The Hard 9 is a 29er so can use road bike tyres, which if you are only on roads opens up the possibility of fitting something like the 40mm version of the Vittoria Voyager Hyper tyre. I've had them on my bike for 3,000 miles and they are quicker and more comfortable than the 25mm tyres I had on my roadie. Not that easy to get hold of, but occasionally Planet X has them for £15 or even £10 (RRP is £33 I believe).
Michael
Michael