what is a good road tire for a mountain bike?

Question

I need some slicks to ride to work. I usually use tioga city slickers because they are cheap fast and work on wet roads. does anyone know of a comparabel tire or maybe a better one. Also, is it better to use a separate wheelset for my slicks or just use the same a change out the tires?

I have an xt/mavic 717 disc wheelset with rotors sitting in my closet so I wont' have to purchase a new wheelset. I was just concerned about adjusting the derailer and calipers. I have to make some adjust ments when i put my new wheel set on but maybe that was becasue my derailer was bent. Ill have to try swapping again a see how smoothly it goes

Answer 1

Stick with the cheap tires; especially if you are just commuting and are not using them for performance. I personally use Forte City Slicks (26 X 1.5), which cost $8 each, and they work fine. The only problem is swapping the tires takes 1/2 hour per tire because of the tight fit.

If you continue to swap, you might consider a wider tire that doesn't stick to the rim. It might not roll as quickly, but it will save some time, and possibly wear & tear on your rim.

Ideally you would have a 2nd set of wheels because changing tires constantly wears out the tires & the rims. You'd be lucky to get off for less than $200 if you decide to go this route, more if you have disc brakes.

I personally would find a cheap used 2nd bike for commuting.

Answer 2

Tioga is good. I personally use Specialized Fatboys.

I have never changed wheelsets. Mostly, because I cannot afford it. I have friends that have done it because it is faster. But, in reality, it only takes a few minutes to switch from knobby tires to slicks once you have the hang of it.

Answer 3

i've got performed this a number of situations. you ought to purchase a slick 26x1.5 tire which will in good shape your mountain bike rims. you will discover an considerable progression whilst driving on the roads. be confident to get a sequence of tires with a max tension a minimum of 80 psi. I as quickly as offered a sequence of 26x1.5 tires with a max tension of 60 psi. i did not like the way they rode. you're able to could get new tubes besides. look at your tubes. they are going to be labelled something like 26x1.5-2.a million, The a million.5-2.a million is a unfold. in the journey that your a million.5 tire width suits into the variety, then you definately are good to bypass. in the journey that your tire is narrower than the variety (the variety became something like a million.9-2.2) then you definately will could get new tubes the place the a million.5 does in good shape into the variety. HTH

Answer 4

I would recommend the kenda kwest. They are fast rolling and have good wet traction. they are similar to the tiogas but they have black sidewalls instead of those ugly skin sidewalls. If you have another wheelset then definitely use it. It will save you time and hassle of having to switch tires all the time

Answer 5

Forte Topo FasTrac MTB Tire are an awesome slick. I put them on my bike and ride in the city all the time. They are also great for if you hit some trails too. Consumer reports say they're faster than most road slicks too! Go to http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=12701&subcategory_ID=5430 to see them and read details. They're on sale now too!

Answer 6

Maxxis Hookworms. Slick enough for the road but slotted enough for riding on sand or dirt. They have them in 2.1, 2.3 and 2.5 sizes.

Answer 7

Check www.blueskycycling.com ---Maxxis Xenith ( 1.5) ---costs $12.98 but I think you would go for the Maxxis Hookworm for $28.98! ( Call them at 1-800-585-4137 )

Answer 8

Panaracer.