parkbrav

I'm feeling lazy about putting on the winter tires this winter. Do I really need to put them (Cost: $50 for labor plus a possible tune up costing $$$)

More Detail

* These past 5 winters have been mild!
* I only cycle once a week for groceries
* When I go out and cycle, it's daylight and it should be 0C / 32F out
* if it's brutal out I can always grab an uber

Other side of the coin:
* There's usually white ice on the road all winter
* Uber can add up really quickly

I'm wondering, do I really need the expense or better safe than sorry?

_ForceD_

I live in coastal RI. Can’t tell you if you really need to change (I don’t but I’m strictly a road cyclist). But if you want the tires on…this is really 30 minutes or less job.

Dan

parkbrav

Thanks Dan! Whenever I try to change a tube, a get a flat almost immediately. That's about when I give up and call the mechanic. is there a source you can point me to in terms of how to change a bike tire?

_ForceD_

Try this video from Park Tool.


Dan

Colorado Kid

I'm in the same boat. I live in CO and man it gets cold and Snowy here. Studded tires are worth it. Ok, they are costly but worth it. Maybe you can find "almost new" tires on E-Bay or somewhere else. Check with your LBS. I often look through their scrap pile for bargains. (You never know what you will find.)

Bald Paul

Having lived in New England for the majority of my life, I know that past winters mean...... NOTHING. (I vividly remember the Blizzard of '78)
"Black Ice" is one of the most dangerous situations you can encounter on the road. Dumping your bike on a patch of black ice while returning from your grocery run could mean more than a few broken eggs. You could end up in the middle of the road, and those vehicles coming towards you won't realize that THEY are on the same patch of black ice, and cannot stop or turn to avoid you. Usually, the snowbanks from the plows along the side of the road make the streets narrow anyway, so your options are limited.
Check into grocery delivery services. They may be less expensive than Uber, and would definitely be safer and more convenient than riding.

Thulsadoom

I've been cycling for over 20 years in northern NY winters and I've never run winter tires. Just 26" wheels with cruiser tires.

Changing bicycle tires is easy and anyone can do it.

ironwood

When you say winter tires, do you mean studded tires? I guess if you have ice, either black ice or white(?) ice, studs might be necessary. I don't ride on ice, and I don't really like salt, so there are days I don't bike.

MinnMan

Mounting "winter" (=studded?) tires is hard, for sure. It's those thick sidewalls that get me. I struggle with it, and it takes more than 30 minutes. Definitely.

Though it hasn't ever occurred to me to pay somebody else to do it.

Now, were I to get a flat tire out on the road, I don't think I could manage it. The tires are super-hard to mount indoors, when they are warm. It's that much harder when the rubber is cold. And my hands.
Fortunately, I've never had a flat with studded tires. Road debris is less of an issue when there's snow on the ground. Pinch flats could happen, I s'pose.

rumrunn6

if it isn't dangerous, it isn't fun. just kidding. ride 'em if you got 'em

but I hear ya. I do the same internal argument for my car's winter tires

parkbrav

Thanks everyone! I took your advice, I put the studs on ... myself this year !!! with a $$$ ton of savings. If it works, it's a Christmas miracle.

So I just wanted to say thanks to everyone, especially Force D, because the Park Tool video was very helpful! Thanks, Dan!