Continental TopTouring 2000 tire orientation confusing sidewall print
 

I got a pair of NOS Continental TopTouring 2000 tires i'm wanting to use on my commuter bike (a Giant Trooper touring bike with only the frame original and built up with dropbars, sti and xt canti's).

The tires have a V-groove shape and luckily there are intructions on the side wall of the tires. But... very confusing. It says:

front .... rear
< ...... >

I can interpret it like;
If this tire is used as front tire, this is the direction

or I can interpret it like;
This is the back of the bike, this is the front

I'm gonna use the tires on mainly hard road (tarmac) zo grip is not the most important thing. Any advice?

here mtbr review of the conti top touring 2000
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/tires-and-wh...88_151crx.aspx

This Tire?

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Vintage-Conti...bsQ~~60_58.JPG

I would put them on with the closed part of the V rotating in the direction of travel in the front. Then the open part of the V rotating in the direction of travel in the rear.

It seems to be designed as daul purpose tire to allow good handling in the front but maximum traction in the rear.

They want the front and rear tires facing in opposite directions. bk

Um...we already have a tire direction thread...just 8-10 links below...

=8-)

will look it up, mrrabiit!

My version of the conti TT 2000 is a 700x40c (42-622), 28" version without the yellow markings.

Im not planning to do a year sabbatical and travel 10.000 km so will do it as described direct below my OP. Thx!