Yes, it's August, and I'm getting ready for winter.

Right now I'm looking at Schwalbe Marathon winter studded tire. I notice they come in two sizes in 700c: 35mm and 40mm.

Typically, I'm a fan of squeezing the largest tire I can fit into my frame, in this case I can thread a 40 through my 50mm wide fenders (currently running 38 with no issues). However, there is also the issue of the volume taken up by the tread, and the studs.

So how "true" do those Marathon Winters measure? What size are you running? Would you opt for the biggest size you could clear?

I've also noticed that the 40s are REALLY hard to find. It leads me to believe that they are either really popular, or nearly discontinued.

Thanks for the inputs here in early August!

If you ride through loose snow, you might want clearance for the snow that accumulates on the tires. Other than that, I would get the biggest size I could get.

I just received a pair of 700x30C Schwalbe Winters for my new Motobecane Turino, so I'm one step ahead of you (and they were delivered in July!) I mostly ride on paved roads that might have black ice, plus the occasional snow storm, so the Winters will work better for me than the Marathon Winters would.

So uh...you give advice to get the biggest tire you can, then you buy the smallest studded tire you can find? That's seems...illogical.

If you have 50mm fenders I would imagine either size would fit. The tread blocks are not huge, and I think are counted in the tire size. I think the tire is measured including the tread blocks. The studs stick out like a milimeter extra.

35mm tires cut through fresh snow to the road surface a little better than thicker tires, and roll a little faster. The 35mm schwalbe marathon is what I use on my bike and what I recommend for people who ride on well plowed roads and plowed bike trails who have serious ice over the winter but otherwise want to go as fast as possible (I live in Minnesota).

The wider 40mm version is likely better at handling ruts caused by ice on the road, while not sacrificing to much in terms of speed or cutting through fresh snow to the road surface. However, if you're more concerned with grip on the road, I would think the 45nrth Gravdal (38c) would be a better choice than the 40mm marathon. It's a tad slower, but also a tad better on ice and dealing with snow - from the reviews I've read.

As a bit of a side note, in my experience there only reason to get above about a 40c tire for winter riding is because you have to ride crappy unplowed snow and can't afford a fat bike and it's a cheaper compromise. 30c-40c the tire cuts through light snow to the pavement below it. 2.0" the tire floats around unsteadily halfway in it which is kinda the worst of both worlds. At fatbike tire sizes the tire floats on top of it well enough to be an advantage, far far better than the 2" tire. In my limited experience at least.

The "get the biggest tire you can" comment was meant if the OP rides through loose snow. Since I ride on paved roads that are usually free from snow, I don't need big tires.

Also, I bought the Marathon Winters because they were recommended for my riding conditions, not specifically because of their size.

Thanks guys. Based on this, I'm ordering some 35s. Gives me a little room for packed snow too. Also helps that 40s are really hard to find.

I rode the Twin Cities last winter on 35mm non studded tires, and did alright save for some scary ice patches.

hello Banzai, how are they working out for you? played w mine cpl days ago