Bicycle Mechanics - Tires

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George
03-31-07, 03:32 PM
I was told at the bike shop that treads in the tire do nothing. If that is the case why do they put them in. I can't believe it just for looks, as another person told me. I have Conti. 4 seasons on my bike now and I'm thinking about changing them out to Contacts. I would like to get a low pressure tire, that doesn't get many flats and good for wet roads. Thanks for any replys.

Bill Kapaun
03-31-07, 03:35 PM
They don't really do anything on pavement, but dirt, sand, mud, leaves etc. is a different story.
splytz1
03-31-07, 03:37 PM
Depends on what you're using the bike for. I wouldn't buy a tire because of its tread pattern, or lack thereof.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#tread

George
03-31-07, 03:44 PM
What I was looking for is a tire, more for touring than anything else, and I thought treads would help in the rain. Thanks again for the replys.
HillRider
03-31-07, 03:58 PM
Tread on a road tire does absolutely nothing. Tread on a car tire act as escape channels for water and prevent hydroplaning. A bike tire is narrow enough and highly loaded enough that hydroplaning is never an issue I've see a calculation that a bike would have to be going 85 mph to hydroplane.

Tread is put on road tires because customers think it does some good and expect it. Wrong.

Off-road tires used on soft trails, mud, etc, are a completely different story.