Studded tires
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Dog Walking Land in Michigan
Posts: 59
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Studded tires
MY goal the last two years has been to ride as much of the winter as I can, I live in MI. (I ride daily not racing, on pavement,gravel and trails. (hoping for 3,600 this year) I have tried and whimped out. I have tweeked my clothing each year and this year I think I have the clothing correct. My bike, I have got my spare trek ready I hope. Rack and panniers and hopefully best of all Studded Tires. I rode the 30 miles the directions said to set the studs.
Anyone used studded tires? Results good or bad? Tips?
Anyone used studded tires? Results good or bad? Tips?
#3
Si Senior
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Naperville, Illinois
Posts: 2,669
Bikes: Too Numerous (not)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
8 Posts
I commute all winter long. Some of those days I would never choose to ride --but I gotta work. I'm skeptical of studded bike tires but am curious of your experiences with them. I am careful on ice (have to stay directly over the bike on all turns). It's heavy, rutted, and unplowed snow that will stop you. It's like riding in heavy sand --can't do it.
#4
Plays in traffic
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,971
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
9 Posts
I haven't missed a day commuting to work since July 2006. In part, it's due to studs. They take all the worry out of icy surfaces. (Note that in the photo above, studs, or even snow tires, weren't necessary that day since the snow was so gushy it just squoze out from under the tires.)
No matter how many tons of salt the DPW throws down, there's always a few strategically placed patches of ice that get missed. And side streets are never salted here, so in the course of a Great Lakes winter, hardpack turns to ice, a warm day melts it a bit, then a cold night re-freezes it to icy ruts. Studs can get me through.
Two things to keep in mind: First, studs help only on ice. They don't do a thing for you in snow or hardpack. Helpfully, studs come attached to winter tires that do help in those cases. But if your cycling is only occasional, and only in snow without any ice, you can get by without them.
Second, the purpose of studs on a two-wheeled vehicle is different than on a four-wheeled one. They're not there to help you get going--although they help with that. They're there to keep the wheels from sliding out sideways from beneath you.
As for their efficacy on ice, I've ridden on surfaces that I can't stand on--let alone walk--and where cars just slide sideways. I have plenty of stories about riding around cars, trucks, even buses that just spin, spin, spin, and riding past pedestrians walking like penguins.
Now, if your cycling is off-road, and you're not riding across ponds, they may not be necessary at all. Off-road isn't my thing in any weather, so I can't say.
Last edited by tsl; 10-14-12 at 03:16 PM. Reason: weather not whether Sheesh.
#5
Senior member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Oakville Ontario
Posts: 8,127
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 948 Post(s)
Liked 666 Times
in
377 Posts
I cycle year round here in southern Ontario where the climate is very similar to what you have in Michigan. I equip one of my bikes with studded tires for rides where there is a risk of encountering ice. The tires I've been using are Schwalbe Marathon Winter, great for ice, not so great for snow.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,489
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
TSL's photo says it all. I ride year round and use studded tires as well. They don't make much difference in deep snow, but on packed snow and ice, they make a positive difference. This is the kind of stuff on which I ride with them.
__________________
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Dog Walking Land in Michigan
Posts: 59
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
WOW thanks all for the tips and your encouraging winter rides. I {{fell**** last Halloween on frost, on the railroad bridge. Not bad, I bounced but it kept me from riding winter weather. This year a new approach and attitude and am ready to readjust my riding which is the biggest thing I know I have to do.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,592
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5234 Post(s)
Liked 3,609 Times
in
2,357 Posts
get studs cuz you never know when you'll come across a slick surface like frosty wood or black ice
#9
Senior Member
I live in Kalamazoo and my son and I have been using these Nokian A10 around town during the winter. I plan to use a more aggressive W106 on my 29er so I can have some winter fun on the trails as well.
Marc
Marc
#10
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
I cycle year round here in southern Ontario where the climate is very similar to what you have in Michigan. I equip one of my bikes with studded tires for rides where there is a risk of encountering ice. The tires I've been using are Schwalbe Marathon Winter, great for ice, not so great for snow.
During the winter, I keep one bike with studded tires and another bike with knobby touring tires. The bike with studded tires is used when some firm ice is expected but deep snow is not going to be encountered. I use the bike with the knobby tires on days when just a few short sections of snow or ice might be found along with very long sections of dry pavement. I stay off the bike when most of the road is covered with ice or snow.
Studded ties are not needed on most days in Chicago. If you use common sense, knobby tires are good enough on well plowed and salted city streets.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 10-19-12 at 08:01 AM.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 2,061
Bikes: 2012 Trek DS 8.5 all weather hybrid, 2008 LeMond Poprad cyclocross, 1992 Cannondale R500 roadbike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bill (aka qcpmsame),
You, and every one of your Florida friends are BARRED from posting on this thread!
... That would be just way too mean...
You, and every one of your Florida friends are BARRED from posting on this thread!
... That would be just way too mean...
#12
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
Snow comes most years and that is time to get the MTB out and get on the hills. Problem is the route to the hills involves a couple of miles of road.Most of the roads are salted so no problem with sheet ice- just the occasional bit that you take with care but on a couple of sections of Asphalt- it is sheet ice. It could be time to walk there but too slippery -even for MTB aggressive soles on the shoes.
But as soon as it is snow on soil- no problem till the snow gets too deep to cycle through.
But as soon as it is snow on soil- no problem till the snow gets too deep to cycle through.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 679
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've never used studded tires and don't want to, at least so far. I do fall once or twice a winter, usually under difficult conditions at a slow speed. It happens when there is ice that can't be seen because it is under snow.
I have my route or my time arranged so that the fall does not happen in traffic. I used to do some very early shifts and would start the commute at 4:30 am.
When I do see the ice I have become very comfortable riding on it, even if is glare and slick from a warm day. That took awhile and won't happen for everyone.
So far no damage at all from the thumps. I think they might even help keep a person flexible.
Charge!!!
I have my route or my time arranged so that the fall does not happen in traffic. I used to do some very early shifts and would start the commute at 4:30 am.
When I do see the ice I have become very comfortable riding on it, even if is glare and slick from a warm day. That took awhile and won't happen for everyone.
So far no damage at all from the thumps. I think they might even help keep a person flexible.
Charge!!!
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Dog Walking Land in Michigan
Posts: 59
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks again all, perhaps I was putting to much hope and faith into the tires. I "plan" on adjusting my riding, that has been one of my biggest problems and why I quit each winter.
#15
Formerly Known as Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Posts: 6,249
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
In my experience, studded tyres do make all the difference on ice and hard packed snow, as stated already. I have Nokian W106s myself and they seem to do the job for me.
Winter cycling is different in many aspects and will probably require adjustments in your riding anyway. For me, spinning seems even more important than in summer conditions. If you have found the joys of layered clothing, you are all set in that department. Personally, I don't like clipless pedals in winter, I prefer proper winter boots and platform pedals. But that depends on your riding temps and is also a matter of taste. Keep lower pressure in your studded tyres than you would otherwise. It will add to rolling resistance, but it'll help with grip and dealing with icy ruts.
Depending on your route and climate, have a plan B ready for your transportation. Even the simplest mechanical problems (replacing a flat tube for example, ask me how I know) can be really difficult to fix if it's cold, dark and snowing. At the very least carry extra clothes so you can walk a bit if needed. That's another reason why I prefer shoes without cleats in winter.
You need good lights in the dark. Modern LEDs are very good, but batteries are nuisance in cold temps. Again, personal preference, but I "upgraded" to a dynohub based front LED a couple of winters ago, and haven't really looked back.
But these are really MY solutions. You cannot know what suits YOU before you try out yourself. Happy winter riding!
--J
Winter cycling is different in many aspects and will probably require adjustments in your riding anyway. For me, spinning seems even more important than in summer conditions. If you have found the joys of layered clothing, you are all set in that department. Personally, I don't like clipless pedals in winter, I prefer proper winter boots and platform pedals. But that depends on your riding temps and is also a matter of taste. Keep lower pressure in your studded tyres than you would otherwise. It will add to rolling resistance, but it'll help with grip and dealing with icy ruts.
Depending on your route and climate, have a plan B ready for your transportation. Even the simplest mechanical problems (replacing a flat tube for example, ask me how I know) can be really difficult to fix if it's cold, dark and snowing. At the very least carry extra clothes so you can walk a bit if needed. That's another reason why I prefer shoes without cleats in winter.
You need good lights in the dark. Modern LEDs are very good, but batteries are nuisance in cold temps. Again, personal preference, but I "upgraded" to a dynohub based front LED a couple of winters ago, and haven't really looked back.
But these are really MY solutions. You cannot know what suits YOU before you try out yourself. Happy winter riding!
--J
__________________
To err is human. To moo is bovine.
Who is this General Failure anyway, and why is he reading my drive?
Become a Registered Member in Bike Forums
Community guidelines
To err is human. To moo is bovine.
Who is this General Failure anyway, and why is he reading my drive?
Become a Registered Member in Bike Forums
Community guidelines
#16
Semper Fi
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,943
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1173 Post(s)
Liked 358 Times
in
241 Posts
Bill
__________________
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 2,061
Bikes: 2012 Trek DS 8.5 all weather hybrid, 2008 LeMond Poprad cyclocross, 1992 Cannondale R500 roadbike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 5,798
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4441 Post(s)
Liked 3,067 Times
in
1,896 Posts
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 5,798
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4441 Post(s)
Liked 3,067 Times
in
1,896 Posts
I have studded tires (Kenda Klondike) that I use on an old mountain bike that I just use in winter. I sometimes wonder how necessary they are. In Minnesota, we don't have too much ice, just snow (it's commonly too cold for the thaw and freeze cycle). I'm thinking of running knobby tires this winter instead. The studs - particularly carbide studs on a fat tire - make for a heavy tire with lots of rolling resistance. Holding 14 MPH on the winterbike takes about the same effort as 20 MPH on a road bike (both on a dry road).
Carbide studs last longer than steel studs. The studs on my Klondikes have been through a full season and still more or less look new - I'd guess they'll last 4-5 seasons at least.
Carbide studs last longer than steel studs. The studs on my Klondikes have been through a full season and still more or less look new - I'd guess they'll last 4-5 seasons at least.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,489
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
Fixed it for you
__________________
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
Last edited by NOS88; 10-19-12 at 10:30 AM.
#22
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
I'm thinking of running knobby tires this winter instead. The studs - particularly carbide studs on a fat tire - make for a heavy tire with lots of rolling resistance. Holding 14 MPH on the winterbike takes about the same effort as 20 MPH on a road bike (both on a dry road).
I've used the Schwalbe Marathon Cross as a winter tire with very good results. The tire is fast on dry pavement and is stable on flat ice and hardpack snow while centered over the bike. Yes, a fall is a risk, but the rider would need to brake or turn abruptly at a faster pace to invite disaster. The Schwalbe Marathon Cross is no longer sold, but the Schwalbe Marathon Dureme should work equally well on mostly dry winter streets.
Continental has a stud-less winter tire, the Top Contact Winter, that is engineered for winter and provides traction without studs: https://www.conti-online.com/generato...remium_en.html
The Top Contact Winter tire may not offer the high levels of grip on ice and hardpack snow that a studded tire offers, but is much faster on dry pavement.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 10-19-12 at 02:59 PM.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,489
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
You all raise a good point about icy days versus other days. For this reason, I keep my studded tires mounted on their own set of wheels. This way when we've got decent weather, I just swap out the wheels. I've only been caught once in a commuting situation with the wrong wheels. When I went to work the weather was great. During the day we got hit was an unexpected snow shower. That ride home was a bit more skittish, but made it safely.
__________________
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
#24
Plays in traffic
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,971
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
9 Posts
What happens is that, because we use the front for balance, when it goes out, you go down fast and hard--almost no time for recovery. When the rear slides out, you can sometimes ride it out. If not, you can almost always get a foot down in time.
#25
Senior Member
I've always used Nokian Hakkipillta W-106. I put them on in December and take them off in March. They are well suited to the icy freeze and thaw conditions we have here. Simce my normal tires are Schwalbe Marathon Plus semi-slicks, the W-106 are also an improvement in snow.
Last year, I tried Schwalbe Marathon WInters. They have less rolling resistance than the Nokians. I bought them because the commute to my new office involves a MUP which evil joggers chew up into an icy moonscape. I figured that the higher stud count and presence of edge studs would be better for riding in and out of all the craters. The jury is still out, because last year had very little snow. However, when the season ended, I was amazed by how many studs had fallen out. My impression is that they outperform the Nokians, but have a quality problem.
Last winter wasn't entirely a bust. Our one snowstorm was very intense and brough a lot of ice with it. Traffic came to a sandstill and many people who tried to drive home along my route got stucks and spent the night in their cars. In contrast, it took me only a few minutes longer than usual to get home. It just takes one evening like that to make them worthwhile.
Some studded tires do not have carbide studs. These will wear out almost immediately and are trash. Nokians typically last at least 4-5 seasons.
Paul
Last year, I tried Schwalbe Marathon WInters. They have less rolling resistance than the Nokians. I bought them because the commute to my new office involves a MUP which evil joggers chew up into an icy moonscape. I figured that the higher stud count and presence of edge studs would be better for riding in and out of all the craters. The jury is still out, because last year had very little snow. However, when the season ended, I was amazed by how many studs had fallen out. My impression is that they outperform the Nokians, but have a quality problem.
Last winter wasn't entirely a bust. Our one snowstorm was very intense and brough a lot of ice with it. Traffic came to a sandstill and many people who tried to drive home along my route got stucks and spent the night in their cars. In contrast, it took me only a few minutes longer than usual to get home. It just takes one evening like that to make them worthwhile.
Some studded tires do not have carbide studs. These will wear out almost immediately and are trash. Nokians typically last at least 4-5 seasons.
Paul