Bicycle Mechanics - Continental Tire Thread Direction

Hey Everyone,

The Continental Ultra Gatorskins have a tire thread direction that needs to be followed when installed on a rim.
Does anyone know the consequences (if any) if this isn't followed and it's installed in the opposing direction?

Thanks
Mike

I don't know of any consequences, but that doesn't mean anything.

My understanding has always been that labels on wheels (hub, rim, tire) were set up to be read from the drive side of the bike, and have put my tires on according to that. I'd be happy for someone to disabuse me of that notion.

I don't know of any consequences, but that doesn't mean anything.

My understanding has always been that labels on wheels (hub, rim, tire) were set up to be read from the drive side of the bike, and have put my tires on according to that. I'd be happy for someone to disabuse me of that notion.

I agree but some tires like what I use, Michelin Pro2 Race have the same label on both sides.
The tires I've seen with a preferred rotation have directional arrows.

It probably won't hurt anything on backwards. The reason for the direction is so that the water comes out from under the tire not have a tendancy to stay under it. Its the same reason tractor tires are directional. Roger

The bike will roll backwards.

The bike will roll backwards.

:D Good one!

The reason for the direction is so that the water comes out from under the tire not have a tendancy to stay under it. Its the same reason tractor tires are directional. Roger

+1 except with these particular tires. They don't really have a tread so-to-speak. There is some asymmetrical design on it, but it is so far to the side that I don't think that is touches the road very often. I really don't think that it matters that much with these tires. Unless rolling backwards is a bad thing.

http://sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#direction

Thanks for your input guys.

There are no consequences. Bike tires don't hydroplane. Chanelling water from under the tire is not an issue. I discovered that my Gatorskins were on backwards when I spotted the tiny arrows on the sidewalls. I took the trouble to turn them around, but I knew it wasn't necessary. It would have bothered me every time I looked at the bike, though.

The bike will roll backwards.


And if you put them on facing opposite directions you will be stuck where you are.

:D

And if you put them on facing opposite directions you will be stuck where you are.

:D

I've heard if you put them on inside out, you'll travel back in time...

I've heard if you put them on inside out, you'll travel back in time...

Whoa.

- Official Quote from Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure

I agree completely with Sheldom Brown that direction makes no difference at all. And yet every time I mount a tire backwards something just makes me take it back off and turn it around.

There is something very wrong with me.

I agree completely with Sheldom Brown that direction makes no difference at all. And yet every time I mount a tire backwards something just makes me take it back off and turn it around.

There is something very wrong with me.


I know *exactly* how you feel. Do you want a red pill or a blue pill?

...

Red will do just fine. Thanks.

You want to know where the rotation arrow is on Continental Ultra gatorskins?
Go to the side with the red printing, Find the Continental Logo. measure from the center of the logo, You'll find the arrow 14-16 inches to the right, depending on how you measure(straight across or along the outside). It will be pointing toward the logo.

The Go to the Conti website and look for a clue. I think that Conti changed their label and tread pattern for the UGS. The old ones it was lable to drive side.

Red will do just fine. Thanks.

Make sure you put the pointy end in first.

Make sure you put the pointy end in first.

Thanks guys, really got my money's worth on this one. :o
Keep spinning! :)
Mike

People will point and laugh. :D

People will point and laugh. :D

:)