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-   -   45nrth Gravdal tires (https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/1040571-45nrth-gravdal-tires.html)

asmac 12-05-15 10:24 AM

45nrth Gravdal tires
 
Does anyone have experience with 45nrth studded tires, particularly their Gravdal 33tpi wire bead model? They cost about C$113. (C$145 for the 120s). Here's a link:

45NRTH | Unparalleled Cold Weather Performance

Also other cold weather gear -- boots & gloves -- that looks interesting.

mulveyr 12-05-15 01:41 PM


Originally Posted by asmac (Post 18367828)
Does anyone have experience with 45nrth studded tires, particularly their Gravdal 33tpi wire bead model? They cost about C$107. Here's a link:

45NRTH | Unparalleled Cold Weather Performance

Also other cold weather gear -- boots & gloves -- that looks interesting.

I've used the Gravdals for two years; they ride like bricks, but I've never lost a stud, wiped out on ice, or had a flat, so they're doing the job just fine. :-)

BikingZombie 12-05-15 05:24 PM


Originally Posted by asmac (Post 18367828)
Does anyone have experience with 45nrth studded tires, particularly their Gravdal 33tpi wire bead model? They cost about C$107. Here's a link:

45NRTH | Unparalleled Cold Weather Performance

Also other cold weather gear -- boots & gloves -- that looks interesting.

I use the 120tpi version, but yes. I've only had them on my bike for a little over a week but they're performing fine. So, I don't have a lot to add besides "I like them". That all being said, why would you get the 33tpi instead of the 120tpi if you had the choice?

asmac 12-05-15 07:08 PM


Originally Posted by BikingZombie (Post 18368511)
That all being said, why would you get the 33tpi instead of the 120tpi if you had the choice?

I figure the aluminum studs on the 120tpi model will wear down fast on asphalt which I expect will be most of my ride. That and price.

BikingZombie 12-05-15 11:23 PM


Originally Posted by asmac (Post 18368673)
I figure the aluminum studs on the 120tpi model will wear down fast on asphalt which I expect will be most of my ride. That and price.

I'll certainly report on that at the end of the winter :). I got the 120s for 99$.

I chose the 120tpi due to weight + folding vs wire rim -- I'm frickin' tired of fighting wire rims, especially in the cold

asmac 12-06-15 09:03 AM


Originally Posted by BikingZombie (Post 18368996)
I'll certainly report on that at the end of the winter :). I got the 120s for 99$.

I chose the 120tpi due to weight + folding vs wire rim -- I'm frickin' tired of fighting wire rims, especially in the cold

Price is more of an issue than weight for me. I think you got a good deal on those... I see about a $30 difference between the two models. In my case there are no plans to fix flats on the road in winter. Flats will mean a subway ride home.

PaulRivers 12-06-15 05:18 PM


Originally Posted by asmac (Post 18368673)
I figure the aluminum studs on the 120tpi model will wear down fast on asphalt which I expect will be most of my ride. That and price.

I'm pretty sure the aluminum is just the casing around the stud, not the stud itself. All decent quality studs are made with carbide studs now.

asmac 12-06-15 05:25 PM


Originally Posted by PaulRivers (Post 18370242)
I'm pretty sure the aluminum is just the casing around the stud, not the stud itself. All decent quality studs are made with carbide studs now.

You are correct. It was my misunderstanding and it did seem a bit odd. Here's how 45nrth describes the two options:

http://45nrth.com/files/products/icon-concave-stud.png

Concave Aluminum Carbide Studs
This stud features a carbide tip with a concave shape on the crown. The concave crown creates a very sharp attack angle to the surface, resulting in an unparalleled amount of traction. Any wear that occurs to the carbide crown creates an even sharper edge – continuously augmenting acceleration, braking and cornering performance as it ages.


http://45nrth.com/files/products/Steel_carbide_stud.png

Steel Carbide Studs
Using the same two-piece construction method as the Concave Aluminum Carbide product, the steel-carbide stud features a dome-shaped carbide tip with a steel base, making it a more economical stud for 45North’s 27tpi tire collection, while still providing excellent performance and longevity.

BikingZombie 12-06-15 05:54 PM


Originally Posted by asmac (Post 18370261)
You are correct. It was my misunderstanding and it did seem a bit odd. Here's how 45nrth describes the two options:

http://45nrth.com/files/products/icon-concave-stud.png

Concave Aluminum Carbide Studs
This stud features a carbide tip with a concave shape on the crown. The concave crown creates a very sharp attack angle to the surface, resulting in an unparalleled amount of traction. Any wear that occurs to the carbide crown creates an even sharper edge – continuously augmenting acceleration, braking and cornering performance as it ages.


http://45nrth.com/files/products/Steel_carbide_stud.png

Steel Carbide Studs
Using the same two-piece construction method as the Concave Aluminum Carbide product, the steel-carbide stud features a dome-shaped carbide tip with a steel base, making it a more economical stud for 45North’s 27tpi tire collection, while still providing excellent performance and longevity.


So you really are getting what you pay for there.

asmac 12-06-15 05:57 PM


Originally Posted by BikingZombie (Post 18370327)
So you really are getting what you pay for there.

You are. I'm happy to get decent studded tires and have to draw the line somewhere.

chas58 12-07-15 10:49 AM

Bricks?

Are you talking stiffness? I would think the 120tpi version would be a lot more supple and ride much better than the 33tp. that and of course, lower tire pressure would help.

Or are you referring to weight?

mulveyr 12-07-15 11:08 AM


Originally Posted by chas58 (Post 18371659)
Bricks?

Are you talking stiffness? I would think the 120tpi version would be a lot more supple and ride much better than the 33tp. that and of course, lower tire pressure would help.

Or are you referring to weight?

Both, really. I have the 120tpi version, and they're quite sluggish compared to any summer tire, but that's not really surprising considering the tread and studs. I've been using Compass tires for warm weather, which really are supple, and the Gravdal's can in no way be used with that adjective. I generally run around 55psi, if I recall correctly, and tweak it depending on what the conditions are like on any given day.

I'm not saying that they're bad by any means--they pretty much are exactly what I want in the snow and ice for a utility cycling tire. But they're not something I would ride just for fun.


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