Originally Posted by
Retro Grouch
"Off road capable" is another interesting concept.
I wonder how much the tread that you see on even mountain bike tires really matters. I know that it matters on big rocks and in the mud. On hard packed dirt or on a crushed limestone trail, I'd just as soon use a slick.
Trust me, tread matters.
A couple years ago, I ran Intense Micro Knobby 2.25's on my MTB; they were awesome on smooth surfaces, horrid under any other conditions. GRAVEL would defeat them. Last year and again this spring, I'm running Michelin Country Dry 2.15's. Not a real aggressive tread, but worlds better in varied conditions, and almost as good as the Micro's on pavement. Both roll best at about 60psi.
Hard-packed dirt is essentially the same as pavement, in my experience; hit some mud, though, even just
moist dirt, and the Micro will spin out in unpredictable ways. Grass, too. The Michelin will handle both.