I see many discussions. Allow me to one shot clear the
air.
New tyres are used in the front because of 2 main reasons. Steering
& braking. When steering, the tyres are subjected to high
shearing force, therefore it is impt to keep the best tyres for
that. Also, when braking, all forces are thrown to the front.
That's why most load is absorbed by the front suspensions and the
remaining load on the tyres. We call them 70% front 30% rear.
Rethreaded tyres however are also quite good in quality. Even if
they are to be used in front it will also be OK. The front tyre's
lifespan and condition apart from the braking & steering
capabilities of the bus, it also depend on the king pin condition.
If the kingpin is slack, the wheel tend to rattle or toe in/out and
causes uneven wear. So that's why you can see part of the tyre wear
badly yet the other part is OK.
Comparing between michelins and Bridgestones, in SBS bus
applications, the maximum speed is only 60kph. Even with severe
load, the bus can only generate so much load. So grip is quite
ample for any of the bus tyres found in the market today.
However, I personally support only 3 brands of tyres Pirelli,
Metzeler(only produces motorcycle tyres) & michelin. Because
when I play track, I am jamming brakes sometimes at speeds of
250kph. So apart from the Bitubo & Ohlins suspensions which I
used before supports my demand, the tyres are also equally impt.
And Only these 3 brands give me that type of confidence. I never
recommend Bridgestone & dunlops for high performance uses.
