Re: Wet weather tire pressure

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DRS snipes anoymously:

>>>> Is there any evidence to suggest that a lower tire pressure will
>>>> help traction in the rain?

>>> No.

>> I say yes as it puts more rubber in contact with the road (larger
>> contact patch).

> 1. It allows the tyre to squirm more, thus reducing its handling.

Tires don't squirm, treads squirm but not if smooth. You better
describe what you believe is squirming at 90psi in a 25mm cross
section tire if you think that occurs.

> 2. To the extent that it applies to bicycle tyres, lower pressure
> allows the tread to deform which in turn reduces its
> effectiveness at displacing water. That's why motorcycle racers
> always run wet weather tyres at full pressure.

This also requires explanation. WIth 10-15% reduced inflation
pressure nothing changes with respect to tread to road contact except
an area increase. All the water that is going to be displaced is
already gone so where do you see these traction reductions?

We don't got no steenkin wet weather tyres!

> A: Top-posters.
> Q: What is the most annoying thing on Usenet?

You got that one right.

Jobst Brandt
jobst.brandt@stanfordalumni.org