So I put my new winter wheelset on with Continental Spike Claw studded tires and took it for a spin to test it before tomorrow's commute. This is the first time in my life riding with metal studs.

I started out carefully to get the feel of it. I was afraid to fall, I was afraid of turning too sharply but within minutes I realized these things grip!!! I've run them at 40psi. It took me maybe 15 minutes of riding to get into it and figure out the possibilities and the limits. Deep snow is a no no, I'd fall for sure, but few inches and ice are not a problem. I rode around the neighborhood for around an hour and had a blast.

People were checking me out curiously as I rode through patches of ice where they had hard time walking. I didn't skid even once, except when I tried deeper snow. It was such a weird and wonderful feeling riding on ice and hard snow. I loved it! It started getting cold and dark and I wasn't really prepared for longer riding, or I'd keep riding.

It's harder, no doubt and requires being extra careful and keeping your eyes on cars since they may skid out of control. I think I'm ready for my morning commute. I'll leave earlier and take it slow and easy.

Adam