Why do the fastest bicycles have very thin tires, while the fastest cars have very wide tires?

Question

Can someone explain this?

In: Physics

Answer 1

Very, very fast cars do have thin tyres. Check out any of the land speed record cars. The Bloodhound LSR has 150mm (6″) wide wheels. I couldn’t find information on the current record holder the Thrust SSC, but the look about the same width.