I also have a set of WTB Horizons in the garage to try... they are 650x47's and have one stripe of totally slick tread in the center, with alternating stripes of file tread spreading out to the shoulders. The WTB's feel like a more supple tire just in handling them. The Maxxis are bulky and feel bulletproof when handling them... like they'd never puncture. Before I put them on, I was certain they'd feel slow, but I've been pretty surprised. The WTB's will probably feel faster on the road and handle better, but I worry that they won't have the durability. I had previously tried some WTB ByWay's and they felt great, but I was constantly dealing with a nagging leaking air pressure.