Originally Posted by capsicum
knobs only work on dirt as they are intended to bite in. Knobs actually reduce traction on pavment do to reduced contact area this is why race cars, and motorcycles have slicks. see this for more detail on bicycle traction
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#traction
-He may not always ride road or have wheels for switchouts. the Kenda Kross you posted is the tread type I was promoting. -Referred to me @ LBS as semi-slicks?
-IMO the tread edge is preferred and a life saver when you hit loose dirt, gravel on the roadside or do a little trail.
Yes the road contact info is all accurate- I feel IMO that its o.k to run X\XC type knobbed tires on road. O.K for road, not great.
Slicks offroad, loose gravel, wet leaves and you are cornering - you can wreck.-no-way except the Maxxis hook or rings. I'm adding these notes- So as the below post notes, these are frame specific type tires, trick urban, DJ etc.(Note the type frame they are on)
( I'm 38 and want to by my kid a Toy4, put the Maxxis on it, and if she lets me, take it to the local skatepark. I gotta grow-up, ride roadbikes.
)
Knobbed offroad XC tires on the road, Safe to a certain degree, slow, but to the store,school or paved rds to the offroad area. Fine.
IMO, and I'm taking this offtopic a bit.
If you disagree, perhaps post a new thread so we don't mess the info line for these folks.
Peace.jef