Studded tires are a trade off between comfort, speed, and stud coverage. Which ones are best for you will completely depend on the conditions you are traveling through.

W-106 Nokians have worked just fine in Anchorage, Alaska for about five years on an old Kona mt. bike, and for many years before that in Fairbanks. We get about every condition imaginable, and have a lot of sheet ice (like you wouldn't believe), frozen rutted trails, roads so slipper with slight ice that you can't stand on them, and cycles of heavy snow.

This year I have a pair of 45 North Dillengers mounted on a fat bike for heavy snow days, as well as the brown sugar kicked up by plows and cars.

I also have a pair of 45 North Gravdals mounted on a Raleigh Sojourn (just finished mounting them and heat-gunning a pair of fenders to work with them about 10 minutes ago). I am certain (based on experience) that these will meet my needs 90% of the time.

I would definitely go for carbide studs, mounted front and rear. Heavy studding down the middle isn't really desirable if you are commuting. A bike going in a straight line isn't as likely to slide, they slow you down, they are loud, and can rattle you around a lot. They are also slippery on dry pavement. I like just enough studs in the center to keep me upright. I do like a few more studs as one progresses to towards the sidewalls. This help one climb out of ruts, and serve as a "catch" if you start going sideways (in which case you will lean your bike to keep your center of gravity over the wheels).

As for snow -- studs don't help, flotation, low tire pressure, and stout legs do. I adjust my TP constantly in the winter according to the conditions.


Google Peter White Studded Tires. He speaks the truth.