> A wider tire will give you better traction - more rubber on
> the pavement.

Yes and no.... Traction is a function of contact area, preasure
(weight) and friction between the tire and the pavement.

> Because the tread is wider, the contact patch is wider,
> which gives you more friction for better traction.

Friction is a function of the tread compound and the condition of the
road surface... It does not change with the contact patch size.

To get traction, you need a certain amount of weight on the tires...
That preasure keeps the tire on the ground and keeps the tire from slipping
on the surface.
If you want to maximize traction, you need a small contact patch, a tire
with good grip (lots of friction) and the correct amount of weight on it.

Mike