Old 07-18-22, 04:03 AM
  #18  
alexk_il
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Originally Posted by Hamzee
I have a Cannondale F2 MTB from 2020. I had ridden it for two years, mainly on paved trails. Got off the bike with (kids, wife, life). Now getting back into riding. I shoot for 80-100 miles a week. I can Avg about 14MPH, but it takes a lot of effort (more than I remember). Before, I would meander off the paved trail and onto more rugged terrain. Now, I rarely (if ever) leave the pavement.


Is there any advantage in switching to slick tires, or at least thinner hybrid tires? Should I look into a new bike? it is my main form of exercise as I can't run without getting excruciating back and hip pain.
Hope it's not too late.

In general slicker tires mean better rolling resistance, but only if you get certain models. I recently had a chance to compare my friend's custom built Cannondale mountain bike with 26x2.2 tires and a Specialized Sirrus hybrid with 700x28 tires. The Cannondale was running pretty fast tubeless fat tires and it was a wow experience for me. With my bellow the average level of fitness the Cannondale was super easy to roll, it was significantly faster on the tarmac, on sand, on climbs, pretty much everywhere.

My advise, if your bike takes 26x2.2 tires try Continental Speed King II Race Sport, they have significantly better rolling resistance than most of gravel/CX/Touring tires. They are not the best tires for challenging mountain terrains, but should put a smile on your face on the tarmac. Anyway, do check this site before you buy your tire.

https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/mtb-reviews
https://www.bicyclerollingresistance...gravel-reviews
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