New bike tires usually have arrows showing the direction the tread should face when mounted.
The placement of the tread is very important for road bikes because of the higher speeds attained and the importance of aerodynamics.
If the tread is not mounted in the correct direction, it will not provide the best grip and could cause instability and accidents at high speeds.
Generally, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when mounting new bike tires.
As for which way the tread should face, most tires are designed so that the smooth side faces the ground.
This helps to minimize rolling resistance and provides a smoother ride.
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What Is Tread?
The horizontal lines on the tire, known as the tread, should face the same way as the rim.
If the tread points in the wrong direction, it will be less effective at gripping the road and may cause your bike to slip.
See Related: Can I put disc brakes on a road bike?
The Importance Of Tire Tread Direction On Road Bike
There are three main reasons why the tread direction is essential for road bikes:
1. Improved Traction
One of the primary benefits of tire tread direction is that it can help to improve traction.
When tires are properly inflated and have the correct amount of tread, they can provide a good grip on the road, which can help to improve braking and cornering.
Additionally, tire tread direction can help to reduce the risk of skidding on wet or icy roads.
2. Reduced Rolling Resistance
Another benefit of tire tread direction is that it can help to reduce rolling resistance.
Rolling resistance is the force required to keep a tire moving forward and is affected by a number of factors, including the bike’s weight, the type of terrain, and the inflation level of the tires.
By reducing rolling resistance, tires can help to make biking easier and more efficient.
Related: Do road bikes have disc brakes?
3. Increased Durability
Tire tread direction can also help to increase the durability of tires.
Tires ridden in the wrong direction can wear down more quickly, leading to flats and other problems.
Additionally, riding in the wrong direction can cause uneven wear, making it more difficult to balance the bike.
Related: How often do you need to pump up road bike tires?
4. Better Cornering
Another benefit of tire tread direction is that it can help to improve cornering.
When tires are properly inflated and have the correct amount of tread, they can provide a good grip on the road, which can help riders to take corners at higher speeds without skidding or losing control.
5. Improved Safety
Finally, tire tread direction can help to improve safety by reducing the risk of skidding on wet or icy roads.
Additionally, by providing a good grip on the road, tire tread direction can help riders brake and corner more effectively, which can help avoid accidents.
Which way should the tread on a road bike tire go?
- The tread on a road bike tire should go in the direction of the front wheel.
- The tread on a road bike tire should go in the direction of the wheel’s rotation.
- The front wheel is the one that propels the bike forward, so it makes sense that the tread would go in that direction.
- Finally, if the tread on the rear tire is going in the wrong direction, it can cause the bike to skid when braking.
Conclusion
So, there you have it.
The tread on your road bike tires should go in the direction of rotation.
This will help to protect against punctures and give you better traction when cornering.
Do you have any other tips for new cyclists?
Share them with us in the comments below!
