Originally Posted by
ancker
While I don't disagree with this statement, I don't think it applies to the original complaint. Riders aren't crashing because they can't slow down quick enough.
Also, in almost all forms of racing, when the conditions are slick, they don't add stopping power, they add grip (ie, grooved tires). Improved braking on slick tires on a bike will likely cause more crashes.
*crystal ball* Riders dropping back to the team car to switch to rain tires, then back to slicks as conditions change. *crystal ball*
a 'clean' tarmac (blacktop) has about 80% to 85% of traction when wet
clean is the operative. as soon as you allow motorized vehicles on it, the surface picks up all sorts of chemical crappage, which further reduces traction.
23-25 mm tires has small contact patches so, 'tread' or slick is really a non-issue, rubber compound has more effect.
a story - back when hi-performance clinchers were making the scene, the general concept was as narrow a profile/patch as possible for speed (soon disproven). Anyone remember those 21mm clinchers with that raised center rib? awful stuff...
disks should allow rim and tire design to again open up further for improvements in sidewall/profile construction and rim design, further opportunities for tubeless improvements...
hubs and spokes? I'm sure the Brainiacs are already luving the engineerin vibes...
if you love and appreciate wheels, this might be like going to mp3 from cassette...