Originally Posted by
urbanknight
Hogwash. There are just as many pros on fish-bone and file treads as there are on slicks. If slicks were that undisputedly faster, nobody would be competing on Vittoria Corsas, Continental Sprinters, or a bunch of other tires seen in the pro and amateur pelotons.
I think the reason that people use tires like that is more maketing than science.
A tire with a bit of tread gives the impression it may have better grip, and the tiny amount of tread is not going to have a meaningful effect on rolling resistence. Thus tire with a bit of tread may be easier sells.
I don't think there is any evidence that the herringbone pattern you see on a Vittoria Corsa increases either rolling resistance or grip in any significant manner.
To the OP, the basic point here is that Car tires need tread for wet weather grip to dispurse water. However the reasons that you need tread on a car tire don't apply to bike tires, and typical bike operating speeds. So, don't worry about treadless bicycle tires in the rain.