Originally Posted by
1989Pre
I don't bother with studded tires. In the fall, I go from 1.25" slicks to 2.1" knobbies and pop my fenders on my A.T.B. That should do it. I don't see any reason to have a dedicated winter bike. I don't trust any tire, studded included, to get me over ice. If I see ice up ahead, I either go around it or get off the bike and walk it. I keep my speed down, watching and waiting for these sometimes-snow-covered ice patches. When I come home, I just put the bike in the shower, rinse and then wash it down with a sponge and dish soap.
Studded tires work great. Like on smooth pond ice. Rode right through a pickup hockey game last year. They keep you upright on ice and hardpack. The mt bike ones have 200- 300 plus studs per tire. Made from tungsten carbide, the stuff used to cut steel.