Originally Posted by
DrkAngel
I built my own "homemade" studded tires with a reasonably stud free center section.
On mostly clear roads I run at full (65psi) pressure. This gives a minimal stud contact, and wear, on the straight, any turn, and contact enhances.
Nasty weather prompts me to reduce tire pressure, (~40 psi) for solid contact from both center rows and outer row grabbing on any turns.
Very nasty? I lower seat ... allowing "skiing" with both feet.
Click on picture
This is one of my favourite tread designs for DIY studded tyres... it was originated by Tom Ritchey and then widely adopted by other makers with slight variations.
I run my 26 by X tyres at 55 psi in the winter for a plusher ride and when it is dry up the pressure to 65 psi... when it gets really nasty I will drop them to their minimum to get constant engagement from the studs.