Newbie looking for slicks

Tam21

I'm looking to put some slicks on a Rockhopper Pro.
I seem to be mainly on road at the moment (with the forks locked out) and do around 30 mile training runs about 3 or 4 times weekly. I'm thinking about Conti sport contacts but can't decide between 1.3 or 1.6.
Presumably the 1.3s would be faster but there are a couple of bits of light off road (interconnecting paths etc) so I wonder if the 1.3s would struggle and 1.6s would be more suited.

Any advice would be appreciated - sorry if this is an already covered/age old dilemma!

RealMan

I'm thinking the 1.3s might be a bit small for the rims? I'd go 1.6 probably.

Tam21

Thanks - I've got 1.5s at the moment (grim panaracer crosstown) and whilst it's not my biggest worry they look a bit weird on the bike. Do you think though there's going to be much speed difference between the two - assuming the 1.3s fit. If not I think there's probably no contest.

nonnac85

I have 1.8s on my commuter mtb but they look a bit smaller

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=28141

Not the most expensive but can easily handle canal towpaths / gravelly surfaced paths if needed.

butcher of bakersfield

I've got conti travel contacts on mine. and they fly on the road. Even they are a little disconcerting at times though. I wouldn't fancy running full slicks on anything but the road.

Tam21

Thanks for the advice. The problem now is that it's taken me a while to convince myself I want to go for slicks. I've read various posts about how slicks have great grip in the wet and dry; now I'm doubtful again!

butcher of bakersfield

Tam21 wrote:

Thanks for the advice. The problem now is that it's taken me a while to convince myself I want to go for slicks. I've read various posts about how slicks have great grip in the wet and dry; now I'm doubtful again!

On the road maybe. Cut a corner on a patch of wet grass and you soon learn the difference!

They do make a bike difference. To be fair, I haven't had mine long and I'm certainly not a fountain of knowledge on the matter, but I've realised how confidence inspiring the fat nobblies are..

Tam21

To be honest I've never used knobblies and don't mind a bit of sliding - it's the road rash I'm not looking forward to. Plus I use SPDs so no chance of escape! Mind you, I still fancy giving them a go. Would it be wrong to assume that as well as a bit more comfort, the 1.6 with a bigger footprint would give more grip than 1.3s?

I