Originally Posted by
Retro Grouch
You're on the right track with the slick tires. Fatter tires at slightly lower air pressure will ride more smoothly. Smooth tread is good for almost everything but rocky trails. You'll give up a little speed but probably not as much as most people think. For commuter bikes think "puncture resistance".
Better wheel sets will ride more smoothly too, but you'll blow your $50.00 budget big time.
At $30 a pop for pro race 2's. I think it's worth the $10 overspend. They are ownage tires. The PR3's just recently came out, but they are more unfortunately $38.