Onewheel GT Threaded vs Slick Tire?

Oskar Fällman

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Onewheel GT Threaded vs Slick

When it comes to buying the Onewheel GT there is an option to decide what type of tire to have on the board. You can choose between a threaded or slick tire. This is the first time Future Motion has put on a threaded tire as an option on their boards.

Prior threaded tires have only been available from the third-party aftermarket, where you can get different tires for your On wheels. The old models were using standard Go-Kart tires so manufacturers like Burris, Hoosier, and others had options to install.

With the release of the Onewheel GT there is a change in the tire dimensions, making it so that there are not that many aftermarket tires available. Manufacturers like FlightFins have released compatible tires, like the Flight Fins Enduro GT.

The easiest option for a threaded tire is to get it installed by Future Motion Inc. To the question, should you pick a threaded tire for an additional $50 or not?

Should I have a threaded or slick tire on my Onewheel GT

Onewheel GT

It will come down to what type of rider you are and how are you going to use the board. If you are a rider who likes to carve, floating around in the city, and never head out on the trails or slippery grass patches. Then the slick tire is the best choice for you.

Are you planning to do trail riding or hitting the hills then it would be a good idea to look into the treaded option from Future Motion Inc. At the moment we don’t know how this tire compares to the aftermarket tires coming in the future. What we do know is that there will be better tracking to the ground on gravel and slippery roads.

For off-road and trail riding, there are clear benefits to riding with a treaded tire. Now you can get this without voiding your warrant by changing the tire.

In short, if you are planning to ride more than 30% pavement then a treaded tire most likely is the right option for you.

SpecificationThreaded TireSlick Tire
MaterialHigh-quality rubberPremium rubber compound
Dimensions11.5 x 6.5-6.511.5 x 6.5-6.5
WeightVaries (proprietary)Typically lighter (proprietary)
Tread PatternAggressive tread patternSmooth, tread-less design
PriceAdditional $50Standard option
Specification

Benefits of a slick tire on the Onewheel GT

The core benefit of a slick tire is better traction on dry pavement, fat, and hard surfaces. The slick tire will also give the rider a slightly longer range as the wheel is a bit lither than the treaded alternative.

A lither tire will need less force to rotate and therefore increase the range of the board. The slicker tires usually give a better curvy feel when riding.

Benefits of a treaded tire on the Onewheel GT

If you do a lot of off-road, pumping trails and ride occasionally on loose terrains like gravel, sand or debris then go with the treaded tire. The treads give a lot more traction on loose ground making it ideal for trails.

The treaded tire also increases traction and adds grip when riding in damp conditions.

The treaded tire last a long time and wearing evenly

Onewheel rider

Conclusion

If you should choose a tread or slick tire for your Onewheel GT will depend on how you plan to ride. Are you mainly going to depend on if you want to ride off-road and hit the trails or just cruise down the city streets.

For me a threaded tire is the best option, the benefits do outweigh the negative aspect of a threaded tire. The Onewheel GT is a beast, and a small range impact will not be noticed by most riders.

Getting a treaded tire without voiding your warranty on a $2500 purchase feels like a good investment. My recommendation is to not change the tire until the warranty has run out on the board. It’s not the tire change that’s the risk, The Onewheel GT has new electronics and there is always a risk with some early problems on the first boards.

There is a risk depending on the softness of the tire that the slick will be a bit more comfortable to ride than the treaded tire. This is mostly coming from the softness of the rubber and at the current time, we don’t know how this tire will behave. This being said, some good shoes will dampen some of the vibrations, put them on and you are all set to go.

About Oskar Fällman

Oskar Fällman, founder of FallmanTech, is a seasoned Onewheel rider and a visionary system engineer with a master's in Industrial Management and Engineering from Lunds University. With thousands of miles under his belt, Oskar combines technical expertise with a passion for technology and innovation. As a leader in the Onewheel community, he not only rides Onewheel's but also prioritizes safety, new innovations and the growth of the sport. As a system engineer he also holds a multiple patents and innovations. LinkedIn, Academia profile, Contact, Twitter, Patents.