Michelin WildRun'R
At 26x1.4 inches, the Michelin WildRun'R is one of the narrowest tires to fit on rims that come stock on most mountain bikes. The narrow width and completely smooth surface gives these tires little rolling resistance on pavement. This means that your tire will feel more like a road tire. The WildRun'R works best for riders who use their mountain bikes only on streets. The tires retail for $25, as of March 2010.
Continental Travel Contact Tire
The Continental Travel Contact Tire provides a mostly slick surface, with tread only along the edges of the tire. This tire is a good choice for riders who plan to spend most of their time on pavement, but want the option to hop on a dirt road as a shortcut for their commute. The side tread pattern provides enough traction on gentle trails without creating too much road resistance on pavement. The 1.75-inch width is narrower than most standard mountain tires, but still provides enough surface area for tougher terrain. The Travel Contact Tire retails for $40, as of March 2010.
Serfas City Drifter Tire
The 1.5-inch Serfas City Drifter Tire keeps rolling resistance at a minimum. With an inverted tread patter, the City Drifter provides the surface contact you need on concrete while still giving you the tread to grip uneven and loose surfaces like dirt or gravel. This tire is a good compromise for riders who want to decrease rolling resistance without converting to a completely smooth tire. The Serfas City Drifter costs $24, as of March 2010.
Continental Citycontact Reflex
The Continental Citycontact Reflex Tire has a simple tread pattern to create an easier ride on pavement. With the option of a 2.1-inch width, this tire provides a more comfortable ride compared to more narrow street tires. With a wider width, the Citycontact Reflex is able to better absorb the bumps of the road. This tire works well for riders who prefer comfort over speed. It retails for $32, as of March 2010.
Article Written By Kathrine Cole
Kathrine Cole is a professional outdoor educator. She teaches rock climbing, backpacking, cycling, and bike maintenance classes. She is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School, a Wilderness First Responder, and a Leave No Trace Trainer.
