Originally Posted by
Andy_K
Tread actually does make a difference in the wet. Namely, it reduces traction by reducing contact area. Slicks with round profile are the way to go if you're staying on pavement......
Originally Posted by
wphamilton
It makes no difference at all, except possibly degrading your traction if you do have tread.
Originally Posted by
mechBgon
Road surfaces themselves have quite a bit of "tread." Unless you're on loose stuff, the minimal tread found on a road-type tire isn't too relevant, certainly not for clearing water from under the contact patch.......
Originally Posted by
catmandew52
On paved surfaces, the rubber compound/tire pressure probably has more to do with wet weather handling than tread pattern. Off road or loose surfaces is where tread patterns come in to play.
+1
Its not whether or not the tires have any kind of tread, its the characteristics of the rubber compound that affects dry/wet weather traction. Cheap tires have a hard dry compound and won't grip any surface well (i.e., Schwalbe Duranos), while good quality tires (i.e., Conti GP 4 Seasons) will grip well on any surface.
You really do what you pay for for the most part.