Slick bicycle tires are more slippery on wet surfaces than treaded tires
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 83/100
Slick or worn-down tires provide less traction and are more prone to hydroplaning on wet surfaces because treaded tires and grooves are specifically designed to channel water away from the contact patch.
Evidence for · 5
Influence of Tread Wear Irregularity on Wet Friction Performance of Tires
1983 · cited by 16
This study notes that a reduction in tread pattern depth leads to a reduction in wet skidding resistance on low macrotexture roads.
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More for · 4
Tires and Hydroplaning
1968 · cited by 12
This paper highlights the geometric design of the tread pattern as the most important tire factor in preventing hydroplaning on wet roads.
Analysis of the Wet Grip Characteristics of Tire Tread Patterns
2018 · cited by 11
This research demonstrates that the inclusion of transverse grooves and tread patterns significantly enhances wet grip capacity compared to straight grooves.
Improvement of Hydroplaning Performance Based on Water Flow around Tires
2001 · cited by 7
This study shows that properly arranged tread grooves improve hydroplaning performance by successfully channeling water away from the contact area.
Effects of Sipes on the Viscous Hydroplaning of Pneumatic Tires
1998 · cited by 4
This finite element analysis demonstrates that tread features like sipes and zigzagged elements are effective in improving traction and controlling viscous hydroplaning on wet pavement.