V-tread winter tires
02-12-13, 10:44 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
V-tread winter tires
From the V-shape of the tread, it appears that the Kenda Klondike tires are directional. If so, I have a question about these that also related to the V-tread tires I currently have on my winter bike (not winter tires, just knobby).
In wet weather, you want V-treaded tires with the V pointing in the direction of the tire spin to split the water and/or slush. It would seem to me that in slippery conditions, such as snow or mud, V-treads installed as above would lend themselves to tire spin.
Can anyone confirm/deny? Would this assessment also apply to the Kenda Klondike too?
Thanks,
Jules
In wet weather, you want V-treaded tires with the V pointing in the direction of the tire spin to split the water and/or slush. It would seem to me that in slippery conditions, such as snow or mud, V-treads installed as above would lend themselves to tire spin.
Can anyone confirm/deny? Would this assessment also apply to the Kenda Klondike too?
Thanks,
Jules
02-12-13, 10:57 AM
#2
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It doesn't really matter. Google "Sheldon Brown" and "tires" and you'll read a lot of good info.
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02-12-13, 11:03 AM
#3
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Not that it apparently actually matters for bicycle tires, but they should be oriented so that the point of the v comes in contact with the road first. This means that while you straddle your bicycle and look down at your front tire (fenders permitting), the >>> of the treads should be "pointing" forward, or, if you are in front of your bike and looking at your front tire, the point of the v should be pointing to the ground.
02-12-13, 11:08 AM
#4
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I doubt it would make any difference. Note that there will be squarish parts of the tread pointing forward no matter which way you mount the tires.
02-12-13, 11:08 AM
#5
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Thread Starter
Yes, I understand this which is why I stated the the V is pointing in the direction of the tire spin. (However, I am one of those bad boys who turns his bike upside down to change the tires and have flipped the bike over to discover that I didn't take the flip into consideration and had to do it again. 
)
)
02-12-13, 11:09 AM
#6
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It won't make the tire spin more. Keep the point of the tread pointing forward.
02-12-13, 11:24 AM
#7
Senior Member
There are two minor reasons for having the V in the direction of travel. First is that it sheds mud and snow a little better that way so your tires won't clog up with road gunk, second is that it looks better. If it's the tire on your front wheel, just take the wheel off and flip it. No need to remove & re-install the tire.
02-12-13, 12:13 PM
#8
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Thread Starter
02-12-13, 12:24 PM
#9
Senior Member
Sorry, I forgot about discs. Well, at least it'll give you practice changing tires. May come in handy someday if you have to change a roadside flat. 
02-12-13, 06:12 PM
#10
we be rollin'
Just a passing comment that I find the Kenda K-898 to be awesome in the snow. Any tire can slide on thick, heavy slush, but this one surprises me for a cheap tire.
