When the weather is less than ideal for trail riding, many mountain bikers simply swap out their knobbies with a mountain bike tire that allows them to take their riding efficiently to the streets. Many commuters and messengers may prefer a mountain bike's geometry to road bikes or hybrid bikes, enjoying the up -right, read- for- anything attitudes that mountain bikes afford. A good pair of road tires will make any mountain bike faster and more efficient for on road riding.
Specialized Crossroads Armadillo Reflective Tire
This tire has reflective sidewalls, increasing visibility for commuting, dusk or dawn. The fast road tread has larger outer knobs, adding control on various riding surfaces. The Armadillo is built for the streets but can handle light off road use, perfect for commuters that cover varied ground. $50.00 MSRP.
Schwable Sammy Slick Tire
Semi-slicks are a mix of off road tires and slick road tires, according to REI.com. They have qualities of both, with tiny tread patterns in the center, and aggressive knobs on the exterior of the tread. These tires are popular in cross country racing because of their low rolling resistance. The Schwable Sammy Slick is a good example of the best of both worlds, with strong cornering, low rolling resistance, and a speedy look. $49 MSRP.
Continental Traffic Reflex Tire
The continental Traffic is re-designed for mountain bike use for the city and trails, according to Conti-online.com, with a unique bridged diamond shaped lug pattern that rolls very well, yet can grip the trail after the pavement ends. Ideal for commuting on all kinds of terrain, the Traffic Reflex also comes with a reflective sidewall. $36.00
Maxxis Zenith 1.5 Slick Tire
The Zenith 1.5 is a serious slick with on road only mountain biking in mind. The tread surface on this nearly all slick tire is smooth as butter, and is meant for speed and cornering on paved surfaces. The durable, narrow casing and tenacious smooth tread make this one of the fastest mountain bike street tires available. $39.00 MSRP.
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