Trying a bit of an experiment at the moment after doing 5 xc races so far this year and realising how fast the best guys are at flat/descending single track.
Took the fast rolling rubber off my Scott Scale and stuck Dirty Dan 2" front and Mud x on the rear and went to Peaslake last Sunday in bone dry conditions.
Every run I did I clocked Pb's including many of the climbs. Rode 36 miles, 5,500ft climbing and at the very end beat my pb's for all the Holmbury trails and BKB despite being exhausted.
Often read the what tires threads and people asking about fast rolling rubber and I expect for the experienced racer then small treads may well give an advantage, but for me and many others I suspect the advantage of confidence and cornering grip far outweigh rolling resistance, especially during a race when absolutely knackered.
I am far from fast and ride SS but just done the opposite on my full susser. I swapped out my muds for some light tread 'summer' tyres and ran them all winter' snow & mud, and was faster on my local trails.
