I just bought a Surly Cross check and I am really enjoying the bike. My one complaint is that the tires are a bit knobby for what I need and are only adding rolling resistance. I have Alex, #AL-DA16. 32 hole x 700c rims but I'm still confused on tire sizing (the sheldon brown page makes my eyes cross).

What is the slimmest tire I can use on this rim? Would going with a slicker, touring tire of the same width, like the Freedom Ryder tire, accomplish the same thing? The touring tire can be pumped to 85psi, so low rolling resistance, but (I think) is much heavier than a slimmer tire. Any suggestions?

Thanks, I'm still a newbie at this.