How much improvement with slicks on MTB?

[screw3d]

I have a '99 Trek 820 Singletrack with knobbly tires that I have been using forever.. since I don't go off-roading and mainly ride on roads, would I go noticably faster with slicks?

If yes, which do you guys recommend?

Edit:

I've decided to get Specialized Nimbus EX after reading good reviews..

Now the size of my current tires are 26 x 1.95.. so the Nimbus EX at 1.5 should fit right? Do I have to get new inner tubes as well?

 

[boyRacer]

i wouldn't say noticeably faster but its an improvement. any slick will do... maybe something like this

 

[screw3d]

Originally posted by: bR
i wouldn't say noticeably faster but its an improvement. any slick will do... maybe something like this

Thanks and bump!

 

[notfred]

I'd think it'd definitely be noticeably faster. Of course, it depends on what tires you have on there now. What pressure are you running? Pump the tires up to thier maximum rated pressure and even that will make a noticeable difference. If you put on slicks at 90PSI, you'll definitely notice less rolling resistance.

 

[screw3d]

Originally posted by: notfred
I'd think it'd definitely be noticeably faster. Of course, it depends on what tires you have on there now. What pressure are you running? Pump the tires up to thier maximum rated pressure and even that will make a noticeable difference. If you put on slicks at 90PSI, you'll definitely notice less rolling resistance.

I don't have a gauge to see the pressure of the tires.. I just pump it hard enough so the tires won't deform a lot when I sit on it

Oh.. how is the handling of slicks on wet surfaces?

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: screw3d

Originally posted by: notfred
I'd think it'd definitely be noticeably faster. Of course, it depends on what tires you have on there now. What pressure are you running? Pump the tires up to thier maximum rated pressure and even that will make a noticeable difference. If you put on slicks at 90PSI, you'll definitely notice less rolling resistance.

I don't have a gauge to see the pressure of the tires.. I just pump it hard enough so the tires won't deform a lot when I sit on it

Oh.. how is the handling of slicks on wet surfaces?

Slick

(someone had to say it!)

 

[Fausto]

It's quite noticeable. Not only are you faster, but you can handle corners better since you don't have knobbies squirming around. I wouldn't bother going for the 1" super-high pressure versions tho....just find some 1.25-1.5" and you'll be good to go. They're 95% as fast as the really skinny ones, and MUCH more flat-resistant.

Note about flats: since the slicks generally have a lot less air volume than knobbies, they are more prone to pinch flats. As such, you need to make sure they're properly inflated before you head out the door each time.

 

[Anubis]

yes it will be faster because your rolling resistance will be almost 0, you will also have better traction on pavement

i recomend the ones Maxxis makes

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: screw3d

Originally posted by: notfred
I'd think it'd definitely be noticeably faster. Of course, it depends on what tires you have on there now. What pressure are you running? Pump the tires up to thier maximum rated pressure and even that will make a noticeable difference. If you put on slicks at 90PSI, you'll definitely notice less rolling resistance.

I don't have a gauge to see the pressure of the tires.. I just pump it hard enough so the tires won't deform a lot when I sit on it

Oh.. how is the handling of slicks on wet surfaces?

Based on your description, you're probably running about 20-25PSI of pressure. Most MTB tires are rated for up to 60PSI. Go buy a cheap tire pressure guage, pump the tires up to 55-60PSI, and you will definitely notice a BIG difference right away.

Slicks will handle just as well as knobbies on wet asphalt. Knobbies are meant for more traction on dirt, not on pavement.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: screw3d

Originally posted by: notfred
I'd think it'd definitely be noticeably faster. Of course, it depends on what tires you have on there now. What pressure are you running? Pump the tires up to thier maximum rated pressure and even that will make a noticeable difference. If you put on slicks at 90PSI, you'll definitely notice less rolling resistance.

I don't have a gauge to see the pressure of the tires.. I just pump it hard enough so the tires won't deform a lot when I sit on it

Oh.. how is the handling of slicks on wet surfaces?

Slick

(someone had to say it!)

It's fine for the most part. I recall reading a study way back when and basically slicks are too narrow to ever hydroplane no matter how fast you go. Basically, you just have a smaller contact patch to worry about.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: screw3d

Originally posted by: notfred
I'd think it'd definitely be noticeably faster. Of course, it depends on what tires you have on there now. What pressure are you running? Pump the tires up to thier maximum rated pressure and even that will make a noticeable difference. If you put on slicks at 90PSI, you'll definitely notice less rolling resistance.

I don't have a gauge to see the pressure of the tires.. I just pump it hard enough so the tires won't deform a lot when I sit on it

Oh.. how is the handling of slicks on wet surfaces?

Slick

(someone had to say it!)

It's fine for the most part. I recall reading a study way back when and basically slicks are too narrow to ever hydroplane no matter how fast you go. Basically, you just have a smaller contact patch to worry about.

Cool. I'm looking to get some for both my bike and my gf's bike. Though, the way things are going I'm going to be lucky to find time to even ride

 

[sygyzy]

Drastic improvement. Slimmer tire too.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: screw3d

Originally posted by: notfred
I'd think it'd definitely be noticeably faster. Of course, it depends on what tires you have on there now. What pressure are you running? Pump the tires up to thier maximum rated pressure and even that will make a noticeable difference. If you put on slicks at 90PSI, you'll definitely notice less rolling resistance.

I don't have a gauge to see the pressure of the tires.. I just pump it hard enough so the tires won't deform a lot when I sit on it

Oh.. how is the handling of slicks on wet surfaces?

Slick

(someone had to say it!)

It's fine for the most part. I recall reading a study way back when and basically slicks are too narrow to ever hydroplane no matter how fast you go. Basically, you just have a smaller contact patch to worry about.

Cool. I'm looking to get some for both my bike and my gf's bike. Though, the way things are going I'm going to be lucky to find time to even ride

Dude. If I can train and race with a full-time job and a baby, I think you can ride a bit.

 

[jagec]

yeah, the smaller contact patch is the only problem. I ride FAST, and I can definately tell a huge difference in braking between a narrow-tired bike with slicks and a mountain bike with knobby tires. Then again, maybe my tires just suck

However, you sure can ride a lot faster...

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Originally posted by: screw3d
I have a '99 Trek 820 Singletrack with knobbly tires that I have been using forever.. since I don't go off-roading and mainly ride on roads, would I go noticably faster with slicks?

If yes, which do you guys recommend?

Yes, and tire wear should be better, but he wear issue is just a guess.

It will also be a smother ride. Nobby tires on roads....we all know how that feals.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: screw3d

Originally posted by: notfred
I'd think it'd definitely be noticeably faster. Of course, it depends on what tires you have on there now. What pressure are you running? Pump the tires up to thier maximum rated pressure and even that will make a noticeable difference. If you put on slicks at 90PSI, you'll definitely notice less rolling resistance.

I don't have a gauge to see the pressure of the tires.. I just pump it hard enough so the tires won't deform a lot when I sit on it

Oh.. how is the handling of slicks on wet surfaces?

Slick

(someone had to say it!)

It's fine for the most part. I recall reading a study way back when and basically slicks are too narrow to ever hydroplane no matter how fast you go. Basically, you just have a smaller contact patch to worry about.

Cool. I'm looking to get some for both my bike and my gf's bike. Though, the way things are going I'm going to be lucky to find time to even ride

Dude. If I can train and race with a full-time job and a baby, I think you can ride a bit.

Good point. I guess I just get so lazy when I have the chance that I really don't feel like doing anything at all.

 

[laurenlex]

Using slick or semi-slick tires on a mountain bike ridden on pavement makes a huge difference. You will go faster easier, you will brake smoother and faster, you will corner sharper and safer. Get some. While shopping, get a decent tire pressure guage. You don't put mud bog tires on your commuter car. Dont ride with dirt tires on pavement. Back in the day, I had 2 sets of wheels. One for mountain biking and one for commuting. Tires (on bike, car, truck, everything) are the only thing gluing you to the earth. You want a tire designed for what you are riding on.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Actually, wouldn't it be cheaper to jsut get a road bike at *dare I say it* Wal-Mart?

If speed is the concern, that's an option. Or you could trade in your MTB for a road bike.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: screw3d

Originally posted by: notfred
I'd think it'd definitely be noticeably faster. Of course, it depends on what tires you have on there now. What pressure are you running? Pump the tires up to thier maximum rated pressure and even that will make a noticeable difference. If you put on slicks at 90PSI, you'll definitely notice less rolling resistance.

I don't have a gauge to see the pressure of the tires.. I just pump it hard enough so the tires won't deform a lot when I sit on it

Oh.. how is the handling of slicks on wet surfaces?

Slick

(someone had to say it!)

It's fine for the most part. I recall reading a study way back when and basically slicks are too narrow to ever hydroplane no matter how fast you go. Basically, you just have a smaller contact patch to worry about.

Cool. I'm looking to get some for both my bike and my gf's bike. Though, the way things are going I'm going to be lucky to find time to even ride

Dude. If I can train and race with a full-time job and a baby, I think you can ride a bit.

Good point. I guess I just get so lazy when I have the chance that I really don't feel like doing anything at all.

Having a kid has done the opposite for me; whenever I have a window of opportunity to train, I'm out the door ASAP.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
Actually, wouldn't it be cheaper to jsut get a road bike at *dare I say it* Wal-Mart?

If speed is the concern, that's an option. Or you could trade in your MTB for a road bike.

How about no?

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: screw3d

Originally posted by: notfred
I'd think it'd definitely be noticeably faster. Of course, it depends on what tires you have on there now. What pressure are you running? Pump the tires up to thier maximum rated pressure and even that will make a noticeable difference. If you put on slicks at 90PSI, you'll definitely notice less rolling resistance.

I don't have a gauge to see the pressure of the tires.. I just pump it hard enough so the tires won't deform a lot when I sit on it

Oh.. how is the handling of slicks on wet surfaces?

Slick

(someone had to say it!)

It's fine for the most part. I recall reading a study way back when and basically slicks are too narrow to ever hydroplane no matter how fast you go. Basically, you just have a smaller contact patch to worry about.

Cool. I'm looking to get some for both my bike and my gf's bike. Though, the way things are going I'm going to be lucky to find time to even ride

Dude. If I can train and race with a full-time job and a baby, I think you can ride a bit.

Good point. I guess I just get so lazy when I have the chance that I really don't feel like doing anything at all.

Having a kid has done the opposite for me; whenever I have a window of opportunity to train, I'm out the door ASAP.

Kids aren't my time-taker. For me it school and work.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
Actually, wouldn't it be cheaper to jsut get a road bike at *dare I say it* Wal-Mart?

If speed is the concern, that's an option. Or you could trade in your MTB for a road bike.

How about no?

Pffft. You just get one of each. That's the great thing about bikes, you can get one for every purpose.


This is also why I had to build a shed to keep them all in.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: screw3d

Originally posted by: notfred
I'd think it'd definitely be noticeably faster. Of course, it depends on what tires you have on there now. What pressure are you running? Pump the tires up to thier maximum rated pressure and even that will make a noticeable difference. If you put on slicks at 90PSI, you'll definitely notice less rolling resistance.

I don't have a gauge to see the pressure of the tires.. I just pump it hard enough so the tires won't deform a lot when I sit on it

Oh.. how is the handling of slicks on wet surfaces?

Slick

(someone had to say it!)

It's fine for the most part. I recall reading a study way back when and basically slicks are too narrow to ever hydroplane no matter how fast you go. Basically, you just have a smaller contact patch to worry about.

Cool. I'm looking to get some for both my bike and my gf's bike. Though, the way things are going I'm going to be lucky to find time to even ride

Dude. If I can train and race with a full-time job and a baby, I think you can ride a bit.

Good point. I guess I just get so lazy when I have the chance that I really don't feel like doing anything at all.

Having a kid has done the opposite for me; whenever I have a window of opportunity to train, I'm out the door ASAP.

Kids aren't my time-taker. For me it school and work.

Then no excuses; if it's not screaming, puking, or trying to stuff toys in your VCR, it's not that urgent.

 

[screw3d]

Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
Actually, wouldn't it be cheaper to jsut get a road bike at *dare I say it* Wal-Mart?

If speed is the concern, that's an option. Or you could trade in your MTB for a road bike.

I'm a bike newbie but I know enough to not get a crappy bike from Wal-Mart

I would love to have a road bike for recreational riding and a mountain bike for commuting but I don't have the $ now to get one and even if I did, I don't have a place to store it.

Plus I like the reliability of my Trek.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: screw3d

Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
Actually, wouldn't it be cheaper to jsut get a road bike at *dare I say it* Wal-Mart?

If speed is the concern, that's an option. Or you could trade in your MTB for a road bike.

I'm a bike newbie but I know enough to not get a crappy bike from Wal-Mart

I would love to have a road bike for recreational riding and a mountain bike for commuting but I don't have the $ now to get one and even if I did, I don't have a place to store it.

Plus I like the reliability of my Trek.

Yeah, the Wal-Mart (and similar) bikes are total garbage. There's a reason they're so cheap.