reno327

I've got an old Trek 800 mountain bike, i want to switch out the nobies for easier rolling tires...which tires do you recommend? I've been thinking about the Serfas City Drifter, the Tioga City Slicker, or the Continental City Ride tires. These are all 26 inch tires. Keep in mind i'm an Uber Clyde, and I'm not sure that a totally slick tires is the best choice for me or a Semi Slick tire. Your input would be greatly appreciated.

txvintage

When I had my mtb and was doing the street thing, I ran the Conti's and was very pleased with them. Any number of tires will probably work and you might want to check out Kenda for a less expensive option.

I don't think that your weight is going to play a factor in getting slicks. Just get the widest tire your rim can handle.

jesspal

I bought cheap slicks at my LBS they were 13 bucks each, I started riding with them at 320#. 40 lbs later they are still running strong, I got one flat due to a large thorn penetrating the tire and tube.

Kedosto

Specialized Nimbus Armadillos (26x1.5). Roll fast, wear well, and great protection. There's cheaper tires, but I've been satisfied with 'em. I'm on my second set.

jcm

+1 on the Armadillos. I swear by them. I've used a couple different lighter brands. They performed well, but flatted very easily compared to the Army's. I think flats are largely a matter of chance for the most part, but the Army's really do tend to resist the usual stuff better. Plus, they are almost a "run-flat" tire because the sidewalls are so stiff.

Serfas and City Slicks are decent, lighter tires, but as an Uberclydesaur, you'll never pinch out an Army when pumped to 100PSI.

Slicks or no: Put it this way, many city type tires have inverted tread, like the City Slicks or Armadillo. Technically, this accomplishes nothing of any signifigance, if what I've read is true. You can run tires with no tread at all and not notice the difference. It's the knobbies you should avoid if you want to reduce rolling resistance and improve handling.

The issue of running along gravel shoulders and cutting through greenbelts comes up. I find that the Army's are fine with that. I've taken them on 40 miles rides up the Iron Horse Trail with no problems. If your commute has you on the side for alot of the time, just run them at 80% air.

jimblairo

Specialized Numbus 1.5. I'm 240lbs and I use them. They roll very quick and the ride is great. The Armadillo has a very stiff side wall and gives a much harsher ride.

jboyd

I have a set of Michelin Country Rock and I LOVE THEM! Check em out. They will take over 70# so you can really get your speed on the smooth.

https://www.mtbr.com/cat/tires-and-wh...24_151crx.aspx

https://www.rei.com/product/737934

Jay

Bill Kapaun

I've got the Serfas Drifters in 26x1.5" and have no problems with them.
That size seems to be a good compromise for my 250 LBs. and potholes.
I run them 5 PSI over max. with no problems during the warmer months. In cold weather, I back off a bit to give a less "jolting" ride for my cold, stiff back.

Mr. Beanz

I had a Trek 800. I slapped on some Specialized Numbus 1.50 tires and they were great! Very fast tires for a 26 incher and NEVER had a flat in the year I rode them, streets and trail!

bautieri

I had good luck using a set of Kenda Kross Plus 2 on my old mountain bike commuter. Only 1 flat in 1100 miles which was due to a nasty bit of wire. They rolled fast and had nice knobs on the shoulder. If you let 10psi out of them they would do alright in light trails so long as they were fairly dry. I bought them from my LBS at $14 a pop but have seen them on Nashbar for $7 a piece.

theone2496

+1 on the Numbus. Have them on my converted bike, and went from average speed of 10-11MPH to 13-14MPH on city trails with just the tire change. Few hundred miles on them and they hold air really well, seem to have fewer flats than I did with the nobbies, and overall much more enjoyable. Got them from the LBS, but have ordered directly from the specialized site for other stuff and been happy with the way that worked out.

wrk101

+1 I switch back and forth between Nashbar slicks (26 - 1.25, picked up on sale for $6 each) and Kenda Kross Plus II (26 - 1.95?). I use the Kendas for trails and paths. The slicks are great on road. The Kendas are a lot heavier, so on good pavement, I would go with the slicks.

sstorkel

When I did this, I just grabbed a cheap set of Forte Metro-K slicks from my local Performance Bike. They worked well, but wore a little faster than I liked; given the dirt-cheap sale price, it's hard to complain too much, though. Next time around, I'll probably try the Ritchey Tom Slick or Forte Slick City.

For mixed pavement/path/gravel riding I've been using the WTB All Terrainasaurus which seems to work very well.

bdinger

I threw some Nimbus Armadillos on my Hardrock this summer, and I love them. They roll fast, spin up easily/quickly, and have great pavement traction. I'd highly recommend them, the bike is night and day different when I swapped those on instead of the knobbies.

However, now with the snow and junk, the knobbies are back. Oh Summer, where art thou?

Feldman

I'll add another vote for Armadillos; really heavy riders should have tires with heavier, stiffer sidewalls--none stouter than those on Armadillos. Don't worry about lack of tread; it matters almost not at all on a road bike.

bdinger

+1 on no tread. I was nervous as all get out about my Trek 7.3 FX's slicks when I got it, but over a year I grew to love 'em. They held onto the road like they were glued on, and handled rain just fine too. I liked those particular Bontragers so much that I'm thinking of getting a set of 'em for the Long Haul Trucker when spring finally gets here. I miss the long PAVED NON-SNOW rides!

seenoweevil

+1 on the Country Rocks! I've been using them on my commuter since I got it in June, and I've had NO problems with them. No flats, no pinch outs hopping the occasional curb, just smooth rolling! They also seem to be wearing very well so far.

nccyclust

I've had 2 sets of Performance's brand of tires, and for the money, they can't be beat. They offer them with a Kevlar belt [get the kevlar] and when on sale they are around $15.