Which way round ?

Robert72
Robert72 Posts: 84
edited January 2012 in Road beginners
Is there a correct way for tyres to go on? I have a new set of Gatorskins and I can't see an arrow or anything to show the direction of rotation. There is a sort of tread so one way must be better than the other. Sorry if I'm being thick.
Robert

Comments

  • spinndrift
    spinndrift Posts: 185
    There is a rotation arrow on the sidewall of them but it is very difficult to see. If I remember correctly (not at home so can't check) the smaller tread bit (they have the same pattern repeated in two different sizes don't they) should be at the front.
    Cheers

    Andy
    Cyclist, Massage Therapist & Ice Cream Genius
    Andrew Creer Massage
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    It makes no difference. Not even with tyres that do have an arrow. The tread pattern on a road tyre serves very little purpose if any. MTB tyres are often directional so if using tyres with a deep pattern then check for direction.
    My Fleet.
  • neeb
    neeb Posts: 4,473
    If there IS a deep tread (which there shouldn't be on normal road tyres) then the rule is usually that any "v" shape in the tread points forwards when it contacts the ground on the rear wheel and backwards on the front wheel. This is because you want the rear wheel to grip "forwards" under traction from the drive train, while the front wheel should grip "backwards", as it's most important for it to grip when you are braking.

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