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!

Yep it's true! I asked this question some time back after looking at the tread direction on the side of the tire.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...read+direction

Thanks for the information! I did a search after I submitted the question and ran across the information.

I'll answer this! I'll answer this! After making a fool of myself with Hilly's original question:

Yes, they are bi-directional -- one way on the front and the other on the rear. Check the sidewall. It's one of the most counterintuitive things I've ever seen on a bike.