Originally Posted by
chaadster
So yes, go narrower, higher pressure for the race:
Agreed.
I have a bike with 42's and one with 32's and two with 25's and there is a definitely a speed difference between them. Not as much between the 42 and 32, but definitely a big difference between the 42/32 and the 25's.
I'd say go to a 25mm tire. It will be faster than a 35mm CX tire at the same output. The Continental GP 4000's are a great, smooth, fast 25mm tire. Definitely yank off anything that is slowing you down if you want to go faster, like the fenders and racks.
Ultimately, if you want to be faster, a good road bike is the way to go.
I personally run the 25mm Gator Hardshells just because I ride on terrible roads and want the tougher tire.