Sentinel04

I would have made this topic in the winter commuting forum (and will move it if needed), but I know a lot of NOVA commuters post here.

At any rate, I currently have gatorskin 23s on my Cyclocross commuter (Fuji Comp Cross with fenders). I doubt I need studded tires, but could be wrong. How about a thicker tire? I heard when we do get snow, a thin tire is more easily able to get through it. Now I have to figure out what clothes to wear...

usndoc2011

I recently upgraded to Conti 4 season 28s with disc brakes, but I commuted all through last winter on a pair of Performance/Forte 23c's with rim brakes. I made it alright, without much incident, but I had to stick to plowed roads when it snowed, and I had to be extra careful. If you don't bike on too many trails or residential streets, your spring/summer/fall tires will be do-able.

Honestly, I'm not sure what the best answer is regarding winter tires in the DC area. The problem is that skinny tires can be worthless in anything other than cleared road.

It seems like studded tires would be the safest, but you know that winters here are hit or miss. We could have snow for a week or two and then it all melts, and you're riding around on studded tires. Plus, it doesn't sound like you've got a lot of clearance anyway. It seems like fatter tires with a tread might keep the rider safe and upright in non-iced conditions, and you wouldn't have to change out your tires when the snow clears, but I haven't tested this hypothesis, and your bike might not accomodate it anyway.

In short, as long as you can stick to cleared roads, I think you'll be okay.

rumrunn6

Schwalbe Marathon Winter they also make a version w/o studs. I used the studded ones a couple winters ago and was more than satisfied even though many many days didn't require studs. I don't bike commute anymore but I know for sure plenty of other risers including a DC guy also like the studded Marathons. Best to buy them before they sell out!

ShinyBiker

I would say no. Unless we have a storm followed by a spell of 2-3 weeks of below 32 degree weather (it has happened).

I've had more problems (and falls) with black ice. Rather than anything that requires studs. And, black ice will melt at noon when the sun hits it usually.

greaterbrown

I would say yes. Schwalbe winters or Nokian A10's are as quick as studded tires get, but they are still as heavy as rocks and slow as hell, BUT these tires will make your commute faster and less stressful because you won't be worried about ice. Forget the snow, what little we get in the Mid-Atlantic is quickly plowed. What we do get is thaw and refreeze cycles. On my commute, I roll over more patches of ice than I can count, while riding 3 feet away from streams of traffic. Studded tires allow me to roll over that stuff with confidence and full speed. Buy em.

BarracksSi

Depending on your route, you might be better served by riding the Metro than by buying different tires.

Have you ridden your route in winter yet? If not (I'm guessing not), are there areas that are covered by shade and not accessible by street plow? If that's the case, you should look for an alternate route that would be busier and more likely to be plowed and graveled. Or get studded tires and add at least 50% travel time to your commute.