I never profess to be a mad science guy, but wouldn't the reduced contact area actually increase the force applied downward on each spike. As the weight would be distributed evenly across less spikes. Bit like ice racing with them skinny tyres. ?? more forward drive, but less side-bite ??
I seem to remember a Tiverton winter series with people trying Step-Pin 4WD "width" fronts on narrow rear wheels to get more drive.
Perhaps a mad science type guy can confirm my great theory, or better still shoot it to bits.
