Winter Cycling - For you studded tire users.......

Due to a little extra cash that fell into my lap this week I plan on buying some Ice Spiker Pros. Now because the amount of snow we have in Spokane I won't be able to ride them on a hard surface to set the spikes. Have any of you guys just hit the snow without riding on the road first? If so how many studs were lost? How easy is it to replace the studs? Thanks in advance.

I don't know about the tires you're buying, but my Nokian M+G's needed breaking in. When I first got them I put them on and went hot dogging around the neighborhood on dry pavement. After a 5-10 minute ride I noticed a large number of studs were displaced and generally messed-up. I was lucky and caught it in time. I was able to take a small screwdriver and reseat the studs. Then, at the advice of my lbs I inflated the tires to 60 psi and rode them for the recommended 30 miles. Now I'm on my second winter of riding them at 45 psi and they've worked beautifully and I haven't lost a stud.

I had the opposite experience. Despite the manufacturer's instruction to ride the first 30 miles on pavement, I had to install and ride my My Nokian Mount & Grounds on snow covered roads and trails. Hardpack, slop and ice. All was good--no studs lost. YMMV.

When I first got them I put them on and went hot dogging around the neighborhood on dry pavement.

This is what not to do.

I had to have one replaced a couple of weeks ago. I rode right out of the LBS on it. Never a problem. But then, I've never been accused of being a hot dog.

Just avoid spinning out, skidding and sliding out for the first few miles and you'll be fine.

I rode my new Ice Spiker for about 75 km this week. Conditions included snow, ice, single track, and a fair amount of hard top. While I try and avoid manouvering in icy conditions anyway, I have not lost a single stud.

Due to a little extra cash that fell into my lap this week I plan on buying some Ice Spiker Pros. Now because the amount of snow we have in Spokane I won't be able to ride them on a hard surface to set the spikes. Have any of you guys just hit the snow without riding on the road first? If so how many studs were lost? How easy is it to replace the studs? Thanks in advance.

What are you going to be using these for ?

They are an off road / trail tyre meant for aggressive winter riding and if you intend to ride in an urban environment (ie the road) there are better tyres out there.

The marathon Winter is a better road tyre.

What are you going to be using these for ?

They are an off road / trail tyre meant for aggressive winter riding and if you intend to ride in an urban environment (ie the road) there are better tyres out there.

The marathon Winter is a better road tyre.


Yep they will be mostly used off road on my off road commuter. My commute is mostly trail and dirt roads no urban what so ever. I ordered a pair from Bikeman.com and will post a pic when I get them on.

Post a review and pics. I've been looking for them and never did find a pair.

Thanks guys. I just fished the package out of the trash and read the fine print. WTF, who wants to ride a mtn bike on the road for 25 miles?

I just put 'em on and rode. I've got about 12 miles of trail riding on them and so far all the studs are still there. I haven't ridden any rocky areas, and knowing this, I'll probably avoid that for a while.