woven construction means that the sidewalls of the tires are as tough as the portion of the tire that is hitting the ground, reducing sidewall cuts. There is an anti-pinch rib, protecting against pinch flats, and there is a Kevlar belt, virtually eliminating punctures.
Yes, these are all features described in Trek’s marketing materials for these tires, but when put to the test, each one of these features stands up to prolonged road testing in real-life conditions.
Just like any product, there are a couple of drawbacks in addition to all of the benefits of the Bontrager Hardcases. First, they are not the most supple tires that I have ever ridden, although I have certainly tried harder and heavier commuter tires as well. They also are not the most cooperative tires to change (I blame the triple flat protection features), but fortunately, they require far less frequent fixing and replacing than any other tires that I have ever owned.
Overall, I have found the Bontrager Race Lite Hardcases to offer the perfect combination of reliability and comfort as a commuter or city tire, and for just under $45 per tire, they are not unreasonably priced for a very durable tire. For the more weight-conscious cyclist, Trek also offers the Race X Lite Hardcase, which is constructed from 120 threads per inch (tpi) casing compared to the Race Lite’s 60tpi. Finally, for the rain or shine crowd, there is the Race All Weather Hardcase, also available in a 26×1.5in version, with a rain-shedding tread pattern.
Choosing a tire can be a rather personal decision for a cyclist (second only to choosing a saddle), as some people may put more or less emphasis on durability, comfort, weight, color or price. After many years of experimenting with tires, I have found my balance with the Bontrager Race Lite Hardcases.
I found Bontrager Race Hardcase tires in 650c on my Bacchetta Corsa to be a bit slipperly in the rain. Since I live in the greater Seattle area that was unacceptable to me. I switched to a more supple grippy tire. I never got a flat on the Hardcases.
I frequently use the Race Lite Hardcase (not the X version) since it is available in 650c – I can not compare the two since I have not used both, but I did want to chime in and mention that I have had the same experience with the ‘Hardcase’ flat protection – noticeably less flats than anything else I have tried!
CM
So, tire width & rolling resistance is the single greatest myth in cycling. What affects rolling resistance more than tire width is the tire’s supple-ness. Jan Heine has tested this theory to death. For more eloquent explanation see his publication, Bicycle Quarterly.
Multiple factors contribute to rolling resistance. The material of the tire, the pressure of the tire, and the dimensions of the tire all contribute to rolling resistance. To state that the contact area of the tire has nothing to do with road resistance ignores some basic laws of physics.
6,000 Miles and no flats
This should be an inspiration to change rules in Nascar. Why can’t we have NASCAR strictly for bikes?
–Ri of changerules(dot)net
I would like to see tire manufacturers provide more reflective sidewalls options for use while commuting in the late fall and winter like the Vittoria Randonneur Hyper Road Tires.
I have had Bontrager Hardcase Tyres on my Road bike for about 1500 miles with no problems, I would recommend these tyres to anyone commuting, I agree though a good reflective stripe on the sidewall would be good
Hi,
I too work for a Trek retailer but in the UK rather than the US.
I think this is a worldwide thing but it certainly is the case in England that if you buy any tyre (English for tire, sorry) from the new Bontrager range, such as the All Weather Hard Case you’ll get a 30 day money back satisfaction guarntee!
So next time you want a bombproof tyre at least give them a go because it’s free if you don’t like them!
Great tire! No need to run thorn-resistant tubes in these and can lead to premature rim and spoke breakage. Run about 90 psi in a 700×23 and this tire won’t fail you.
David- great point. The 30 day guarantee also exists here in the States, so there’s no reason not to give these tires a try.
I must have bad luck. Punctured tire after 500 miles. Tried lining the puncture with several layers of duct tape to keep the tire going. Needless to say I continue to get flats and need a new tire. Any idea what’s going on? I am at a loss. I spent the extra money to get more miles and it has been a nightmare.
I have several bikes and lost track of when I changed the rear Race Lite Hardcase on the one I rode today. Well, it had 4725 miles on it when it wore a hole in the tread path and blew the tube.
My fault for not changing it sooner. But it ended up being a great experiment in how long this tire could be pushed. I think 4725 is exceptional for a single tire. And no flats in all that time (nearly 3 years).
By the way, this is on my training bike. The amount of time I “lose” running a heavier tire is nothing compared to the time spent fixing a single flat.
If I were racing, then I would use a race tire. But I care much more about making home without worrying about flats. Expecially since my rides are all long, on remote mountain roads, with some fast technical descents.
Every time I think about getting new tires I look at other options, but always come back to the Bontrager Hardcase tires.
I too have been using this for years (as have many of my friends) and have had great luck.