Bontrager  R2 Hard-Case Lite Road Tire

I have had these for two summers. These are tough tough tires that stand up to all types road hazards associated with inner city road-scape. I am a 3-season biker so I can’t comment on riding in the winter. These tires are a joy to ride on smooth, flat asphalt paved roads. However, its grip is questionable in other conditions. In particular, these tires don’t handle sharp turns, even when in low speeds but on the wrong kind of surface, well. I’ve fallen off the bike and injured myself three times in the last two years since I had them. Initially I brushed off these accidents on my own stupidity. However, I had not fallen off any bike for at least 10 years prior to having these, it’s time for me get rid of them.

I have now purchased 2 of these tires for my bike. Very happy with them. Price seemed competitive with other sources for similar and identical tires. The tire seemed like a good one, while putting it on. I'm not an expert but recognize Bontrager as a prominent name in the industry. I have also not seen this tire through it's lifetime, so cannot vouch for the integrity.

I’ve been a cyclist for nearly 20 years. It’s to me what hunting, gambling, hot rods are to other guys, so yeah, it’s a bit of a passion for me. With that, I’ve tried many tires, many brands and these Bontragers really impress. I love how they handle, resist punctures and no small issue — easily install.

These are good tires. I routinely get 2000 miles on them, and that is riding in Tucson AZ where the desert heat/sun dry out tires fast. I would give them 4 or 5 stars, except for a quality control issue: I bought 700c x 25mm tires. They are labelled as that on the package and the sidewalls. But I put them on my Bontrager rims, and they are 28 mm wide. I decided since it is Bontrager's mistake and not REI's, I contacted Bontrager. To their credit, they sent me 2 new 25 mm tires for free. I put them on my Bontrager rims and they are 27 mm at 90 psi. When I pump them up to 105 psi where I ride, I expect they'll be 28 mm again. 2 mm or 3 mm may not seem like much of an error, but since they sell these in increments of 2, 3, and 4 mm sizes, that suggests a level of precision that Bontrager cannot live up to. If you order 700 c tires, they might only be 675 c. Which might explain why it is so hard to get a Bontrager tire on a Bontrager rim. Usually, I feel like I am close to bending my rim and breaking spokes, just wrestling the tires on.

Not puncture resistant-at All! Probably good for nicely paved riding trails, but not for actual road cycling. Paper Thin.

These are good tires. I routinely get 2000 miles on them. I would give them 4 or 5 stars, except for a quality control issue: I bought 700c x 25mm tires. They are labelled as that size. But I put them on my bike, and they are 28 mm wide. I’m putting Bontrager tires on Bontrager rims, so I don’t think it is something I am doing wrong.

I got flats all the time. Within two years of owning this tire I got about 10-12 flats on my rear tire. Didn't seem like there was anything wrong with the wheel itself. I think my bike does put more weight on the back tire than the front tire, but still, 10-12 flats is ridiculous. Going to try Gatorskins.

Only ridden a few times so far, however, tires feel light and fast. The 'R2' version has little nubs on each shoulder of the tire which seem to grip the road grip in a turn. Price was nice and REI bike shop did a great job with the install (and a 'spring' tune-up of my whole bike). In by 11am; Out by 11am next day - everything ship-shape - thanks REI!

So far I’ve put roughly 500 miles of mixed terrain of light gravel to downtown Atlanta roads to bike paths and country roads. I’ve only encountered one flat but that was a pinch flat from the inner tube, simple fix and a common occurrence. There’s a few cuts here and there no more than a cm in length which poses no problems but I highly recommend these tires - great all rounder for the price vs others...

Nice good price tire is good for the price and rides smooth and quick