Mountain bike tires are typically knobby and thick to provide traction in mud and slick conditions as well as protection from sharp rocks and thorns. If you ride your mountain bike on pavement, the knobs create resistance, slowing you down. Depending on your needs, you can choose to purchase one set of tires for trails and one for pavement, or you can opt to purchase tires that work for both types of terrain.
Geax Street Runner
If you are willing to change out your mountain bike's trail tires, the Geax Street Runner will fit your rims and is made to ride exclusively on pavement. The tread pattern has textured shoulders and a smooth center, providing traction around corners but less resistance for speeding down straightaways. MTBR.com gives it 4.3 out of 5 stars and notes that it can work on pavement in all weather conditions.
Schwalbe Big Apple Liteskin
For a city tire that can handle potholes, the Schwalbe Big Apple is highly recommended. Bikeradar.com awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, stating that the tire provides comfort over cobblestones and other bumps while maintaining its speediness on pavement. Lighter than the original Big Apple tire, the Liteskin still offers protection from punctures and is available in 2, 2.15 and 2.35 inch widths.
Kenda Small Block Eight
For an all-terrain type of tire that offers easy rolling on pavement, try the Kenda Small Block Eight. Ian Osborne from Bikeradar.com reports that it works extremely well in loose, sandy conditions, grit or hard man-made trails and on asphalt. Its knobs also make it a viable option on rocky trails. Osborne states that despite its lower profile, it performs well in corners though it will clog easily in mud or sticky conditions.
Maxxis MaxxLite 310
A racing tire, the Maxxis MaxxLite 310 is one of the fastest cross-country and mountain bike tires, according to MTBR.com. Reviewers gave it 4.4 out of 5 stars, stating that it is an excellent choice for harder surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, as well as hard packed dirt and gravel. It is thin, however, making it less desirable if you decide to take it for a spin on trails, as you are more likely to get a flat.
Member Comments