Originally Posted by Conti reply
The Top Contact Winter II relies upon automotive design and a combination of rubber compound and
siping in the tread pattern.
In other news, automotive design relies upon carbide studs in conditions Shawn described in his question (ice). Friction winter tyres (no studs) for cars don't fare well on ice although they do excel in most other conditions.
Originally Posted by Conti reply
Significantly better than a standard all-season tire, with the added benefit of being able to ride on dry road as well without destroying expensive studs.
This is a common misunderstanding. Carbide studs will NOT suddenly disintegrate when put in contact with bare pavement. One of the benefits of quality studded tyres is not having to worry about the studs. I've commuted on a pair of Nokian W106s many years in mixed conditions. Every year they get some mileage on bare pavement, as I like to err on the safe side during the transition from fall to winter and again to spring. Studs are still doing fine. I suspect the tyre will give up before the studs go.
Having said that, I'll admit that rolling resistance of the W106s is, well, noticeable. As is the sound they make on bare pavement.
--J