Why do you have to break in new Nokians?

[thechrisproject]

It says to ride them for 30 miles on pavement to break them in. Why? I bought the tires last night and it's going to be snowing tonight. I probably won't ride them on ice until they've been ridden 30 miles on pavement, but I'm just curious. Anyone know?

[coldairheaven]

The reason to ride them for awhile on the dry pavement first is to allow the studs to become "set" into the tire. The hard pavement will help fasten them in. Otherwise what will happen is the studs won't be very secure in the tire and they can come out. You'll have more studs still in your tire by spring.

[jnoble123]

I seem to have a vague memory that you have to wear them in to remove some sort of coating from the studs. My Nokian Extreme 296 studded tires have been on the bike for 4 years now so the memory is still vague. They still work great too! :)

~Jamie N
www.bicycletouring101.com

[royalflash]

this was discussed in the other forum (http://www.cyclingforums.com/archive/index.php/t-4623)

[Rural Roadie]

I think you are right on it being a coating, but I would guess its the release coating clinging to the rubber, which means its down in the stud recess too. Riding must work this stuff out.