What tires are you asking about ? The smoother the tread the better they will work with friction drives. The more aggressive tread, the more they are apt to get chewed up. Also, the smoother the tread pattern, the quiter they will be. My original semi aggressive tread whined like an ambulance siren. I didn't know what my engine sounded like until I swapped it. Had a flat on the rear and replaced it with a smoother tread pattern and no whinning noise at all now. Tires are relative cheap, so I figure if I can get 500 miles out of one that's O.K. with me. I have well over 100 miles on my back tire and see no sign of significant wear. It's a cheap "Bell" brand from Walmart at that. Be more specific about the tire you question and post photos if possible. I guess you know friction drives are no good if the tire gets the least little bit wet. Of course all you have to do is ride several yards until the tire gets dry and then it'll start pulling just fine again.