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From: wagner@uw-june (Dave Wagner)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: Falling On Ice
Message-ID: <460@uw-june>
Date: Sun, 23-Feb-86 15:34:21 EST
Article-I.D.: uw-june.460
Posted: Sun Feb 23 15:34:21 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 26-Feb-86 05:23:59 EST
References: <458@tekigm2.UUCP> <5490011@acf4.UUCP>
Organization: U of Washington Computer Science
Lines: 16
Summary: Riding on ice

> If you are determined to ride in such hazardous conditions, you should use
> the widest tires possible for your bike, underinflate them for better traction,
> use tires with knobby treads (like ATB's)....

A popular misconception is that knobby tread gives you more traction on ice.
Doubtful - if the ice is a smooth layer, and not just broken up crusty stuff,
you want as much rubber in contact with it as possible.  Treads are of
no use unless the surface on which you're riding is irregular enough to
afford something for them to grab onto.  Have you ever seen tires for
motorcycle ice-racing?  (which is, I'll admit, a crazy sport.)


			Dave Wagner
			University of Washington Comp Sci Department
			wagner@washington.arpa
			{ihnp4,decvax,ucbvax}!uw-beaver!wagner