But surprisingly, steel train wheels on a steel rail experience the same effect. Tires with low pressure traveling on soft ground tend to have higher rolling resistance. This one of the major reasons why road racing is a faster sport then mountain biking. This mountain bike tire is made of natural rubber, which some believe grips the trail better than synthetics. The treads of mountain bike tires can affect performance.
Smooth tires grip smooth roads better, with less resistance, but slip on dirt trails.
Mountain bike tires manufacturers produce a variety of different patterned nobby treads. While cyclists have different preferences, there has been little scientific support for one tread performing better than another.