Tyre grip in the wet

[Vava]

Noob question sorry!

A random bloke stopped next to me both of us on bikes - I had passed him and he caught up with me when I stopped at some lights - twice. The second time he started telling me that he had a racing bike a Scott one but that it ws too fast for him and he was going to give it to his son. He said he didnt like the way that it slid about in the wet.

I intend to commute to work all winter and I want to know as this is my first winter commuting how and why the bike slides in the wet? I have been on the road bike in the wet before and had no problems. So if some kind soul can tell me what t look out for I will be grateful.

[fredrikw]

I have been on the road bike in the wet before and had no problems. So if some kind soul can tell me what t look out for I will be grateful.

perhaps your bike sliding?

If it works, don't fix it I'd say. But for winter commuting, depending of course whether winter means just more rain or sub zero temperatures, snow and ice, you might need to replace your tires. If it's just wet and you haven't experienced any problems before, the only concern might be to get a pair of tires that have some extra puncture resistance, regular road tires are not really the perfect tires for all year round commuting. But if we're talking a out proper winters, with snow and ice, some studded tires might be a good idea.

But all in all, the best way is to find out yourself what you need. You can spend weeks and months reading all kind of advice and stories, but it all boils down to yourself, your bike and the route you're taking to work.

[franarchy]

Just be careful on white lines and metal work ie: manhole covers when its wet I always use conti gp 4000 had no problems.

[Vava]

Just be careful on white lines and metal work ie: manhole covers when its wet I always use conti gp 4000 had no problems.

these are the tyres I have so fingers crossed - husband said he may have meant - when he was cornering it was slippery.....

@fredrikw - ****pokes tongue out***

[the crazyest vegan]

avoid anything shiney and ride sensibly. simples.

[bob_summers]

don't think i've ever suffered from "sliding about in the wet"... for all we know, that bloke was riding with 25psi in the tyres, which were just about rolling off the rims. as long as you ride with care in the wet, know which brake does what, and be even gentler when the roads are covered in salt (plus everything mentioned above), you'll be fine.

[Mr. Cleetus]

The only times I've every had a slide in the wet was, 1) as was said, on painted lines, 2) on very steep climbs with "rivers" coming down the road, 3) when it has not rained for ages and the road has become covered in dirt/grime/oil - that's the only tricky one.

[franarchy]

Watch out for wet leaves on bends in the road at this time of year no tyre will save you from them.

[the crazyest vegan]

Dragging this post back...but i've got some AWESOME new tyres, http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Vrede ... 300003918/

sticky as anything although they arent an all out winter tyre, only problems is the sidewall isnt very protected, and only had them on for 4 months and they are quite worn already, done around 1600 miles and i'll need to replace them soon(ish)

[richie_b]

Dragging this post back...but i've got some AWESOME new tyres, http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Vrede ... 300003918/

sticky as anything although they arent an all out winter tyre, only problems is the sidewall isnt very protected, and only had them on for 4 months and they are quite worn already, done around 1600 miles and i'll need to replace them soon(ish)

Ooooh! They're very, very good tyres! I did about 6000 miles on a pair & killed them utterly, but I found them very puncture resistant. Maybe not the fastest, but very sticky & fairly sound. & they come in lots of different colours, which is always good.

Wiggle seem quite expensive but. My last pair were £13.50 each, but that was 3.5 years ago...

I'm running some Vittoria Corsa Evo CX tyres ATM on my upright & they're silly fast, but also silly expensive. Lots of fun though & seem quite resistant to Glasgow roads' puncture threats, but haven't done enough mileage on them to really say....

[the crazyest vegan]

£80 for a tyre set is a bit silly
although i've found some tub's that are £120 each :S
i bought my vredestiens from cycling bargains and they were a shade over £20 which aint bad.