sem-ee slick tires
Noun
A type of bicycle tire with a smooth tread pattern.
Example usage: I'm going to upgrade to semi-slick tyres for my next race.
Most used in: Mountain bike and road cycling circles.
Most used by: Mountain bikers and competitive road cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 2/10
Also see: Semi-Slick, Low-Profile Tread, File-Tread, Slick Tire,
What are Semi-Slick Tyres?
Semi-slick tyres are a type of tyre designed specifically for road cycling, and are a compromise between a fully slick tyre and a more aggressive tyre with knobs. They are typically wider than standard road tyres and feature a minimal tread pattern, offering increased grip on wet and dry surfaces. Semi-slick tyres are designed to provide a balance between rolling speed and grip, making them an ideal choice for road cyclists who want to optimize their performance.
According to a survey of over 1,000 cyclists, semi-slick tyres are the most popular type of tyre for road cycling. The survey found that over 40% of respondents use semi-slick tyres, compared to just over 20% who use fully slick tyres. This is likely due to the fact that semi-slick tyres offer a good balance between speed and grip, making them an ideal choice for road cyclists looking to maximize their performance.
In addition to providing a good balance between speed and grip, semi-slick tyres are also more durable than fully slick tyres. This is due to the fact that the minimal tread pattern offers increased protection against punctures and other damage. As a result, semi-slick tyres are often the preferred choice for riders who want to get the most out of their tyres.
In conclusion, semi-slick tyres are an ideal choice for road cyclists who want to optimize their performance. They offer a good balance between speed and grip, while also being more durable than fully slick tyres. As a result, semi-slick tyres are the most popular type of tyre for road cycling, with over 40% of cyclists using them.
.The Origin of Semi-Slick Tyres in Cycling
The term “Semi-Slick Tyres” was first used in the late 1960s, when the sport of mountain biking began to take off. The tyres were originally designed for competition use on mountain bikes, and were used for a variety of purposes, including mud, sand, and rock racing. The tyres were designed to provide a good balance between grip and speed, and were made of a softer rubber compound than traditional road bike tyres.
The term “Semi-Slick Tyres” was popularised in the US in the early 1990s, when mountain bike racing began to gain more traction. The tyres were designed to provide a good balance between grip and speed in a variety of terrains, and were made of a softer rubber compound than traditional road bike tyres. The tyres were also designed to provide a good balance between traction and low rolling resistance, making them ideal for racing.
Today, Semi-Slick Tyres are used in a variety of cycling disciplines, from mountain biking to road racing. They are still made of a softer rubber compound than traditional road bike tyres, and provide a good balance between grip and speed. The tyres are also designed to provide a good balance between traction and low rolling resistance, making them ideal for racing.
