[ocguy2004]

this may seem like a silly question, but is there proper installation for tires regarding the direction of the treads? just got a pair on Kenda's and noticed that the center knobs are sloped on one side but not the other. should the sloped side on the knobs be facing forward or backward...of doesn't it matter?

 

[ocguy2004]

slope towards front

for anyone interested...heard back from Kenda...they say:
"The slope side of the knobs should face front of the bike on both wheels, but if you think you may need more traction in the rear wheel, you could have face it opposite direction "

 

[fsrxc]

for anyone interested...heard back from Kenda...they say:
"The slope side of the knobs should face front of the bike on both wheels, but if you think you may need more traction in the rear wheel, you could have face it opposite direction "

Yeah, rear is your choice. If you face the ramp forward, it rolls best and has good braking, but climbing traction can suffer. Other way round, better climbing traction, more rolling resistance, and braking can suffer.

Generally, with the ramp forward, I find is the best compromise, since when climbing, most of my weight is on the rear wheel, so with the right tire pressure, the tire usually hooks up pretty well (unless it's a design with no forward grip anyway).