Is it normal for a brand new bicycle to have different tires in front and in back?

Question

its a bmx, and theyre both the same size. but the back one seems more for speed, and the front looks like its for traction.

And by the way wouldnt the traction wheel go better in the back because thats where the force is being applied

Answer 1

Normally they'd be the same but it doesn't really matter, i mean if you want the front one on the back just switch em

Answer 2

yea sometimes

Answer 3

I don't know about BMX bikes but this is not an unusual set up for mountain bikes.  The tire in the rear carries a majority of the rider's weight so putting a tire with low rolling resistance there contributes to the speed.  Putting the same type of tire up front would be dangerous as it needs to have more traction for braking and turning.  If your rear tire loses traction you will just spin out,  If your front tire loses traction you will crash.  Your front tire is subject to most of your weight when braking and also has to deal with lateral forces that your rear isn't.    A relatively smooth tire in back will still have plenty of traction, proper width and inflation pressure will affect your traction as much as tread style.