Mountain Biking - Rear tire rotation

I'm putting new WTB Velociraptor tires on my bike, and I'm wondering how much difference there is as to which way the rear rotates? One way is for downhill/mud, and the other is marked cross country/dry.

Well it's not really muddy where I ride, but it sure ain't dry either! Plenty of wet leaves, rocks, and roots to slide around on. I've never had the option before, and I realize I should(and probably will) try it both ways...I'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions.

Thanks...

I have good results mounting in the "Cross Country/dry" orientation. In New Hampshire it's often like you describe. Some mud, some dry, some loose, some hard pack, some leaves, some roots, some rocks, etc.

Thanks Chris. Have you used the Velociraptor in NH? I live on the coast, and bought the WTB's to replace the CST Caballero's that came on bike.

The "dry" option will roll faster. The "mud" option will get better traction. Decide which you need.

Thanks Chris. Have you used the Velociraptor in NH? I live on the coast, and bought the WTB's to replace the CST Caballero's that came on bike.

Yup, it's the best rear tire I've ever used. Other NH riders I've talked to report the same.

The "dry" option will roll faster. The "mud" option will get better traction. Decide which you need.

I found I had more climbing traction (the most critical for me) with the tire in the "dry" orientation. The paddles seem arranged in more of a "scoop" fashion that way too.

Then the tire is backwards of most other tires, forgive me. I have never run them because they're boat anchors.

Then the tire is backwards of most other tires, forgive me. I have never run them because they're boat anchors.

Skip a couple of donuts and they will seem lighter.:rolleyes:

Velociraptor just sounds cool like a mean dinosaur..

Skip a couple of donuts and they will seem lighter.:rolleyes:

Nope, cause I'll still be under 5% body fat regardless. :p

I've used them before,to be honest neither direction worked well on wet roots for me. And neither rolled very well for me either. I found them just OK in the mud, but they did really well in the dry loose soil of the river bottoms, sandy clay, and pea sized gravel.