I'm swapping my bike...

[Brock]

Most of the stuff I've seen suggests that the rolling resistance is due to the flexing of the tyre, but I can see that what you suggest could be a factor as well. I'd still be very surprised if it outweighed the effect of flinging all that water about and carrying the extra weight of water with you.

That's always been my thinking on the matter too. The weight of water you have to lift off the road even at fairly low speeds must be far more significant than tyre/road friction surely?

It certainly does seem faster when it's damp though..

 

[BentMikey]

I usually have four lights on the bars (with at least two of them flashing) and still drivers don't see me, hence I want to get something much brighter...

This is aimed at yenrod as well: it doesn't matter how bright your lights are, or how much hiviz you're wearing, because some drivers won't be looking and won't see you anyway, and some others will look and see you, but won't give a toss and will go anyway.