Tyre direction

[Easytigers]

I know this probably a really stupid question (I've got a lot of them as I don't do mechanical!) but fitted a pair of Schwalbe Lugano tyres to my road bike and couldn't figure out which way to put them. There weren't any directional markers (that I could see)...does it make a difference?
Russ

 

[gavroche]

no

 

[ianrauk]

^^^ this
makes no difference.

 

[ianjmcd]

Only tires with a directional tread with have direction markers on them ;-)

 

[Blurb]

I've always been lead to believe that directional tyres on road based bikes, and tread patterns in general for that matter, are pointless marketing guff. Having said that, I do follow their recommendations!
Full disclosure - I have manufacturer described directional and non-directional tyres on my bikes.

 

[ianrauk]

I've always been lead to believe that directional tyres on road based bikes, and tread patterns in general for that matter, are pointless marketing guff. Having said that, I do follow their recommendations!
Full disclosure - I have manufacturer described directional and non-directional tyres on my bikes.

So also sez Sheldon Brown.

 

[StuAff]

Sheldon was right. Had a Marathon on the wrong way round on the Cadenza, made no difference whatsoever.

 

[Cyclist33]

Sheldon was right. Had a Marathon on the wrong way round on the Cadenza, made no difference whatsoever.

To be fair, in analytical terms you'd really have no way of knowing that from going for a ride. Too many variables and not enough monitoring.

Given that some of the priciest tyres are completely "smooth" (notwithstanding that none actually are), I don't buy the "marketing BS" suggestion. And I don't agree with Sheldon in the real world as no riding surface is completely smooth, so the theory that slick meets smooth and provides the best grip only works on paper.

Cheers

Stu

 

[black'n'yellow]

so the theory that slick meets smooth and provides the best grip only works on paper.

why would you want to ride on paper..?

 

[wheres_my_beard]

It makes no difference which way they go, as long at the front and back match, and the logos is perfectly inline with your valves. Not doing that will mess up your ride completely.

 

[gaz]

And I don't agree with Sheldon in the real world as no riding surface is completely smooth, so the theory that slick meets smooth and provides the best grip only works on paper.

Cheers

Stu

The whole point of slicks is that the road surface is not smooth, the tyre deforms into the imperfections of the road surface for grip.

 

[Cyclist33]

The whole point of slicks is that the road surface is not smooth, the tyre deforms into the imperfections of the road surface for grip.[/quot

Then small knobs or siped treads would be an advantage to grip as they offer more surface area for deformation and more angles to hook up to road imperfection.

 

[ianrauk]

The whole point of slicks is that the road surface is not smooth, the tyre deforms into the imperfections of the road surface for grip.

Once again.... so also sez Sheldon Brown

 

[Zakalwe]

If there's an arrow on them like on Corsa's, put them on that way. Why? Because if nothing else, you don't want to appear as though you are unable to follow this simplest of instructions without ballsing it up. Other riders can tell at a glance you know.

 

[machew]

There is a right way round to put all bike tyres,
Tread goes on the outside
Anything else is just vanity