Originally Posted by
masterchief819
I'm a fairly new cycle rider and was talking to a more experienced one the other day. He was saying that I had real road wheels/tires, I'd be able to ride much quicker. I understand there is less friction, but are the differences really that noticeable?
btw, I ride a GT ZuM 5.0. Don't know if theres a better size description for my tires but they say 26x1.5 on the side. Here's a pic if youve never heard of the bike
http://www.performancebike.com/produ...7-GRY-SIDE.jpg
If road wheels and tires really would make a difference, are there any recommendations for a poor college student? One of my buddies that I ride with just bought a $4k road bike so I'm gunna have to do as much as I can to keep up with him! Thanks
Tires can make a difference but I don't know how much narrower you can go on the wheels you have. Those are 26" wheels and the more common size wheel for narrow tires is 700c. Your bike may not take a wheel that size and if it did, you may need different brakes.
A tire with minimal or no tread is going to be better than a tire with knobbies so maybe you have some options there. You don't need tread for street riding.
Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it too much.