I have these Panaracer CG XC tires. They lack any arrows so the rider on their own determining how to mount them.




Am I right in thinking that having both oriented so that the ramps on those knobs strike first should be somewhat faster with less rolling resistance but with a little less bite? Would you mount them both in the same direction or one one way the other the opposite?

What are your thoughts?

Here are two reviews of these tires: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/cove-h...view-2010.html
https://blistergearreview.com/gear-re...-am-cg-4x-am/2

In the first review he says he mounted them the "traditional way" and by the looks of that the ramps face backwards (I'd have thought traditional would have been the opposite):

I doubt you'd be able to notice any difference. At least you're not likely to hydroplane!
Steve

^ Agreed. Almost certain that you couldn't tell the difference if you were prevented from seeing the tires.

In theory I guess I'd mount the rear tire so the squared-off face hits first for a miniscule bit of extra traction from pedaling and the front one the opposite way for a similar insignificant bit of extra traction when braking. But if they were mine I'd just grab them and put them on the rims without paying any attention to the direction.

If the ramps face rearwards at the top of the tire, they’ll face the front at the bottom of the tire.

Place the label on the right side of the wheel. Bike tires can't hydroplane.

I very much doubt that it matters, but is acceleration or braking more important to you?

I would guess for the rear, ramps facing rearward so the flat faced knobs bite in the dirt better while applying power. Reverse for the front for better traction while braking.

I'm with Cranky on this one.

It makes no difference. (Or very little, maybe)

If it matters, the tire mold will include an arrow.

Or just ask Panaracer. .

If they are wide enough and you are going fast enough, sure they can.

And what if there are labels on both sides?

Here's a relevant thread: panaracer cg ac am rotating direction- Mtbr.com

I like this answer:

I know this... I was joking.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/tyres.html#hydroplaning
Steve

You are sol.


Bicycle tire tread pattern is a canoe shape making it impossible unless you can hit 150mph.

This.

Also, align the label with the valve stem. This is good when you get a flat - after you find a puncture in the tube, you'll know how the tyre was oriented and where too look for the object that pierced the tube - and get it out.

You would definitely need to be going at a very good clip (as I said), again depending on the width, but just pointing out that it is possible.

And it has more to do with the overall width than the tread pattern. Yes, the tread pattern has an influence on how much water can be channeled away from the contact patch, but it's more to do with pressure and surface area. The wider the tire, the easier it is to hydroplane. As mentioned in another thread, this is why rally racers use very skinny tires in the snow. It's the same principle.

Slanted ramps forward on both front and rear. The ramping helps reduce rolling resistance and sets up the tire for entering turns. Some guys might run the rear one reversed to aid climbing and braking traction--I don't. If one looks at other brands that are rotationally labeled, they spec that the ramps are forward.

(on the bottom of the tire) Slanted ramps to the rear for braking. Slanted ramps to the fore for climbing.

I know this is silly, but how wide?

This is good practice (like lacing a wheel so the hub maker's label is visible through the valve hole). I've started using the tire inflation pressure marking for the same reason. Also, no more looking around the wheel if I have forgotten the pressure rating as I often do.
Steve

Lots of variables. But if they were as wide as motocross tires, you could probably get away with going a bit slower than this guy, since you wouldn't be as heavy.

Until you show someone on a bicycle doing it this discussion is bull****.

It's a dirt tire -- whether you can hydroplane on a smooth wet road with a bicycle tire is 100% irrelevant to the OP's question.

which way is this thread's direction?