Originally Posted by fotooutdoors

If you only have one studdded tire, put it on the front. You can usually recover from a back tire slide or at least get a foot down. This is not true for the rear tire. But, if possible get both. How much is your safety worth? How much money are you saving by bike commuting? Get two.

Yes. On dry pavement, they make noise. On ice, they grip way better than non-studded.

I keep them on the entire winter. The only way I would consider switching is if I had 2 wheelsets with the same rims or disc brakes (that way you don't need to adjust the brakes). I do have 2 bikes, so one will probably get touring tires and the other studded for the beginning & end of winter.


If switching wheelsets/tires, I would be sure to read the forecast. It is extremely rare that a snowstorm would come without warning. Also, studded tires make the least difference on dry pavement (obviously) and fresh snow. With fresh snow (as long as it isn't too deep), normal tires will generally "cut" down to the pavement and give decent traction.