either way you still going to notice power loss over a 26" going skinny doesn't change anything as it's the diameter that matters. What going for skinnies does mean is you can go for a more aggressive tread pattern.
Just remember, skinnies dig down well, don't go ridiculously aggressive as you'll end up not being able to spin the tyres in holes to clear the tread.
My opinion, go for mudlites or something similar.