Originally Posted by
Rick Smith
The problem (so I've heard) with studded tires is that they either slow you down or get rubbed down on exposed pavement (after the ice melts). If this is the case, I'd be prone to changing them out on a near-daily schedule to save the time and wear and tear. But then I'd spend all my time after work changing tires out during the icy months of the year.
If you buy cheap, crappy studded tires, they'll wear down.
I have Nokians which have carbide studs. Last year was the 3rd year on them. Almost all my riding is on dry pavement, they're there for when I get to the part of my route that is ice and packed snow (about 4 miles each way). They still look almost new.
Yes, they slow you down a bit, but not really that much. It's not like you're going to be a speed demon in the winter anyway. What, you afraid you might have to work too hard?
Besides, it's SO DAMN MUCH FUN in the spring when you take them off and put the slicks back on; you feel like you're gliding on butter for a few days.