I want to put some road tyres on my 29er hardtail to avoid some of the Chilterns winter mud (which is giving me an excuse not to go out). I know nothing about road bikes. To match my narrow-ish mtb xc rims (Easton Haven) I was looking at getting relatively wide road tyres (what width do other people use on MTB rims?), but I have no idea about tread. Some road tyres are completely slick – do roadies use these in winter? Some have channels (for water) and a little tread – would these be a better bet? Recommendations please!

I’m using Specialized Armadillo 25mm on Giant P-XC2 MTB wheels.
The wider rim makes them look even wider but they work fine.
28mm is probably your best bet though.

I would fit something with a light cross-hatched texture on the tread.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261567577496?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I bought these, they’ve been excellent.