Slicks on my Orange Crush

rob0070
rob0070 Posts: 60
edited April 2010 in MTB general
Advice needed please. I am about to buy Continental slicks for my mountain bike.
I currently run shallow tread Scott Ozon tyres which are pretty worn.
I have thought about the fact that the scott tyres are quite tall ( ground to rim ) the slicks can only be 30-40 percent of that height.
I am just wondering if I will benefit from the slicks and if the lack of rolling resistance will compensate for the lack of circumference.
I realise acceleration will be better but will the top speed be less than the worn tall mountain bike tyres.
Thanks

Comments

  • RealMan
    RealMan Posts: 2,166
    Yes, less tall tyre will equal a slight decrease in max speed, but unless you're spinning away in your top gear a lot, that won't effect you.

    If you're only riding on roads and paths and such, slick tyres will help you go faster, easier. Much better acceleration.

    Smaller tyres wont be as comfortable to ride either.
  • bails87
    bails87 Posts: 12,998
    Slicks will make a big, big, big difference. I can't believe you even thought of the tyre height thing tbh.
    MTB/CX

    "As I said last time, it won't happen again."
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The diameter effects gearing, but not energy to keep up a speed if you are at an efficient cadence.

    The slick tyres will be an advantage. Narrower ones are lighter, and more aerodynamic.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • RealMan
    RealMan Posts: 2,166
    edited April 2010
    supersonic wrote:
    and more aerodynamic.

    Don't think I'd ever thought of that. How much difference does it really make?
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    To a road rider - a lot: is the main reason they run narrow tyres.

    To an MTBer with slicks, a lot less.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • RealMan
    RealMan Posts: 2,166
    supersonic wrote:
    To a road rider - a lot: is the main reason they run narrow tyres.

    To an MTBer with slicks, a lot less.

    I'd never really paid much attention to road tyre widths, just thought it was all about rolling resistance. And was very sceptical about how a few mm could make much difference on rolling. Are/were you a roadie as well? You seem to know everything about cycling, its real impressive lol. :)
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Nah, not a roadie lol, but I do research a lot of stuff.

    Sheldon Brown is the man.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • Splottboy
    Splottboy Posts: 3,695
    Conti Double Fighter II, does it for me. Steel bead, cheap-as-chips !

    If the mood takes me, I can do off road without too many problems, if it's dry,

    Rubbish with thorns though.

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