Bontrager R3 tires are a big step up from their R1's

Green Lantern

On my old bike, I have Cont Grand Prix which I always liked. On my Trek 4.5, it came stock with Bontrager R1 tires that have 60 TPI on them. I found their rolling resistance was higher than the Prix's...enough to make me want to change. In being curious with Bontrager better tires, I put on their R3's on my bike which comes stock on the higher end Madone 5 series. These tires have 120 TPI.

In just trying them out quickly, I have to say they feel lighter, and they roll a lot better compared to the R1's. They are 190 grams (per tire) lighter than the R1's. The front tire is a little noisy; it will be interesting to see if it quiet downs a little once I throw 50- 100 miles on them.

Has anyone else tried the R3's and what success have you had with them?

Lifeboy123

My trek 5.2 came with R3's as standard , never used R1's but they are ok but not as good as Cont Grand Pri 4000's which I have on my boardman team carbon , which made an amazing difference and have excellent grip ? Never used Michelin Pro Race or Ultremo's

Difficult to compare using different bikes, lookwise they are not as sexy but how do you find Cont grand prix.s to R3 and other premium tyres ?

Robi45

R3's came fiitted to my Trek 2.5 (2011, the 2.5 is the top of the old aluminium range) and apart from the rather garish blue they have specced to match the bike, they are very good. I also run a Wilier which i've tried with both Michelin Krylion which are good but feel wooden and Conti GP 4 Seasons which are superb, but expensive.

The R3's are very light for the price and apart from hitting a pot-hole at 35mph causing the rear to blow, Ive had no other punctures in 18 months or so. Ride comfort is reasonable but I am keen to try the 25mm to see if they provide a bit more feel. They are also easy to fit on the rim. The 25mm are very hard to come by, but either way I would recommend these.