Originally Posted by
JanCC
I know treaded tires aren't needed for pavement but I will be riding on some paths that are not paved. As far as pedals I would like pedals that are comfortable for both commuting and for a longer ride if and when I am able to get out in the open roads. I don't want to change pedals for each different kind of ride (commute vs road ride).
Aggressive tread will slow you down less than you might think. Inflate to the maximum and you'll be just fine.
I was cycling with a couple of buddies from the summit of the Snowy Range pass near Centennial, WY a number of years ago. I was on a roadie with slicks, as was one of two other buddies. The last guy was on a Giant mtb with fairly aggressively treaded tires. Once we were all up to speed - wreck-and-you-die-speed - the mtb had no trouble coasting with us. His gearing kept him behind us on the flats, but after waiting for him on the descents he rolled right there beside us.
A strong mtb'er will have no trouble outpacing a weekend warrior on a roadie, on the pavement. There are some particularly strong mtb'ers who give me a good run on my way home when I take the hardpack mup.
If you are sold on the roadie option, there are modifications you could do to your mtb that will get you a close approximation to the road bike experience. You would then effectively have a monster cross bike.