[alec]

being new here, so treat me kindly. are there any real drawbacks in only having slick profiles available for 17 inch wheels. does the actual size or compound used override the need of a tread pattern. on dry days it would seem less of an issue, but in adverse conditions does even a minimum of tread play a part.

[Les Crook]

Hi, there and welcome.
The need for tread on bicycle tyres is a debate that has raged on for years. The round profile of a bicycle tyre sheds water by centrifugal force hence the neat rooster tail you get in rain. People fear aquaplaning with slicks. I read somewhere that the aquaplane speed of a bike is something stupid like 200mph. So for me its slicks on all my road bikes including my folder. Never skidded unintentionally. On purpose? oh yes.

[Jack Finucan]

Mr. Crook, you’re absolutely correct. Aquaplaning does not occur on bicycles so the tread is unnecessary on smooth roads.

[Josephine Bennington]

The very high pressure of our slick tyres, 100psi at least, plus the all-up weight of bike + you +luggage, means that the tiny foot print, more like a finger print, simply squeezes away any water that your wheels will roll onto and over. There will be a dry line behind you, it is so effective at displacing water. So no tread, and no aquaplaning.

[Author]

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