Bicycle Mechanics - Noob question about slicks on a mtb

I have a Trek MtB, 26x1.95. I would like to try slicks on it (I mostly use it for commuting) but I don't want to spend a lot of money right now, in case it turns out to be a bad idea :). I was told by my LBS that I could use 1.25's, and I found these on Performance: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=15304

Would these be halfway decent, or are they too cheap? My other big concern is that I am a pretty heavy rider, are these kind of tires maybe not sturdy enough?

Thanks!

People like them (I don't :rolleyes: ) They require more air if you are a bit heavier (not a smoother ride) but this avoids pinch flats (curb pinching tube to rim) and the higher psi\smaller contact patch will help you roll along faster.
When I clicked the link, Tom Ritchey City slicks poped up to the left of your selection.
I personally would buy his design and I like the edge tread\vs total slick.
I would not choose store brand retail, usually molds that have passed from new Japan tire manufacturers because discontinued or disliked by top brands and pressed back into service in Korea (lower rubber quality) under any number of names.

Michelin,Hutchenson,Ritchey-Solid names in bike tires.
we've got a thread on touring about slicks I'll find the link-
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=52698

Jef.

Tread on the road is there for decoration only. The contact patch and the rough surface of the asphalt give you all the traction you could ever want.

I would not choose store brand retail, usually molds that have passed from new Japan tire manufacturers because discontinued or disliked by top brands and pressed back into service in Korea (lower rubber quality) under any number of names.




Horse hockey !!

To the OP, at the price quoted I think it is worth the expenditure to determine fit / function. If you don't like em, or you decide to upscale later on, they can become backup tires.

Double check your tubing size, I had to scramble to find some when I went to a thinner slick on my MTB.

Originally Posted by jeff williams
I would not choose store brand retail, usually molds that have passed from new Japan tire manufacturers because discontinued or disliked by top brands and pressed back into service in Korea (lower rubber quality) under any number of names.

Horse hockey !!

>Edit: O.K. thats overstated. But..

Perhaps not constant practice. From information I come across, possibly yes.
Mtb tires cosidered poor\unsafe tread designs by advanced riders,
marketed by competent bike names then discontinued (none MAKE tires)-have
popped up in generic wholesaler stock.
In the case of IRC, a company I like- The road tires that are salmon wall are from Japan and have more of a rubbery feeling (feature advance wall-Kevlar etc) the Korea are slate wall and if anything like the mtb a more plastic feeling rubber.
Molds I believe are steel, very expensive and are resold\re-machined\used.
I feel there are differences in rubber quality, higher soft rubber content compounds grip better\wear faster and are bit more expensive.
And cheaper is not always better, a tire is a major ride and steering factor.
All a bit useless to the original question. Sorry.
Jef.

Go for it! No question. Riding mtn tires on the road is really slow, it'll drive you nuts. 1.25" works fine, just get a reasonably good tire.

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2004/equip/04TireAllConditionProATB_d.jpg I'd recommend these (http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=5606&JServSessionIdroot=t18legi08e.j27008)

Specialized Nimbus Armadillo

They work great. I ride them on tours on my old Giant Iguanna.

I sure appreciate all the input! I think I will stop in my LBS and see what they have. I only average around 12mph now, and considering the shape I'm in and the fact that I usually carry a handlebar bag and a back rack with a backpack strapped to it I don't think that's too bad (the bike weighs a ton just by itself, too). I have been eager to try the slicks and hopefully get my speed up a little.

You should do quite well. 12MPH isn't bad on a mtn bike. I get about 12-14mph on semi-slicks. I'm too lazy to change my tires when I want to do a light trail ride, so I went for the middle of the path.