Replaced MTB tires with road tires - I'm sold
12-17-13, 01:15 PM
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Replaced MTB tires with road tires - I'm sold
I'm a work-at-home non-commuter (ha!), but I try to ride as much as I can for errands and such. I recently had my LBS build me a mountain bike. I was really happy with the bike, and then after some reading it looked like people recommend road tires instead of knobby tires - because I'm not actually taking the goddamn thing into rough terrain.
And I'm sold! The ride is so much smoother!
Just wanted to share a bit of the happiness
And I'm sold! The ride is so much smoother!
Just wanted to share a bit of the happiness
12-17-13, 01:58 PM
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Welcome to the world of slicks! Smooth, isn't it?
Also, if the dirt does end up calling your name, don't be afraid to venture "off-road" with "road" tires. Some of my happiest rides have been exploring the trails with my road bike.
Also, if the dirt does end up calling your name, don't be afraid to venture "off-road" with "road" tires. Some of my happiest rides have been exploring the trails with my road bike.
12-17-13, 02:06 PM
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12-17-13, 04:09 PM
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Now that you mention it... my family and I were in Switzerland for a month when I was a teenager, and my bike there definitely had slick tires. My brother and I did a lot of riding through the paths in the woods, and off the paths too... I never complained about the lack of traction or anything. I don't know why I didn't think of this before!
12-17-13, 04:10 PM
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12-17-13, 07:44 PM
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Yes, bike paths are okay,But you know some things still need to be improved
Last edited by Rapidoyfurioso; 12-17-13 at 07:50 PM. Reason: Typo
12-17-13, 07:59 PM
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What kind of slicks do you have on your mtb? I have Specialized Fatboys (26x1.25 100 psi) on my hardtail.
12-18-13, 10:19 AM
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12-18-13, 11:26 AM
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I recently set up a set of 26" wheels with 55mm Schwalbe Big Apples (almost slicks) and in the small amount of time I've spent riding them, I'm loving the combination of fat and slick tires!! The 26" wheel bikes are new to me (bought them used) and they came with MTB knobbies and I'd rather walk than ride a bike any distance with those things on there. Good choice to switch over to road tires.
12-18-13, 12:05 PM
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I like 26" wheels for commuting and find 1.5" tires work best for me. RiBMo, T-Serve, or Marathon. Bigger widths are fun, but def heavier.
12-18-13, 05:29 PM
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Thanks for posting, Federico Mena. My wife had only a mountain bike, so I put slicks on it for her, years ago. I wasn't sure she would notice the difference, not being an experienced rider, but she said the difference was big and noticeable, after riding about 40 feet. She'll never go back to knobbies.
I ride slick tires in the mud, because I just don't like knobbies. It works if you're willing to slip around.
I ride slick tires in the mud, because I just don't like knobbies. It works if you're willing to slip around.
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12-19-13, 02:10 PM
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I guess it's a combination of all things. The lack of noise (which I had come to accept as a fact of life), the smoothness... it's like I'm on rails.
12-20-13, 12:40 PM
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I used Nashbar Streetwise 26x1.25" tires for about 3 years; had good luck with them as far as flats and overall handling.
Eventually I began riding with heavier loads and I sometimes didn't feel very stable. I once made a right turn into a parking lot and the front tire didn't catch the concrete ridge and I went down.
I just looked at the Nashbar site and the ones I've been using for the last 9 months don't seem to be there anymore. They are 26x1.5" with a slick center and some tread on the sides, 65psi. They roll just as well as the 90psi Streetwise tires I'd been using and feel more stable under load. Only 1 flat in 9 months, $10 each.
Eventually I began riding with heavier loads and I sometimes didn't feel very stable. I once made a right turn into a parking lot and the front tire didn't catch the concrete ridge and I went down.
I just looked at the Nashbar site and the ones I've been using for the last 9 months don't seem to be there anymore. They are 26x1.5" with a slick center and some tread on the sides, 65psi. They roll just as well as the 90psi Streetwise tires I'd been using and feel more stable under load. Only 1 flat in 9 months, $10 each.
