Originally Posted by
Unca_Sam
You could do that if you want, you maniac! WTB and other manufacturers and riders think that front wheels and back wheels have different roles.
WTB Velociraptor rear oriented for dry/XC direction.
The rear wheel drives, so this design has big chevron blocks for traction, which also presents a stable surface to keep the rear end from squirming on roots in climbs. Cornering stability is provided by those blocks on the shoulder.
The front wheel steers, so there's less emphasis on big blocks that dig into the terrain, and more emphasis on blocks with greater lateral area and an arrow-shaped block that helps the steering feel quicker. At least that was the story in the early 90s.
My MTB experience is mostly only with rehabbing them, almost no riding, too much work and never really "dug" into it.
I wouldn't know the difference no way, no how but have seen it, just responded to Brent's post with my real thoughts but what do I know.
It had to have a motor to get me off in the puckerbrush back in the day, once I got to the street on them it was drag racing twice a week for 25+ years receiving and delivering many, many azz whoopins and a heck of a lot of fun.
The difference between front and rear at the track was always the difference between the two.
