What slicks should I pick?

[Lockheed]

I am thinking of changing chunky stock tyres on my MTB (Optima reactive - nothing fancy but I got is for peanuts). Hence, I have two questions:

1. Which slicks should I choose?
I am interested in maximal speed. I am not going to go off-road at all, just commute on London streets and cycle paths.
I would not want to pay more than 12 quids for a tyre and I so far these are the options I consider:

a - Hutchinson TOP SLICK-2 32c
Seem to be the lightest/fastest ones and not the most expensive. My only concern would be puncturing but since I am yet to puncture a tyre as an adult, I am inclined to put this concern further in the background.

b - Schwalbe City Jet HS257 Rigid Road Treaded Tyre - Black - 26 x 1.50 Inch (40-559)
At 23.50 for a pair, they are head-to-head with Hutchinsons. However, they are heavier, but probably also more resilient (opinions welcomed!)

c - Continental Sport Contact
The most expensive choice, possibly outside my price range, but includes free tubes. If I cannot use my old stock tubes with other tyres, the disadvantageous price would become less of a factor.

d - Noname slicks from ebay
I could pick a pair for 10 quids. However, they are probably not much better than what I already have.

You are more then welcomed to comment on all the options I listed and my own comments. Also, if you could suggest some alternative choices, I'd be delighted.


2. Do I need to change my stock tubes if I go for slicks of sizes between 1.2-1.5?
Well, the question is quite self-explanatory.

 

[gaz]

for me...
1. B
2. depends on what your current tyre is and what the inner tube is in that tyre.

It isn't worth going for maximum speed, you need to toss up puncture protection and rolling resistance. If you go for a full slick at that size, your tyre is really getting the worst of it and if you choose a bad one you will get lots of punctures.

It's only commuting at the end of the day, not a race.

 

[andrew-the-tortoise]

Think option 'a' are for 700c wheels - so wouldn't go for them.

Schwalbes would be my choice (but that is just brand loyalty!).

You may need new tubes - the size range is often printed on the inner tube.

 

[BentMikey]

Schwalbe Durano would be my choice - very little puncture protection, but fast and responsive tyres.

 

[plainlazy]

Got city jets on my MTB though in 1:95, taken minutes off my commute.
Your can get a pair on fleabay for £20, though i brought mind from wiggle and they came with inner tubes.

 

[Lockheed]

Think option 'a' are for 700c wheels - so wouldn't go for them.

Are you sure? If so, there is another version here. One of them is for 26" MTB.
http://www.bonthronebikes.co.uk/102-504131

I checked my current tyres and they are 1.95

Schwalbe Durano would be my choice - very little puncture protection, but fast and responsive tyres.

Way above my price range.

 

[AlanW]

Specialized Fatboys get my vote.

 

[andrew-the-tortoise]

Are you sure? If so, there is another version here. One of them is for 26" MTB.
http://www.bonthronebikes.co.uk/102-504131

This is the 26" version of the tyre:http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=2771&ModelID=39985 £18 though.

 

[BigSteev]

I've been running choice c for my commuting for the last 4-5 months, in which time I've had 1 puncture. Assuming the same deal is operating, not only do they come with tubes, they come with a guarantee which meant that they replaced both tyre and tube for free when I got this puncture. The only slight problem I've found with them is that they are very tight to fit onto some rims (OK on my DT Swiss, a real effort to get them on Bontragers).

 

[just4fun]

I'll give you a pair of conti sports contacts for your MTB, they are pretty new. Just been hanging around in my shed tbh.

Check Pm's

 

[threefingerjoe]

I'd go with the Continental Sport Contacts, since you found someone who will GIVE you a pair! That is a GREAT tire that I've gotten 5000-6000 miles from, and is probably one of the fastest commuting slicks available.

If you want Schwalbe, then why not consider the Kojak? That is also an excellent commuting slick.