Originally Posted by
ilovecycling
Rolling resistance should be a non issue either way because a lot of treaded tires only have a treaded pattern along the sides and not along the center, like the Conti GP4k for example. I agree that tread does nothing for slick/wet roads, but I do wonder if it helps for cornering on dry roads.
No, that tread is irrelevant on any road whether smooth as glass, bumpy or even cobblestones.
What the tread does is pretty big in the dirt though. Assuming the tires are inflated properly, they should be deflecting/deforming at the contact patch due to the rider's weight. This puts the sidewall tread fully in contact with the dirt/gravel road where it can do some good.
This is a much bigger deal for MTBs, but it has some effect on road tires too. Try a slick on a gravel road then try a GP4S. I've done it!
