heisler3030
New member
Hey folks -
I had a crash a few weeks ago at Thill when I got over-eager on the first lap and lowsided in T3.
There were a number of factors at work but I think cold tires was the primary because I was very surprised to feel the rear wash out so quickly.
The story goes like this:
New tires (209GP Hard) and one session at medium intensity with no problems.
Second session I go out with A's and crash on lap 1 in T3. I thought I was taking it easy!
In retrospect I think I made the following mistakes:
- A's running faster than B+, so what seemed "not that fast" relative to other riders was faster than I thought
- Taking T3 too wide and riding on the off-camber section, as opposed to the flatter inside
- Not being smooth enough in my throttle roll-on in T3 (too abrupt)
- Not anticipating the reduced traction from the cold tires
I'm consciously working on all the above to prevent repeats, as well as picking up some tire warmers to avoid the cold-tires situation again. However it would be interesting to hear educated info about how different compounds respond in cold vs. hot conditions.
My theory, based on this experience, is that hard compound race tires have even LESS traction than street tires, when not at temperature.
Is that a true statement, or just my imagination? I mean, based on my recollection of the incident, it did not seem like I was pushing the limits, even of cold street tires! But then we know how memory can make these things more favorable.
Thoughts, flames welcomed!
-Hamish
I had a crash a few weeks ago at Thill when I got over-eager on the first lap and lowsided in T3.
There were a number of factors at work but I think cold tires was the primary because I was very surprised to feel the rear wash out so quickly.
The story goes like this:
New tires (209GP Hard) and one session at medium intensity with no problems.
Second session I go out with A's and crash on lap 1 in T3. I thought I was taking it easy!
In retrospect I think I made the following mistakes:
- A's running faster than B+, so what seemed "not that fast" relative to other riders was faster than I thought
- Taking T3 too wide and riding on the off-camber section, as opposed to the flatter inside
- Not being smooth enough in my throttle roll-on in T3 (too abrupt)
- Not anticipating the reduced traction from the cold tires
I'm consciously working on all the above to prevent repeats, as well as picking up some tire warmers to avoid the cold-tires situation again. However it would be interesting to hear educated info about how different compounds respond in cold vs. hot conditions.
My theory, based on this experience, is that hard compound race tires have even LESS traction than street tires, when not at temperature.
Is that a true statement, or just my imagination? I mean, based on my recollection of the incident, it did not seem like I was pushing the limits, even of cold street tires! But then we know how memory can make these things more favorable.
Thoughts, flames welcomed!
-Hamish