Commuting - Slick Tires on a MTN bike

After deciding to get a Specialized Rockhopper mtn. bike for my commute to work, I do feel that my speed is a bit lacking. In retrospect, I probably should have gotten a road bike, but didn't cause of budgetary constraints and knowledge of biking in general.

Moving on, I put those cheap Kenda Kwest Slicks with really low PSI rating (45-65) on my bike and I was wondering if it be a good idea to repalce them with those Continental Grand Prix 26x1

After deciding to get a Specialized Rockhopper mtn. bike for my commute to work, I do feel that my speed is a bit lacking. In retrospect, I probably should have gotten a road bike, but didn't cause of budgetary constraints and knowledge of biking in general.

Moving on, I put those cheap Kenda Kwest Slicks with really low PSI rating (45-65) 26x1.5 on my bike and I was wondering if it be a good idea to repalce them with those Continental Grand Prix 26x1 (with 100 psi rating I believe). I would obviously like to go noticeably faster, but also want to know if I am making my ride more dangerous/tricky because of the much thinner tire.

Your thoughts appreciated.

After deciding to get a Specialized Rockhopper mtn. bike for my commute to work, I do feel that my speed is a bit lacking. In retrospect, I probably should have gotten a road bike, but didn't cause of budgetary constraints and knowledge of biking in general.

Moving on, I put those cheap Kenda Kwest Slicks with really low PSI rating (45-65) 26x1.5 on my bike and I was wondering if it be a good idea to repalce them with those Continental Grand Prix 26x1 (with 100 psi rating I believe). I would obviously like to go noticeably faster, but also want to know if I am making my ride more dangerous/tricky because of the much thinner tire.

Your thoughts appreciated.

As long as your rims can take it, I'd go with the thinner tire. At first, it will seem a little wobbly, but you'll get used to it. Just know that you won't be able to take potholes and curbs like you used to. I'd recommend getting a puncture-resistant tire like Gatorskins or Armadillos. At least get a kevlar lining. In the summer, I use 700x28 Gatorskins on a cyclo-cross bike. I keep them between 95 and 110 psi. They work just fine.

P.S. Start putting away money for the road bike you really want.

One of my bikes that I use for commuting is a rigid MTB. I swapped the stock knobbies for some 1.75 Michelin WildGrippers. They run about 85 psi.

The next set will probably be something like this

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47513727&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1&vcat=REI_SSHP_CYCLING_TOC

I don't like true slicks as I feel the potential for flatting is greatly increased. At least with a tread I've got a better chance of rolling over it.

I find the delta between road and MTB to be about 3-4 mph. The advantage of the MTB to me is that its more of a tank when it comes to rough roads and crappy weather.

Just my two cents.

I prefer my MTB juat because i'm a heavier rider, and i can't help but feel like the road frames won't take me very well.

As far as slicks...Serfas Drifter. They are a hard tread, but have good grip, a kevlar liner, and handle upto 85psi inflation pressure.

Add in a plastic tire liner, and that tire is practically bulletproof.

Now...recently I did hear something very bad about these tires...but it might jsut be a freak defective tire...but some guy had the rubber come apart at a seam. Since it was a seam, and my tires which are about as old (and same batch...I bought mine at the same shop same week as he did) havent...I'm thinking it's more of a one time defect.

I've no experience with the Continental tyres myself, but from what others on this site have said, I would guess that they'll provide you with the speed you're after.

"As long as your rims can take it, I'd go with the thinner tire. At first, it will seem a little wobbly, but you'll get used to it. Just know that you won't be able to take potholes and curbs like you used to. "

I would just like to quantify this statement, would it significantly wobblier and less durable VS Knobby tires or vs. the Kenda Kwest Slicks (26x1.5) I currently use?


"I'd recommend getting a puncture-resistant tire like Gatorskins or Armadillos. At least get a kevlar lining. In the summer, I use 700x28 Gatorskins on a cyclo-cross bike. I keep them between 95 and 110 psi. They work just fine."

The Conti GPs come in Kevlar, and have a 120 PSI rating? Would that be just as good?

"P.S. Start putting away money for the road bike you really want."

I expected this response, and yes I'm kicking myself for not getting that in the first place but the point was to save money by riding a bike and so I'll prbably be on this MTN bike for a while.

One more thing I'd like to clarify about these 26x1 Conti tires is that, while they are obviously less rugged that mtn bike tires am I doing something potentially stupid by using them? I just want to know if durability, comfort and puncture wise, am I pretty much in the same league as getting a 26x1.25 or 1.5 kevlar slick?

I guess the only way to find out is try it out but if this info is already glaringly obvious to some of you, kindly enlighten me :)

Tyre efficiency comes from the pressure, not the width, so a 90psi 1.5 will be as good as a 90psi 1".
Thinner tyres will be more aerodynnamic, but this is only important at very high racing speeds.
Most experienced commuters and couriers go for a 1.25 to 1.5" slick which gives a good mix of speed andd pot-hole absorption.

So many fancy tires, so little money and time to test them all out :(

So many fancy tires, so little money and time to test them all out :(

So true... wen to my LBS just now and these tires are 45 buck a pop. Plus I think I'd need to get new tubes.

Oh well I'll sleep on it for a while.

Was shown the geax street runner (26x1.25, 100 psi) those were for $20. Seems like the sensible choice, but since when are we ever sensible with our toys?

So the next logical question is, would one see a vast difference between a 26x1 120 psi and a 26x1.25 100 psi tire?

Discuss amongst yourselves :)

Here's another option 2004 Specialized All Condition Pro ATB Tire $30 (http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=5606&JServSessionIdroot=dmliefs79a.j27005) It's as good if not better than the Continentals and the flat protection is second to none. I'm considering getting a set of these once my set of Specialized Nimbus EX's $20 (http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=5545) finally wear out. I've ridden the Contis on a customers bike and I wasn't all that impressed. They look cool but that's about it.

BTW the Nimbus also comes in an Armadillo Version $30 (http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?minisite=10080&spid=7040&=) for even more flat protection (not like you'll need it but it's nice to have)

These Secialized Specialized All Condition Pro ATB Tire seem to have just about the same specs (26x1 120-5 psi, kevlar lined) BUT the specialized are 15 bucks cheaper!!!!

So is it safe to assume that since these two brands are of very similar specs that they will perform just about if not exactly the same?

Also I'm wondering if my local LBS (Helen's or Supergo) can order them.



Here's another option 2004 Specialized All Condition Pro ATB Tire $30 (http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=5606&JServSessionIdroot=dmliefs79a.j27005) It's as good if not better than the Continentals and the flat protection is second to none. I'm considering getting a set of these once my set of Specialized Nimbus EX's $20 (http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=5545) finally wear out. I've ridden the Contis on a customers bike and I wasn't all that impressed. They look cool but that's about it.

BTW the Nimbus also comes in an Armadillo Version $30 (http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?minisite=10080&spid=7040&=) for even more flat protection (not like you'll need it but it's nice to have)

I run the Kenda Kwest 1.5" slick on my mountain bike when I use it on the street. Mine are rated at 100psi Max pressure on the side wall and that's what I run them at. I am very happy with their performance. I also run the Serfas Drifters mentioned above. I use them on our tandem. They are also a 26 x 1.5" tire, however, they are much bigger than the Kendas. Overall both tires have been excellent and the Kenda's make my hardtail into a very nimble city bike.

By the way, I put the 1.5" tires on the factory wheels and bought a second set of wheels for my knobbies--makes it easy to swap when I want to go out on the trail.

These Secialized Specialized All Condition Pro ATB Tire seem to have just about the same specs (26x1 120-5 psi, kevlar lined) BUT the specialized are 15 bucks cheaper!!!!

So is it safe to assume that since these two brands are of very similar specs that they will perform just about if not exactly the same?

Also I'm wondering if my local LBS (Helen's or Supergo) can order them.Specialized makes a fine tire in my opinion.
Of course you realize that you CAN just order them from specialized.com.

True, but I do like to support the local LBS when I can.



Specialized makes a fine tire in my opinion.
Of course you realize that you CAN just order them from specialized.com.

"As long as your rims can take it, I'd go with the thinner tire. At first, it will seem a little wobbly, but you'll get used to it. Just know that you won't be able to take potholes and curbs like you used to. "

I would just like to quantify this statement, would it significantly wobblier and less durable VS Knobby tires or vs. the Kenda Kwest Slicks (26x1.5) I currently use?

"I'd recommend getting a puncture-resistant tire like Gatorskins or Armadillos. At least get a kevlar lining. In the summer, I use 700x28 Gatorskins on a cyclo-cross bike. I keep them between 95 and 110 psi. They work just fine."

The Conti GPs come in Kevlar, and have a 120 PSI rating? Would that be just as good?


"P.S. Start putting away money for the road bike you really want."

I expected this response, and yes I'm kicking myself for not getting that in the first place but the point was to save money by riding a bike and so I'll prbably be on this MTN bike for a while.

One more thing I'd like to clarify about these 26x1 Conti tires is that, while they are obviously less rugged that mtn bike tires am I doing something potentially stupid by using them? I just want to know if durability, comfort and puncture wise, am I pretty much in the same league as getting a 26x1.25 or 1.5 kevlar slick?

I guess the only way to find out is try it out but if this info is already glaringly obvious to some of you, kindly enlighten me :)

When I switched from 700x35 Nokian studded tires to 700-28 Gatorskins, it felt wobbly for a little bit. Now I'm used to it. When I switched from knobbies to street tires on my mountain bike, I had a similar experience. I can't answer any other questions.

Was shown the geax street runner (26x1.25, 100 psi) those were for $20. Seems like the sensible choice, but since when are we ever sensible with our toys?

So the next logical question is, would one see a vast difference between a 26x1 120 psi and a 26x1.25 100 psi tire?

Discuss amongst yourselves :)

I am running these exact tires on my Giant Boulder. Have had them for a year, no flats yet and they are just starting to show some wear on the back tire. I run them any where from about 95 to 105 lbs. I use the lower pressure when the streets are wet and the higher when dry streets are cool. Usually use 100 lbs most of the time.

I've been using the Continental Grand Prix 26"x1" tires for the last 6 weeks (~1200 km) on my new road bike (light touring/randonneuring). They are on Sun CR18 rims. I've had one flat, but it was a pinch flat and I knew I'd likely flat as soon as I saw that I couldn't avoid this patch of gravel/rocks in the road shoulder. While they are rated to 120psi, I run them closer to 100psi for comfort on the bumpy bike paths. I ride about the same speed on this bike with these wheels as on my other bike with 700x28mm tires.

I don't know whether they would be appropriate for you or not, but I've been very happy with them. I also like the Panaracer Paselas 26"x1.25".

I expected a larger speed increase than I got when I switched to road treaded tires. The ride was much less "buzzy" and very comfortable. Just out of curiosity I weighed my bike with all the accessories and discovered why I still feel sluggish on the Mtn bike.

37 lbs! That's 8 lbs heavier than my Chicago Schwinn with steel rims! I think I'll keep the fat tires and jump on a road bike when I have the need for speed.

Heh,

Well today my love for the serfas tires + extra liner has gotten stronger

I inspected my tired for the first time in months, I found in the front tire alone:

5 thorns, all of them never got past the kevlar layer in the tire itsefl

6 glass chunks

and a metal sliver

none of them got through...given i doubt this tire will last too much longer...I didn't believe it for a while, even though I saw all of it right in front of me. that combo is tank-like for anyone who roads their MTB.

Here's another option 2004 Specialized All Condition Pro ATB Tire $30 (http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=5606&JServSessionIdroot=dmliefs79a.j27005) It's as good if not better than the Continentals and the flat protection is second to none. I'm considering getting a set of these once my set of Specialized Nimbus EX's $20 (http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=5545) finally wear out. I've ridden the Contis on a customers bike and I wasn't all that impressed. They look cool but that's about it.

BTW the Nimbus also comes in an Armadillo Version $30 (http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?minisite=10080&spid=7040&=) for even more flat protection (not like you'll need it but it's nice to have)

I've been eyeing the Specialized All Condition Pro ATB for my solid frame Mtb. Right now I have Specialized Crossroads EX, (26"x1.95") I keep them at 70psi, I probably should go to their max of 80psi. These are the ones with the flat center. I have 800mi on them

But I don't know how much better the performance of the Specialized All Cond. pro atb woudl be in comparision. Anyone have any experience?

The other thought is that even if they are a bit faster, it only means that I get less of a workout on my 8.6mi (one way) commute. Its not like I am racing, but I do race myself and go for best times.

Al

I've been eyeing the Specialized All Condition Pro ATB for my solid frame Mtb. Right now I have Specialized Crossroads EX, (26"x1.95") I keep them at 70psi, I probably should go to their max of 80psi. These are the ones with the flat center. I have 800mi on them

But I don't know how much better the performance of the Specialized All Cond. pro atb woudl be in comparision. Anyone have any experience?

The other thought is that even if they are a bit faster, it only means that I get less of a workout on my 8.6mi (one way) commute. Its not like I am racing, but I do race myself and go for best times.

AlActually now that you mention it.... I don't have the direct experience with the All Conditions but I can tell you that when I went from my set of Crossroads to my Nimbus EX's it was a night and day difference. My average speed went up a few MPH's, I was able to go longer distances on pavement and my wet weather traction improved remarkably. That center section on the Crossroads SUCKS if you hit a painted road line in the rain.

soma has panaracer make some nice tires. they are flat resistant. just slap in some more resistance with a mr tuffy liner and all is good. the 26x1.25 holds 95 psi.

http://somafab.com/tires.html

Actually now that you mention it.... I don't have the direct experience with the All Conditions but I can tell you that when I went from my set of Crossroads to my Nimbus EX's it was a night and day difference. My average speed went up a few MPH's, I was able to go longer distances on pavement and my wet weather traction improved remarkably. That center section on the Crossroads SUCKS if you hit a painted road line in the rain.

Thank you for the real life experience. The only question that remains is the puncture resistance of each. I get the sense I will never have a flat with the Crossroads. Of course that is a bit optimistic.
I also like being able to ride around, or cross, the grassy parks in my neighborhood.

I have yet to ride in wet conditions. I can't wait till there is some rain here (proably by August) so I can tool around my neighboorhood and learn what wet roads are like. Average rainfall here is about 7" with most of it in fall and early spring, record time between measurable rain is over 100days in 1996. it certainly feels like that now.

Al

I used Conti's Town and country tires for 3 years of commuting everyday with no problems.

Thank you for the real life experience. The only question that remains is the puncture resistance of each. I get the sense I will never have a flat with the Crossroads. Of course that is a bit optimistic.
I also like being able to ride around, or cross, the grassy parks in my neighborhood.

I have yet to ride in wet conditions. I can't wait till there is some rain here (proably by August) so I can tool around my neighboorhood and learn what wet roads are like. Average rainfall here is about 7" with most of it in fall and early spring, record time between measurable rain is over 100days in 1996. it certainly feels like that now.

AlI've owned my Nimbus EX's for about 3 years or so with their original unrepaired tubes. ( I won't use the "F" word call it superstition) So that's a non issue for me. In fact the Nimbus EX has the same level and kind of protection as the Crossroads. Here's a link to a review site that should give you more perspective on the Nimbus tireshttp://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Tire/product_23329.shtml

jslopez, thanks for starting this thread--my new folding hybrid is going to come with 65# Kenda Kwests on it and I had exactly the same questions.

Re. affording a road bike: consider a used one from the Bike Boom era--there are some good bikes out there cheap.

I'm late on this one...i put a pair of Hutchinson ATB Comp slicks on my mountain bike..they're rolling on some Velocity Deep V rims...i've gained quite a bit of speed.
i weigh 265 pounds...so far, both have been able to handle my weight and the bumps and cracks along the bike path.

Thanks to everyone that's responded.

Considering everyone's varied answers, I'm concluding that my Kenda (65 psi) are pretty much mediocre and once you go up to the 90+ psi range it's really a preference for certain qualities (kevlar, weight, etc). So far no one has really said Brand X is a real bad tire which is a comforting thing to know as a noobie.

I'm leaning towards teh Conti Grand Prix or the Specialized All condition pro, all dependent on which LBS can get them on my bike the fastest. :)


jslopez, thanks for starting this thread--my new folding hybrid is going to come with 65# Kenda Kwests on it and I had exactly the same questions.

Re. affording a road bike: consider a used one from the Bike Boom era--there are some good bikes out there cheap.

And ofcourse I end up getting something completely different...

I went with the GEAx street runner 26 x 1.25, 100 psi. It was for $20 each, the LBS said that anything slimmer probably wouldn't fit my rims and more importantly the people servicing the store were nice (always believed in rewarding good service). Despite being busy with the 4th of July sale, everyone I spoke to at Helen's Santa Monica were very helpful and geniunely friendly.

Will right more on the ride in the weeks to come.

Geax which is the "mountain" dept of Vittoria makes a damn fine tire indeed. Let us know how you like them.

I had 26x1.5 Nimbus slicks on my Stumpjumper. Actually did 700 Miles of tour and A LOT of communting last summer. Then it was stolen, so I was forced to buy a Trek 520. The Nimbus tires ROCK, btw. I had about 1000 miles on them and no flats.

I recently changed from knobby 26x2.2 tires on my old Trek 7000 to Schwalbe 26x1.5 Marathon semi-slicks. Avg speed's increased about 2 mph and they ride very smooth. up to 100 psi. A bit costly at about $30 each but highly recommended.

more info:

http://www.schwalbetires.com/on_tour.php?Nickname=MARATHON&Image=TireImages/marathon.jpg

The ride with my new Geax Streetrunner was noticeably bumpier (nothing too terrible though) and there was a speed increase but ultimately it's still mostly based on the human powering the machine. Some Oury grips help a ton with the increasyed harshness though.

One question on those using the 26 x1 Conti GPs or Specialized All Condition Pros, two of my LBS took one look at my rims (standard rims on an 04 Rockhopper Alex DM-20, 26", machined sidewalls, black) and said not to even try to order the above mentioned tires. Are the rims really too big or is it mostly lack of experience on putting a 26 x 1. The people at the LBS, who obviously are well experienced, looked at me strangely when I requested these tires, so I'm guessing they don't get many orders for them.

Well how big are you again? That might have had something to do with it. I could see them having an issue with a Sun Double wide rim but not the Alex's. Granted The tire wouldn't have the traditional round out bulge like say a 1.5" but it would fit on the rim.
Side question: Did they replace the rubber rim strips with a cloth one? You'll want the cloth due to the increased pressure you're running now as the cloth gives better protection from the inner rim surface / spoke heads

. . .
Side question: Did they replace the rubber rim strips with a cloth one? You'll want the cloth due to the increased pressure you're running now as the cloth gives better protection from the inner rim surface / spoke heads

That's interesting. I've been running the Geax (street runners?) for a year now, and I don't know if the rim strip is rubber or fabric. Haven't had any flats yet--knock on wood!

That's interesting. I've been running the Geax (street runners?) for a year now, and I don't know if the rim strip is rubber or fabric. Haven't had any flats yet--knock on wood!
I ran a rubber strip in the rear for a number of years simply because I didn't want to pry the Nimbus tires off the bike, but the other day I broke a spoke so I just took that opportunity to change out the strip for a Velox strip I had laying around in my parts area. I'm GLAD I changed the strip as that sucker looked like it wouldn't go much further.

By the way, after working in a shop for a while those Nimbus tires go on without tools for me.

I now have the urge to take out those knobbies for slicks :)
But I'm stuck at 1.5" vs 1.25"

My city have plenty of potholes, I plan to ride under the rain and have "front suspensions"
Should I mix & match? 1.25 in the front and 1.5 at the back
I have 25mm (inner) rims with 26x1.95" tires atm

Edit: woah, didn't notice this thread was so old...lets hope it's ok ;)

Edit: woah, didn't notice this thread was so old...lets hope it's ok ;)
Go 1.5 so you can swap the front to the rear when you wear the rear out. (NEVER DO THIS THE OTHER WAY) Also check the dates BEFORE you post

I went out and got a good deal on a second wheelset and installed Michelin TransWorld 1.5" road tires for MTB. The speed difference is quite noticeable on my Giant Rainier - still a really tough tire, but I do prefer the wider, heavier tire (Performance VersaTrac) for security. They have a nice solid center bead which doesn't interfere with road riding.

.
I so love people WHO READ ALL THE POSTS. This thing was long dead and even the newb who responded to it later realized his error. Please reserve comments to the much newer threads that will inevitably pop up

No, don't do it! I tried that very same thing. Had many, many pinch flats. Original MTB rims too wide for a 1" tire. Stick with 26 x 1.5 tires. I used the Specialized Nimbus Armadillo tire to commute on. You can put up to 100 psi in them, but I run them at 80 psi.




After deciding to get a Specialized Rockhopper mtn. bike for my commute to work, I do feel that my speed is a bit lacking. In retrospect, I probably should have gotten a road bike, but didn't cause of budgetary constraints and knowledge of biking in general.

Moving on, I put those cheap Kenda Kwest Slicks with really low PSI rating (45-65) on my bike and I was wondering if it be a good idea to repalce them with those Continental Grand Prix 26x1

Another good slick is the Panaracer Pasela, which comes in both normal and puncture-resistant (Kevlar belt, called "Tourguard") models. They go from wide down to pretty narrow. I happen to like them because they have a nice and sticky rubber compound which seems to give better traction than, say, the Specialized Nimbus. Which, don't get me wrong, is still a fine tire. I may be biased; the set that I used was fairly old (riding my roomie's hybrid around). At about 20 bucks for the normal version and 25 for the Tourguard version, the Panacracer Pasela is a solid tire for a reasonable price.

hmm my cheapo 1.5" slicks have a maximum pressure rating of 65 PSI, would it be worth the money to go for some higher end 1.5"s? my 1.95" knobbies are rated at 85 max...

Hi there,

I also ride an older Rock Hopper as my commuter. I rode Continental Town and Country 26 x 2.125 for a couple of years. I ran about 50 PSI. They are very good tires for the rainy winter weather. They are not the greatest for off road use.
This year I am running Ritchy 26 x 1.4 semi slicks. They are rated at 85 PSI. By running at the max PSI, I was able to add about 1.5 MPH to my average speed. I like the tires but they get a bit twitchy when pushing them in a corner when it is wet out. I think I will stick with these smaller tires (1.4's) that I offer less rolling resistance in the future.

Take care,

Chris

Wow if you folks would actually LOOK AT THE ************ DATES! You would see that all the decisions were made LAST YEAR!
I'll say it again READ ALL THE POSTS and CHECK THE DATES
If it's an old post chances are REALLY good the issue was resolved
http://img268.echo.cx/img268/5517/reagandoh0dh.gif

Why worry about the dates?????????????

Maybe people did a search and found what they needed and damn... they asked a QUestion... isn't this a frickin FORUM ?

Take a chill pill


PS..
I be using the Conti Town Country myself... then taking 20-30 min to swap out tires for trail riding every other week... (we don't need no stinkin' dates!)

I use two differnt sets on my mountain bikes the first link is for the slicks they are smooth in the center and have small knobby's on the out side which is great for carving corners downtown and they are very fast http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/bicycle/themes/tires/city/travelcontact/travelcontact_en.html the second is Continental Town and Country tires I have on my cargo bike which are ok in mild snow too ,they are both great tires but I take it easy with the travel contacts on wet street car tracks.

Wow if you folks would actually LOOK AT THE ************ DATES! You would see that all the decisions were made LAST YEAR!
I'll say it again READ ALL THE POSTS and CHECK THE DATES
If it's an old post chances are REALLY good the issue was resolved
http://img268.echo.cx/img268/5517/reagandoh0dh.gif

Hey Raiyn,
What is the big deal with dragging up an old thread. If it is truly of no value to the community, no-one will respond and it will die in no time. If people respond and it initiates discussion, then it was clearly of interest to at least some of us. If you are not interested, simply ignore the thread. You aren't the only one here.