Ask April - Treaded Tyres vs Slicks

Slicks are treadless tyres that are used for racing or track riding specifically as they are made for aggressive cornering and high speeds. They are designed without the grooves or tread, as it maximises the amount of rubber contact patch with the pavement – meaning more grip!  

What are treaded tyres?

Treaded tyres are tyres with cut into the rubber surface. These grooves are designed to disperse water, improve traction in varying road conditions, and provide predictable grip on both wet and dry surfaces.

Unlike slicks, treaded tyres are built to perform across a wide range of temperatures and conditions, making them ideal for everyday road riding and many track day riders. Modern high-performance road and track-focused tyres offer impressive levels of grip, often providing more than enough performance for beginner and intermediate riders.

One of the biggest advantages of treaded tyres is their versatility. They warm up more quickly than slicks, don't require tyre warmers, and continue to perform well even if your pace varies throughout a session. For many riders, a quality treaded tyre can be the perfect balance between performance, confidence, and practicality.

Great question – this is a lot to do with personal preference, but ultimately, it comes down to a few key factors. Most folks say you should switch from treaded tyres to slicks when you’re in the more advanced groups at a track day. However, that’s not necessarily gospel. 
 
Ultimately, your riding needs to be advanced enough to generate (and maintain) high temperatures. Slicks need to have a hard, steady pace to stay within their optimal operating window temperature (around 80 to 100 degrees) otherwise the rubber cools down on track, resulting in less grip than a high-performance street tyre and some unexpected slides.

Not to mention that you also MUST have tyre warmers for slicks, to heat your tyres up prior to entering a track. Add in that slicks have a stiffer ‘carcass’ than your usual road tyres, meaning it can impact your suspension set up, and there are a few key things you need to consider. (Plus the cost is higher!)  

Yes, but not in the conventional way you may be used to! Slicks don't have your usual ‘release wax’ (the shiny stuff on your road tyres that is slippery when you buy them) that coats the tyres, but, they still have a smooth outer layer. Meaning, your slicksmay need a few laps with some heat cycles to get to the right amount of grip... progressively. You’ll start by putting the tyre warmers on, as per usual, well before heading out on track. Then, you can take your first few laps a tad more cautiously with smooth, progressive braking and acceleration. Don’t full send straight away, and slowly work your lean angle to ‘wear them in’.  

Conclusion

Slicks can be an incredible tool when used correctly, offering exceptional grip and performance on the track. However, they aren't a magic solution for faster lap times. Before making the switch, make sure you're consistently riding at a pace that allows you to keep heat in the tyres, and that you're prepared for the additional costs and setup requirements that come with them.

For many riders, a quality road tyre will provide more than enough grip while you continue to build confidence, technique, and speed. Remember, the biggest improvements on track come from developing your skills as a rider, not changing your tyres.

If you're unsure whether you're ready for slicks, have a chat with your coach, tyre supplier, or experienced riders at your next track day. They'll be able to assess your pace, goals, and bike setup to help you make the right choice.

April - Track Start Training

Girls On Track Tip:
If you're asking whether you're ready for slicks, you're probably better off spending that money on coaching first. The biggest gains come from the rider, not the tyre.