Designed for speed, traction and durability while racing and road riding. The Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite Tlr Road Tire features a proprietary TR-Speed compound for confident, fast-rolling performance. It also has a Hard-Case Lite with improved Nylon105 breaker belt for lightweight puncture protection and a great ride feel. The tire is tubeless ready, allowing for easy tubeless set-up and added puncture protection. Its fast-rolling, lightly-treaded design adds traction and confidence. The tire has low rolling resistance and excellent cornering grip. It's designed for use with Bontrager TLR wheels, sealant and rim strips for a complete tubeless system.
Designed for speed, traction and durability while racing and road riding. The Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite Tlr Road Tire features a proprietary TR-Speed compound for confident, fast-rolling performance. It also has a Hard-Case Lite with improved Nylon105 breaker belt for lightweight puncture protection and a great ride feel. The tire is tubeless ready, allowing for easy tubeless set-up and added puncture protection. Its fast-rolling, lightly-treaded design adds traction and confidence. The tire has low rolling resistance and excellent cornering grip. It's designed for use with Bontrager TLR wheels, sealant and rim strips for a complete tubeless system.
in 2 offers
The lowest price for Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite TLR Road Tyre Black/Dark Brown / 700c x 28mm right now is $69.99 at trekbikes.com, compared across 2 retailers.
The all-time low was $69.99 on 3 Mar 2026. That's the lowest price we've ever tracked — a great time to buy.
Prices last updated 12 May 2026.
Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite TLR Road Tyre Black/Dark Brown / 700c x 28mm
Designed for speed, traction and durability while racing and road riding. The Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite Tlr Road Tire features a proprietary TR-Speed compound for confident, fast-rolling performance. It also has a Hard-Case Lite with improved Nylon105 breaker belt for lightweight puncture protection and a great ride feel. The tire is tubeless ready, allowing for easy tubeless set-up and added puncture protection. Its fast-rolling, lightly-treaded design adds traction and confidence. The tire has low rolling resistance and excellent cornering grip. It's designed for use with Bontrager TLR wheels, sealant and rim strips for a complete tubeless system.
Designed for speed, traction and durability while racing and road riding. The Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite Tlr Road Tire features a proprietary TR-Speed compound for confident, fast-rolling performance. It also has a Hard-Case Lite with improved Nylon105 breaker belt for lightweight puncture protection and a great ride feel. The tire is tubeless ready, allowing for easy tubeless set-up and added puncture protection. Its fast-rolling, lightly-treaded design adds traction and confidence. The tire has low rolling resistance and excellent cornering grip. It's designed for use with Bontrager TLR wheels, sealant and rim strips for a complete tubeless system.
Last updated at 12/05/2026 13:28:58
Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite TLR Road Tyre
Delivery between Fri – Mon $8.99
Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite TLR Road Tyre Black/Brown / 700C x 28mm
Delivery on orders $100+
originally posted on trekbikes.com
These tires came on a new Domane SLR6 purchased in March 2022. With less than 200 miles on the bike and tires, the rear tire blistered, with the exterior tread separating from the interior in an approximately 2" long blister.. Unfortunately, it will cost me more to hassle with the warranty than the tire is worth since I have to take the tire to a Trek dealer to process the warranty, and the nearest one is over 60 miles away from where I live, and, as I understand the process, the dealer sends in the defective part and then has to wait for a replacement. So that's 2 trips I'd have to make to a Trek Dealer that is over 60 miles away. As to my opinion on how the tire rode prior to the defect, I was unimpressed. Might not have been the tire's fault, but the tubeless ... MoreThese tires came on a new Domane SLR6 purchased in March 2022. With less than 200 miles on the bike and tires, the rear tire blistered, with the exterior tread separating from the interior in an approximately 2" long blister.. Unfortunately, it will cost me more to hassle with the warranty than the tire is worth since I have to take the tire to a Trek dealer to process the warranty, and the nearest one is over 60 miles away from where I live, and, as I understand the process, the dealer sends in the defective part and then has to wait for a replacement. So that's 2 trips I'd have to make to a Trek Dealer that is over 60 miles away. As to my opinion on how the tire rode prior to the defect, I was unimpressed. Might not have been the tire's fault, but the tubeless setup leaked off considerably, and the tires felt sluggish. There are better tires out there than this one. I replaced both tires with another brand and with tubes.
originally posted on trekbikes.com
I put these on after seeing some good reviews. Easy to install, look and feel great on the road. But i noticed after a some rides my pressures dropped significantly after a few days. Put in a bath of water to find small bubbles leaking from sidewalls. There were also a few tear marks from road gravel that leaked slowly in the centre of the tyre. I am a heavy rider so the rear wheel cops alot of the abuse.Not sure if the bontrager sealant doesnt work, or the tyres are just duds. I took back to Trek and they kindly replaced them. However, the exact same problems happened again. Ill try new sealant but for now I will not buy again. Especially for the price they are.
originally posted on trekbikes.com
Needed tires, and my regular shops didn't have what wanted. Back against the wall, went to the local Trek store and, on recommendation, snagged a pair of R3's. Liked 'em because they don't have goofy billboard graphics. Put 'em on (not easy on Rolf's) and rode them that afternoon. I was amazed. Haven't ridden sew-ups in decades; used to race Vittoria Corsa Seta's. Pumped up to 120 lbs., the R3's are the first clincher I've ridden to remotely have that aired-up tight, good sew-up "singing" feel. I really was surprised. They felt really good! Didn't think they'd last very long. I now have 2500 miles on my first pair. The rear is just beginning to show a little tread wear, but what's remarkable is that there isn't the first cut on them...not even a small one! Went back ... MoreNeeded tires, and my regular shops didn't have what wanted. Back against the wall, went to the local Trek store and, on recommendation, snagged a pair of R3's. Liked 'em because they don't have goofy billboard graphics. Put 'em on (not easy on Rolf's) and rode them that afternoon. I was amazed. Haven't ridden sew-ups in decades; used to race Vittoria Corsa Seta's. Pumped up to 120 lbs., the R3's are the first clincher I've ridden to remotely have that aired-up tight, good sew-up "singing" feel. I really was surprised. They felt really good! Didn't think they'd last very long. I now have 2500 miles on my first pair. The rear is just beginning to show a little tread wear, but what's remarkable is that there isn't the first cut on them...not even a small one! Went back to Trek a couple of weeks ago and bought four more.
| Diameter | 700C |
| TPI | 170 TPI |
| Compound | 60a |
| Bead | Folding |
| Minimum pressure | 90 psi |
Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite TLR Road Tyre
Delivery between Fri – Mon $8.99
Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite TLR Road Tyre Black/Brown / 700C x 28mm
Delivery on orders $100+
These tires came on a new Domane SLR6 purchased in March 2022. With less than 200 miles on the bike and tires, the rear tire blistered, with the exterior tread separating from the interior in an approximately 2" long blister.. Unfortunately, it will cost me more to hassle with the warranty than the tire is worth since I have to take the tire to a Trek dealer to process the warranty, and the nearest one is over 60 miles away from where I live, and, as I understand the process, the dealer sends in the defective part and then has to wait for a replacement. So that's 2 trips I'd have to make to a Trek Dealer that is over 60 miles away. As to my opinion on how the tire rode prior to the defect, I was unimpressed. Might not have been the tire's fault, but the tubeless ... MoreThese tires came on a new Domane SLR6 purchased in March 2022. With less than 200 miles on the bike and tires, the rear tire blistered, with the exterior tread separating from the interior in an approximately 2" long blister.. Unfortunately, it will cost me more to hassle with the warranty than the tire is worth since I have to take the tire to a Trek dealer to process the warranty, and the nearest one is over 60 miles away from where I live, and, as I understand the process, the dealer sends in the defective part and then has to wait for a replacement. So that's 2 trips I'd have to make to a Trek Dealer that is over 60 miles away. As to my opinion on how the tire rode prior to the defect, I was unimpressed. Might not have been the tire's fault, but the tubeless setup leaked off considerably, and the tires felt sluggish. There are better tires out there than this one. I replaced both tires with another brand and with tubes.
I put these on after seeing some good reviews. Easy to install, look and feel great on the road. But i noticed after a some rides my pressures dropped significantly after a few days. Put in a bath of water to find small bubbles leaking from sidewalls. There were also a few tear marks from road gravel that leaked slowly in the centre of the tyre. I am a heavy rider so the rear wheel cops alot of the abuse.Not sure if the bontrager sealant doesnt work, or the tyres are just duds. I took back to Trek and they kindly replaced them. However, the exact same problems happened again. Ill try new sealant but for now I will not buy again. Especially for the price they are.
Needed tires, and my regular shops didn't have what wanted. Back against the wall, went to the local Trek store and, on recommendation, snagged a pair of R3's. Liked 'em because they don't have goofy billboard graphics. Put 'em on (not easy on Rolf's) and rode them that afternoon. I was amazed. Haven't ridden sew-ups in decades; used to race Vittoria Corsa Seta's. Pumped up to 120 lbs., the R3's are the first clincher I've ridden to remotely have that aired-up tight, good sew-up "singing" feel. I really was surprised. They felt really good! Didn't think they'd last very long. I now have 2500 miles on my first pair. The rear is just beginning to show a little tread wear, but what's remarkable is that there isn't the first cut on them...not even a small one! Went back ... MoreNeeded tires, and my regular shops didn't have what wanted. Back against the wall, went to the local Trek store and, on recommendation, snagged a pair of R3's. Liked 'em because they don't have goofy billboard graphics. Put 'em on (not easy on Rolf's) and rode them that afternoon. I was amazed. Haven't ridden sew-ups in decades; used to race Vittoria Corsa Seta's. Pumped up to 120 lbs., the R3's are the first clincher I've ridden to remotely have that aired-up tight, good sew-up "singing" feel. I really was surprised. They felt really good! Didn't think they'd last very long. I now have 2500 miles on my first pair. The rear is just beginning to show a little tread wear, but what's remarkable is that there isn't the first cut on them...not even a small one! Went back to Trek a couple of weeks ago and bought four more.
The R3 TLR hard case lite tires came as stock tubeless tires on my 2022 Domane SL6 that I purchased in April and have about 1700 miles primarily on paved roads. I love the bike with the additional road comfort on my long rides with the Trek passive isocouple system and larger 32cc tires. Definitely more comfortable than my Madone but disappointed with the additional 2 lbs in weight. Also, over the last month, I have experienced 4 punctures in the center strip of the tires while riding on paved roads or bike paths that had road cinders. The Bontrager tubeless sealant did not seal off 1mm hole and continued to leak. Plan to stay with Stan's. Fortunately, I had Dynaplugs with me and was able to fix and seal so I could get home. Otherwise, on clean paved roads, I didn't ... MoreThe R3 TLR hard case lite tires came as stock tubeless tires on my 2022 Domane SL6 that I purchased in April and have about 1700 miles primarily on paved roads. I love the bike with the additional road comfort on my long rides with the Trek passive isocouple system and larger 32cc tires. Definitely more comfortable than my Madone but disappointed with the additional 2 lbs in weight. Also, over the last month, I have experienced 4 punctures in the center strip of the tires while riding on paved roads or bike paths that had road cinders. The Bontrager tubeless sealant did not seal off 1mm hole and continued to leak. Plan to stay with Stan's. Fortunately, I had Dynaplugs with me and was able to fix and seal so I could get home. Otherwise, on clean paved roads, I didn't have any problems and liked the tire comfort and road feel. Hopefully, Trek can improve the puncture resistance on the center section of this tire.
On my FX Sport 6, I replaced my heavier tubeless 700x42 tires with a set of these because they're tubeless ready, and a lot lighter weight. After 1500 road miles I picked up my first sizeable bit of glass. When I removed it, the fluid started to bubble out and the tire went soft. But then it quit leaking. I aired it up and have continued riding it with no issues. They are not perfect, however. The first one I got had a warped carcass that was obvious on rotating the wheel. Trek warrantied it but the next one still did a little wandering back and forth. My old Gatorskins ran true, but Continental is behind in offering tubeless tires. These R3's ride nicely and have been dependable, so I may buy another set when I wear these out.
I have extensive hours on the new R3 TLR in size 25's and 28's and can attest first hand that they are a phenomenal tire. Install was easy and they inflated with a floor pump, yes a floor pump. I didn't believe it so took them off and put them on 4 times to re-inflate them - worked each and every time. Install was done in my garage. I replaced the rim strips and valves an my Aeolus 5's, installed the tire, inflated, removed valve core and added the new Blue sealant and have had zero issues (some competitor TLR's would pop off the rim when the core was removed to top off sealant - didn't happen). Set up was a breeze and easy (after 8 years of riding road tubeless I am use to TLR installation issues). I believe these new TLR's are lasting longer than my "older" ... MoreI have extensive hours on the new R3 TLR in size 25's and 28's and can attest first hand that they are a phenomenal tire. Install was easy and they inflated with a floor pump, yes a floor pump. I didn't believe it so took them off and put them on 4 times to re-inflate them - worked each and every time. Install was done in my garage. I replaced the rim strips and valves an my Aeolus 5's, installed the tire, inflated, removed valve core and added the new Blue sealant and have had zero issues (some competitor TLR's would pop off the rim when the core was removed to top off sealant - didn't happen). Set up was a breeze and easy (after 8 years of riding road tubeless I am use to TLR installation issues). I believe these new TLR's are lasting longer than my "older" R2's/R3's I have used - have over 100 hours of riding on each set. You will see from the photos that Texas roads and associated road trash/broken glass are tough on tires, these things held up and still hold air with no issues. These tires have stood up to constant pounding and abuse - above what a normal rider would inflict as I am a heavier rider - and I have had zero issues. The tires feel super smooth on the road and @ 218 lbs I have run them from a low of 60 psi up to my normal 80 psi F/85 psi R for the 28's and 85 psi F-90 psi R for the 25's with zero issues/concerns. Handling is exceptional, dry and wet roads, cornering on smooth/rough surfaces is outstanding. I live and ride in North Texas with a heat index that is around 110 (120+ road temp) and they have held up very well. Ran both sets on Aeolus 5's with my Emonda. Climbing, hook up, spool up, braking, cornering, handling, comfort are unlike any TLR I have used. I have been on road tubeless since 2012 and tried other brands and these new TLR's have outperformed all of them. I highly recommend them and if you disagree, use the 30 day guarantee for a refund - but you wont.
At least three blisters formed on the rear tubeless tire that came with a 2023 Domane SLR7 after only 800 miles and six months of paved road riding; inflated to 60 psi max, not abused, no extreme road hazards encountered. The last ride I did on these tires included speeds that exceeded 30 mph; could have been disastrous had the tire blown out. 25% of the reviews posted here mention blisters forming on the tread of the R3 Hard-Case Lite. Trek's two-year warranty for parts covered the replacement cost of the tire, but I did not want the same brand/model of tire. Instead, I opted for a credit which amounted to less than half of the retail value of this tire. I replaced front and rear tires with Conti GP5000 S TR which I've have on other bikes and had zero problems. ... MoreAt least three blisters formed on the rear tubeless tire that came with a 2023 Domane SLR7 after only 800 miles and six months of paved road riding; inflated to 60 psi max, not abused, no extreme road hazards encountered. The last ride I did on these tires included speeds that exceeded 30 mph; could have been disastrous had the tire blown out. 25% of the reviews posted here mention blisters forming on the tread of the R3 Hard-Case Lite. Trek's two-year warranty for parts covered the replacement cost of the tire, but I did not want the same brand/model of tire. Instead, I opted for a credit which amounted to less than half of the retail value of this tire. I replaced front and rear tires with Conti GP5000 S TR which I've have on other bikes and had zero problems. Bontrager/Trek needs to address the high failure rate of their product before installing the tires on their bicycles. If these are installed on your new Trek bicycle, I highly recommend that you ask for a different tire before purchasing the bike.
These came stock & setup tubeless with the 2022 Domane Gen 3 SL6. Have a 1000 miles ridden & have had 4 puncture repairs with Dynaplug, other smaller punctures that the sealant seemed to fill. It is leaky as other reviewers stated, I check PSI almost before every ride & lose 5 to 10 psi. I ride almost the same route each time & other tires have held up. I'm not that confident riding these on wet surfaces. Switching to another brand to see if I have better luck.
Tyres came stock with my 2022 Domane, very comfortable ride and good grip, finally after very dry summer in UK, i've not also used in rain, both light and very heavy rain, significant water on road etc and grip still good. Tubeless stays up well, the odd pump up as you'd expect. HOWEVER in the first 2 weeks i had issue with front and TREK to be fair change it under their 30 days satisfaction warranty. No issue since until THEN on weekend my rear de laminated and had a large bubble, there was no puncture just this large bubble (guy from club assumed i had tube and it was a blister), which of course i needed to burst before riding off again. (i was at cafe stop half way round ride), the sealant then did its job, but really! This has been the driest 6 months in UK ... MoreTyres came stock with my 2022 Domane, very comfortable ride and good grip, finally after very dry summer in UK, i've not also used in rain, both light and very heavy rain, significant water on road etc and grip still good. Tubeless stays up well, the odd pump up as you'd expect. HOWEVER in the first 2 weeks i had issue with front and TREK to be fair change it under their 30 days satisfaction warranty. No issue since until THEN on weekend my rear de laminated and had a large bubble, there was no puncture just this large bubble (guy from club assumed i had tube and it was a blister), which of course i needed to burst before riding off again. (i was at cafe stop half way round ride), the sealant then did its job, but really! This has been the driest 6 months in UK ever, so conditions been real clean. 2 tyre failures in 6 months. On my last bike i always used another brand tyre and never had problems from one year to next all rear round riding and commuting, only changing because worn naturally. Now 2 yes failed in 6 months! So i seriously doubt reliability of this tyre. I was lucky that i could ride home but took it steady.
The wheels for which I purchased these tires are Bontrager's carbon Aeolus. At first, I mounted R4s to these rims, and they went on effortlessly and felt so supple and light. But, of course, as I quickly realized, R4s are not TLR tires and I wanted to try tubless since, for one, I could, and second, I have really liked tubeless tires on every other kind of bike. I'd never tried them on a road bike, and the idea that I'd be able to swap road and CX tubless tires on a racy set of carbon wheels really appealed to me.It took a lot of effort to get these tires mounted to the rims. I don't say that lightly. I've worked in bike shops and I've got thumbs and forearms I could go on and on about -- I'm quite proud of my hand strength. But I needed a tire bead jack and a ... MoreThe wheels for which I purchased these tires are Bontrager's carbon Aeolus. At first, I mounted R4s to these rims, and they went on effortlessly and felt so supple and light. But, of course, as I quickly realized, R4s are not TLR tires and I wanted to try tubless since, for one, I could, and second, I have really liked tubeless tires on every other kind of bike. I'd never tried them on a road bike, and the idea that I'd be able to swap road and CX tubless tires on a racy set of carbon wheels really appealed to me.It took a lot of effort to get these tires mounted to the rims. I don't say that lightly. I've worked in bike shops and I've got thumbs and forearms I could go on and on about -- I'm quite proud of my hand strength. But I needed a tire bead jack and a water break before I had these mounted on the rim. The bead is incredibly tight, and it will slip off the bead jack and slap against the rim -- it's not a satisfying form of difficulty; it's a pain. My advice would be to pick the leverage point for the bead jack carefully. You can't just go in the middle of the unmounted arc. Do it about a third of the way. But really, my true advice is not to pay in pain -- pay a bike shop to have these mounted. It will be some of the best money you spend.Once mounted, it was very satisfying to inflate the tires. I used only a floor pump, weakly, as I was tired from the mounting effort, and they sealed with no reluctance. Even before any sealant was added, they held air really well.The tires are much stiffer and more substantial feeling than R4s, and after mounting them, I was left wondering how much advantage there is for tubeless road tires. Lower pressure? Fewer flats? I don't know. I love tubular tires, and now they don't seem like as big of a pain -- they seem in comparison like more of a measured, satisfying procedure. But maybe these tires will just keep me rolling and rolling, no trouble.Anyway, he way to love these tires is to have your shop put them on.
| Diameter | 700C |
| TPI | 170 TPI |
| Compound | 60a |
| Bead | Folding |
| Minimum pressure | 90 psi |
