Any recent experiences with 16" or 18" studded tires?
10-24-23, 11:40 AM
#1
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Any recent experiences with 16" or 18" studded tires?
Hi All, I've read that the Schwalbe 349mm Brompton Winter studded tires kinda suck (e.g., get flats easily), but I'm wondering if anyone here has had more recent experiences with them, or with their Birdy 355mm studded siblings, which I can also fit? Looking to prepare for the Winter commute.
https://www.schwalbetires.com/Winter-11100906
https://www.schwalbetires.com/Winter-11100906
12-22-23, 09:42 PM
#2
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Sorry late the game but I own those tires and love them. My expectations were low but my first ride proved otherwise. They worked well on ice and snow. I don't ride in the winter anymore but I have no hesitations to recommend them. These tires are pretty stiff and thick so I am surprised to hear they flatted as I never had this problem. The only problem I had was installation and removal, they are tight but will go on and off.
12-22-23, 11:09 PM
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Similarly positive experiences here. I rode on 16" studded Winter Marathons a couple of serious winters, and they performed well for me. The difficulties with mounting and dismounting them are evidence of poor skills. Yes, you can do it with bare hands and it is not a big deal. Practice slowly and methodically when you can afford it - it will save you time later. There are some benefits in riding on small wheels in winter in that reaching the ground with your feet and regaining balance is easier than with a large wheel bicycle.
12-23-23, 08:48 AM
#4
Schwinnasaur
It has now been some time since I last rode a full size bike, but this seems questionable because it seems like the BB is the same height and the cranks are the same length. Am I wrong on this?
12-23-23, 09:55 AM
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If you are worried about flats you can use tire liners. I don't have studded tires on my folder, but I do on my old 26" MTB. All my bikes have tire liners except my 16" Dahon project bike, and it will after the next upgrade.
12-23-23, 11:30 AM
#6
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The main tube and the frame's center of gravity are lower. There is less interference between the frame and your legs, so you can tolerate more sideways tilt of the frame without falling. Moreover, at the torque level, it is easier for your hands to manipulate the sideways tilt - at least, this is how I try to rationalize the feeling. My wife refuses to ride a full-size bike in the snow but can be convinced to ride a studded Brompton.
12-23-23, 12:12 PM
#7
Schwinnasaur
The main tube and the frame's center of gravity are lower. There is less interference between the frame and your legs, so you can tolerate more sideways tilt of the frame without falling. Moreover, at the torque level, it is easier for your hands to manipulate the sideways tilt - at least, this is how I try to rationalize the feeling. My wife refuses to ride a full-size bike in the snow but can be convinced to ride a studded Brompton.
