My new GT

[Bad_Robot]

Originally Posted By: mpvue
the markings refer to the ROTATION of the tire, not pointing front or rear.


Are you riding backwards much?

 

[volvos_rock]

Little late but nice bike. I have owned GTs since I was young in 99 i got a backwoods. in 00 Gt went box store (think old school mongoose, compared with now) and cheapened everything. Earlier this year I got my wife an Avalanche 3.0 and was pleasently suprised with the fact that the quality seemed to come back to close to what they were pre 00.

 

[Hokiefyd]

You want the tread facing "backwards" on the rear tire to increase traction on loose surfaces.

On a 4-wheeled road-going vehicle, a chevron tread pattern faces forward for only one reason: water evacuation. If it were to be installed backwards (as it is on many vehicles I see, probably unknowingly), the water evacuation function largely ceases to exist, and chances of aquaplaning are much higher.

On a bicycle, there is no water evacuation functionality. It probably matters little in which direction the front tire rotates. I'm 90% certain the chevrons are facing forward simply for aesthetics. However, on the rear, you'd want the chevrons facing rearward for only one reason: in dirt and loose gravel situations, a "backwards" chevron acts as a scoop which traps material in the pattern and generates better forward traction.

For this reason, you'll sometimes see guys running a tire like a Mickey Thompson Baja Claw "backwards" on their trail rigs. It helps in extreme traction, and there is little detriment otherwise as water evacuation on the road isn't a priority for them.

 

[Hokiefyd]

BTW, OP, nice bike! I love the reflective stripes on the tires. I love hybrid/commuter bikes, and would like to get one of my own some day. Until then, I continue on my modified-for-the-road older 26" MTB.

 

[daves87rs]

Very nice!