Contact patch is the portion of a vehicle’s tyre that is in actual contact with the road surface. It is most commonly used in the discussion of pneumatic tires, (i.e. pressurized tyres), where the term is strictly used to describe the portion of the tyre’s tread that touches the road surface. The term “footprint” is used almost synonymously. – Wikipedia
Hmm, so the footprint of my tyre is obviously sweet bugger all. And combined with the water being sent down from the heavens, it all points to a super slippery ride. Three times to day and had small moments due to the wet roads. Twice from rear brake lockups, and once, almost unbelievably, when I managed to spin the rear wheel in a low gear going up a hill. Maybe the new tyres have to bed themselves in, I’m not sure, but I was lucky on two occasions not to end up on my arse.
Lets just say after that, I was slightly more cautious.
Ah yes of course, I’d say your new tyres would have been a huge factor mate.
When so new they still have a lot of oily residue from the manufacturing process which can take quite a few (dry) km’s to wear away. Hopefully they settle in soon & settle your nerves.
Good to see you back on the bike mate, and I see you managed to get the cassette on easier than last time.
I was within 1km of you on bike journal, but no riding for me on the weekend so you have pulled away again.