In rain there is no hydroplaning , on a bicycle, because the contact patch is small . so a slick tire has been shown to grip
more road surface than a tread pattern tire.. still bear in mind slick surfaces of steel and painted stripes.
a softer compound tire will wear faster, but grip better.. harder compound, wears longer, and will retain the studs much better.
My Mount and Ground W Suomi Nokian Tires are 20 years old, still have all its studs.
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Last edited by fietsbob; 10-18-17 at 11:59 AM.