Contrary to what one might think, if it is essential to respect the mounting direction of mountain bike tires, for the road it is more of an aesthetic character.
It didn’t take me long to be able to respect the mounting direction of a tire by simply seeing the studs.
Once you understand the logic behind the tread design of a tire, mounting it in the right direction will seem obvious.
In this article, you’ll understand the impact of the direction of travel. And then you’ll find out how to check if your tire is mounted correctly.
Importance of the orientation of road bike tires
For road bike slick tires, the design has little influence on their behavior. The grip is achieved by direct contact of the rubber with the asphalt. Unlike the car, the higher pressure and the reduced tread save the bicycle from aquaplaning. However, if aquaplaning were to occur, it would theoretically be at speeds of around 125 mph.
The presence of a pattern on road tires, in addition to the aesthetic aspect, can be justified on paths or gravelly passages.
If you are afraid of slipping in the rain because your tires do not have studs, you should know that the risk of slipping is even higher if you have studs. This is because studs reduce the contact patch compared to slick tires, thereby reducing traction.
Importance of mountain bike tire orientation
Respecting the mounting direction of your mountain bike tires will ensure the handling and traction of your bicycle. Indeed, these are the two functions of tires.
In the case of a front tire, its role is directional. The studs are arranged parallel to the direction of travel so that you don’t lose lateral grip, for example when cornering. For the rear tire, the studs are arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel, allowing the tire to grip and ensure its driving role.
That being said, the rear tire also deserves its directional studs to limit the risk of slipping.
Today, more and more manufacturers make the difference between a front tire and a rear tire. They may also recommend reversing the direction of rotation of the rear tire to increase grip.
What happens if the direction of the tire is incorrect?
On the road itself, there is no risk if your tire is mounted the wrong way. That said, if there are any, you might as well follow them…
As soon as you leave the asphalt, the studs play a crucial role in the grip and handling of your bike. In the case of directional tires, if they are mounted upside down the risk is to easily lose grip and in the medium term accentuate the tread wear.
Depending on your level of skill and commitment you may not feel any difference, but once you start tackling tight corners and muddy or rocky terrain, the difference will quickly become apparent. Lack of control and increased fatigue from skating.
How do you know which way your bike tires are going?
I give you 3 methods to make sure your bike tire is mounted in the right direction
Use the direction arrow of the tire
This is the most reliable method. Manufacturers indicate the direction of travel, if any, by an arrow on the tire’s sidewall. If there is no indication, then the tire can be mounted in both directions.
For mountain bikes, you will often find an arrow coupled with the words FRONT or REAR. Indeed, depending on whether you install the tire on the front or rear wheel, the mounting direction may be opposite. Specifically, if you are installing the front tire, follow the directional arrow associated with the word FRONT.
Look at the position of the tire studs
Installing your tire in the right direction by looking at the tread pattern is, in my opinion, a way to prove your understanding of how it works.
The arrangement of the studs depends on their role:
- Directional, studs parallel to the tread.
- Motor, perpendicular to the tread.
In the case of directional tires, you will be able to recognize the mounting direction thanks to the perpendicular studs which will have a slight arrow shape that should point to the front of the bike.
Although more easily identifiable and of greater importance for mountain bike tires, you can follow the same logic for road tires.
Tip: don’t bother looking for the mounting direction, either it is easily identifiable or it is not a directional tire. In that case, we will say that it has symmetrical studding.
It is true that with the multitude of profiles that manufacturers offer, I sometimes spent time reading the profile of different tires but now my eye is used to it. You’ll soon get better at it.
Use your old tire
I mention this method because I hear it often. To be honest, I don’t think it is very useful. Indeed, to compare with your old tire, you need to have the same one, and even if you do, it is the equivalent of reading the studs.
To ensure the correct mounting direction, nothing is more reliable than the directional arrows on the tire sidewall. If not indicated, then refer to the direction of the studs.
Conclusion
Although the tread direction of a road tire is of little importance, it is a different matter for MTB tires. Respecting the direction of mounting your off-road tires will ensure steering control and optimization of pedaling through a good grip. By following one of the methods I’ve detailed, you’ll be sure you don’t get the wrong mounting direction.
