A more Road-Friendly mountain bike
 

I'd like to buy a second wheelset and new tires for my hardtail to use for occassional around-town riding, meaning mostly roads and some packed paths. Since I'll be off-road a little bit, I'm not looking for a true slick tire. Just something with a bit of tread but low rolling resistance. I'd really appreciate tire suggestions, and perhaps you all could recommend a good-value wheelset for this purpose (doesn't need to be super-strong, lighter is better, but not too much $$$).

And while I'm at it, I'd like to get rid of the stock riser bar and go with a flat bar (most of my off-road riding is XC). Seems like everybody's selling risers, though. Any recommendations for a really good flat bar that's NOT CARBON (I'm willing to spend good money here).

Thanks

On the tyre side, look at the semislicks that most manufacturers do. Can't remember where,but I saw some 1.8's advertised recently, instead of the normal 1.95's.

On the wheel front, you will not need as strong a wheel as offroad,OR WILL YOU. The higher speed possible off road, and the few potholes about, still mean that a good wheel is required. Why not buy a good quality set for off road, and put the road tyres on the old wheels.

If you have disc brakes you might be able to get a set of 700c cyclocross wheels, built with MTB hubs, to work. With narrow 700c tires, I don't think clearance would be a problem.

http://www.ritcheylogic.com/bars.htm

Pro Flat Mountain Bar O/S is Oversize 31.8mm, the choice between that and WCS Flat Mountain Bar
is the centre bulge I think.