Commuting - Switching to slick tires?

I've been commuting on a cheap Gary Fisher bike for about 3 years now and am ready to make some upgrades. Since I really only ride on the street or paths, I don't need the knobby tires that are still on this bike. After shopping around a bit online I've started to eye the Continental Sport Contact Tires (http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/bicycle/themes/tires/city/sportcontact/sportcontact_en.html). What's everyones experience using these or any tire with little to no tread? Hopefully a tire like this will help me get a little more out of my bike without getting a whole new frame to start from (ie. can't afford it!).

Not to mention the handling and traction on pavement will improve with smoother tires since more rubber actually makes contact with the road surface! It's a win-win situation for your commuting efforts.

I use Forte Slick City (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=15304&subcategory_ID=5425) tires on my rigid frame MTB. They're cheap, fast, and smooth. They're also a hair narrower than the Conti's. The only two flats I ever got were from a heavy duty lumber staple (tack) and a Locust thorn (http://www.flickr.com/photos/looknfeel/1976519852/). Inflate to 85 PSI, and it's like riding on 32mm touring slicks. Highly recommended.

I like the price of those Forte Slicks! One of the big reasons I was eying the Conti's though was the small groove wrapped around it. It seems it would be easier to keep track of wear on the tire.

Honestly, little freak gashes in the tire will accumulate, and if it doesn't get too torn up before the actual rubber wears thin, then you'll either start to get flats very often, or you'll see cording. Both of those will be signs that it's high time for a tire swap. These are REALLY thick in the center. It's ridiculous how beefy they are. They came used (and well used, I might add) on the Sorrento I bought. They have numerous gashes on the rubber, but keep on trucking. I've got probably close to 1,000 of my own miles on them and when they go, you'd better believe I'll buy the same thing all over again. Check out the City tires at Performance. There are a few other semi-slick tires on the cheap by Forte and Ritchey.

Thanks for the tip on that one, the price on Forte tires was much better then the Conti's. I ended up getting the Forte City ST MTB tires (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=2311&subcategory_ID=5425). I was originally gonna wait a bit to get these, but the sale was ending today. Glad I asked! Thanks again.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=365473

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=365473

Deja vu...

i use the fortes' are well...they improved my ride and commute time pretty dramatically

I run the specialized Fatboy's on the rig I ahve now, no complaints here.

vaga, I got the same tires you just ordered. I have about 1000 miles on them and I like them alot. But I wish I would of went with the 1.25" tires axon has. I will end up ordering them soon if he doesnt quit posting that link! :) I am trying to hold out on them though untilthe other ones to die then I will get the 1.25s.

So, I just got the new tires in the mail and I love em. Rode to work today to break them in a bit and I think I'll really enjoy them. They definitely handle differently on corners. Only thing is the tubes I had on my old tires, which I just used for the 1.5 Fortes, are meant for 1.75-2.00 tires. Is that going to be an issue or should I not worry that much?

Don't worry, as long as you got them in without a pinch your fine.

Whoa!!

That's some damn good prices on those fortes!

I originally had the Sport Contact on my commuter and it was OK, but I like the Panaracer Pasela or Schwalbe Big Apple considerably more. And to tell the truth, I've taken all of them off road without any trouble, although naturally they won't match a good MTB tire.

I ride a Specialized Hard Rock with slicks. I can think of no downside. They are faster, smoother and even deal with ice and snow well.