Snow and ice were predicted for this morning, so I go up at 3:00am and installed my Schwalbe Winter tires for my Brompton. They were very difficult to put on. Give yourself some extra time if you plan to use them. I have Schwalbe Winter Marathon's in 700 and they weren't as difficult to install.

The morning started out with a dusting of snow but this was sitting on a layer of ice which is where the Winter tires excel. When I stopped to take a photo I had a difficult time walking back to my bike because of the ice. The bike stayed upright and I felt confident.

I have used spiked tires on my bike for the last few years so I have some experience. On the Brompton they bike felt especially slow. My guess is the quick acceleration that you normally get because of the small wheels is severely hampered by stiff rubber tires and spikes gripping the pavement. Plus the spikes haven't been ground down yet by riding on pavement so friction is increased. When I rode the bike home, the snow and ice were gone, you could really feel the difference between slowness of the spiked tires with Brompton Kevlar that I usually use.

They are certainly keepers. A few photos to entertain you.

P1030084
On my Feedback Ultimate bike repair stand which works great for the Brompton.



Rear tire.

Front tire

from old Rallye years back in Europe... the Finns were taking their Winter Hakkapaelittas Rallye tires into the sauna before they tried to mount them on the car rims.
A little bit the same with the stiff Schwalbe Winter tires for bikes... The rubber compound is different than the regular tires and they are a little stiff to mount.. even in the 20 inch version which we sell frequently.


I love those tires... just make sure on black ice, that when you put your foot down that u be extra extra careful ... ( don't ask )