BobbyG

Had a little snow last Thursday, so I mounted my Nokian Suomi W-106 tires yesterday and went for a shakedown ride on dry pavement.

This was the first ride on the tires since I converted the bike to drop bars a couple of weeks ago.

With the 26x1.85 summer slicks the new and lighter drop-bars gave the bike a livelier, more playful feel. So I couldn't wait to see how the revised bike would be with the heavier, duller studded tires with their higher rolling resistance and reduced grippiness on dry pavement. Actually, the combination of shoulder knobs and studs have made for a slightly skittish combination.

Well, the bike was still lively and fun, although my average speed was down about 1.5 mph from the summer tires which is what it had been in the past. Stability was good (which I was worried about with the new center of gravity) and although the heavy bike was still a chore to pedal up a long, gradual uphill on one of my routes, my hands didn't ache after the ride, and my hips no longer seem to mind the long cranks with the new riding position.

So now I am awaiting snow and ice with as much eagerness as when I first bought the tires a few years ago, but with less uncertainty.

Brrrrr-ing it!

mcours2006

I've got the W106s on one of my bikes. They are surprising decent rolling and confident inspiring. Not ready to put them on yet, though.

John_1961

I run Shark Tooth 26" studed tires on my Reid Hercule
Fat Bike.

sweeks

I have Nokian Extreme 294 tires on my mountain bike. They are pretty much fun on snow and ice. I won't need them here in the Chicago area for another month or so.


Riding on a frozen lake!