Hydroplaning occurs when water, which is non compressable, cannot be "squeegeed" out from under the moving tire. The non-compressible water will act like a more viscous solid (ice?) and cause the tire to skid. Deep, wide grooves in a tire, along with grooves that go sideways funnel water away and help prevent hydroplaning.
Assuming that both tires had similar tread, I think that the narrower tire would have "higher force per unit area" with the same weight vehicle, and deliver more force to displace the water. Bicycles probably would never hydroplane.
Buy good M&S rated tires with cross tread, and the wider tire should be fine. Good Luck.
Al :rolleyes:
