This is how a car tire works on a bike

[Homeslice]

^ I agree that car tires have deeper tread etc, but they are wider, and anytime you install wider tires on a car, you get more hydroplaning (if everything else is held constant, such as compound, tread pattern, weight, etc).

Think about it this way, if you're wearing ice skates, you can control yourself on ice, because the blade digs in..........But if you're just wearing shoes, good luck.

[fasternyou929]

Originally Posted by Homeslice

Think about it this way, if you're wearing ice skates...

Why do I get the feeling you weren't thinking ice hockey?

[karl_1052]

Originally Posted by Homeslice

Think about it this way, if you're wearing ice skates, you can control yourself on ice, because the blade digs in..........But if you're just wearing shoes, good luck.

But the blade doesn't dig in.

The physics of ice skating has another factor that plays a role in reduction of friction. The formation of a thin layer of water between the surface of solid ice and the edge of the blade.

This water layer is thin, a few thousand molecules or less, and even thinner at lower temperatures.

Silly Californians, stick to roller blades.

[Homeslice]

It sure digs in when you stop

[Scot]

I have ridden several 100 miles on a rocket III with a Riken Raptor 225/55R16.

It corners fine. As hard as it is for me to wrap my head around what I just said....IT CORNERS FINE.

My problem is when the bike is straight up and down. If the road has a slight crown, the bike "crabs" to me. Feels like it's rolling slightly askew. It feels like I am riding in a constantly changing side draft. I found myself counter steering all over the place and my arms were sore very quickly.

My father in law has 10k on his darkside tire and for him, he's said it's the best thing he's done. He rode it 780 miles one way in a day on it and loves it.

Personally, I think it looks like ass and I don't care for the countersteering....but it's his bike and my Vmax still walks all over it. :-p

[Phenix_Rider]

Originally Posted by karl_1052

But the blade doesn't dig in.

Silly Californians, stick to roller blades.

Ice skates, snowboards, skis, wakeboards. They all intentionally hydroplane. You wouldn't take a board to the ice rink, or skates to a slope.

[fasternyou929]

Originally Posted by Phenix_Rider

Ice skates, snowboards, skis, wakeboards. They all intentionally hydroplane. You wouldn't take a board to the ice rink, or skates to a slope.

No, but skates on a luge run... I could respect that.

[Phenix_Rider]

Originally Posted by fasternyou929

No, but skates on a luge run... I could respect that.

AAAAAhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!

[Homeslice]

Originally Posted by Phenix_Rider

Ice skates, snowboards, skis, wakeboards. They all intentionally hydroplane. You wouldn't take a board to the ice rink, or skates to a slope.

I think you guys get my point. When you install snow tires, buying thinner ones helps them dig in even better. It's the same principle with rain. Wider tires don't do as well, all other things equal......you can ask Tire Rack for proof.