Originally Posted by
urbanknight
Here's the article I first read on the subject.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/slicks.html
It seems to allude to DG's point, but shows that the "grit" will reach the rubber, slick or not. Slick tires seem to have a better chance of that grit hooking up with it, since a tread might have a void that misses such grit.
edit: I see PG beat me to linking the article.
There always are others out there to dispute what would seem logical fact.
"Tread pattern matters, even on the road: The importance of tread pattern is no surprise to the off-road world but common wisdom says it's a non-factor on the road, where slick treads are assumed to deliver the greatest surface contact with the ground and thus, the best grip. However, asphalt is far from a perfect – or even consistent – material. Certain tread designs can provide a measureable mechanical adhesion to the ground."
http://www.bikeradar.com/news/articl...he-myths-29245