the stock OEM MTB wheels (rims) should work well
I've used smooth 1.0 to 2.15 size tires on the same OEM wheels (rims)
top pic - 26 x 1.4 tires are installed
middle pic - 26 x 1.5 tires are installed on the bike in front ; 26 x 2.15 tires are installed on the bike sitting directly behind it
bottom pic - gotta squint a bit - but to the left of the small tractor is a bike with 26 x 1.0 tires installed
I would not recommend the 1.0 size - tad too narrow ... (at the time seemed like a good idea lol)
thanks. normally i ride road bikes, but would like to use my mtb a bit more on the road without additional wheel expense. currently i ride a touring bike with wide tires and so much more comfortable over a narrow tire road bike.