I just got the REI Randonee touring bike. I switched the tires to the Conti Top Touring. The mechanic there said the tread is opposite for the front and rear tire. The V of the tread is facing one direction on the front tire and the opposite on the rear. It seems weird to me! He explained the company did this to get more traction on the rear tire. Can anyone vouch for this? I've only seen the tread going the same direction on both the front and rear wheel. Thanks for any input!