Just curious really.
For tyres with any sort of 'v' shape to the tread pattern, I've always been inclined to reverse the rear tyre so that the 'V' is pointing backwards when looking at the tyre from above, which means once rotated the splayed or flat part of the 'v' is pushing backwards. The obvious thinking being that this will grip better under pedalling
Vittoria seems to design its Terreno Wet (and excellent tyre in my experience) the opposite way round, but I think that is a CX race specific consideration whereby having the 'V' hit the ground point first helps to clear mud from the tread.
I've got Terreno Mix on at the moment with solid triangular tread blocks on the centre tread. They're very good up until the point that they're not, I had some comedy moments of zero traction on short steep muddy climbs last week. Am also hoping to fit some Cinturato Gravel M tyres to my singlespeed, they have a 'classic' triangular tractor tread arrangement on the tread, looks like it would also benefit from being reversed...
Yes, if I had a v shaped tyre I'd reverse it. It used to be pretty common to do. Be aware though drag and wear rates will be higher I'd you continue on in the dry.
Would depend on the tread and bike/use for me. For a CX race, I'd consider flipping them. Pretty much everywhere else, I'd rather spin out on a climb than lose braking grip on a descent.
Ooh yeah, hadn't thought about drag, is a consideration as most of my rides will incorporate tarmac too which is why I'm not just re-fitting the Terreno Wets (to avoid wearing the tread down rather than the drag right enough).
Will have to give it a try and see, not racing so maybe I can live with an occasional comedy spin out...
“For tyres with any sort of ‘v’ shape to the tread pattern, I’ve always been inclined to reverse the rear tyre so that the ‘V’ is pointing backwards when looking at the tyre from above, which means once rotated the splayed or flat part of the ‘v’ is pushing backwards. The obvious thinking being that this will grip better under pedalling”
All tractors have their rear tyres fitted the opposite way around so the point of the V hits the dirt first when driving forwards. I think as soon as you’re in proper mud this way around works better to clear the tyre so you get more traction.
Normal fitment direction - best forward traction in practice due to self-cleaning, and best reversing/braking traction provided cleanliness from sticky mud isn't an issue.
Backwards fitment direction - best reversing/braking traction in practice due to self-cleaning, and best forward traction provided cleanliness from sticky mud isn't an issue.
The self-cleaning as on tractor tyres relies on some constant amount of wheelslip to push soil/mud out of the V. So it might not apply so much to bikes in many conditions.
If a tyre is only used for braking (i.e. is not driven; e.g. trailers, or an undriven front axle), a tractor tyre would be fitted in the backwards direction for better cleaning. Even if you don't care that much about the traction.
When I read the thread title, I immediately thought of Tioga Farmer John tyres! (Showing my age now😄)
All tractors have their rear tyres fitted the opposite way around so the point of the V hits the dirt first when driving forwards. I think as soon as you’re in proper mud this way around works better to clear the tyre so you get more traction.
It also improves traction as the soil is forced into the V by tractive forces, rather than being expelled out the sides of the tyre, and so aids power transfer to the ground. This is why (on soft surfaces) the braking performance is better in reverse than it is going forwards.
