Studded tire solutions for early phases of winter?
11-26-18, 02:48 PM
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11-26-18, 03:05 PM
#27
Jedi Master
It looks like he puts a lot of effort into it, so I imagine there could be something interesting buried in there. I just don't have that the patience to spend that much time deciphering a single post, when there are plenty of other people who are able to communicate interesting information quite clearly.
11-26-18, 03:12 PM
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It looks like he puts a lot of effort into it, so I imagine there could be something interesting buried in there. I just don't have that the patience to spend that much time deciphering a single post, when there are plenty of other people who are able to communicate interesting information quite clearly.
11-26-18, 03:27 PM
#29
Jedi Master
It doesn't bother me at all. In fact I never even really tried to read one until he quoted me. I won't try to figure it out and just go with feeling honored.
11-26-18, 04:29 PM
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It looks like he puts a lot of effort into it, so I imagine there could be something interesting buried in there
I just don't have that the patience to spend that much time deciphering a single post, when there are plenty of other people who are able to communicate interesting information quite clearly.
I just don't have that the patience to spend that much time deciphering a single post, when there are plenty of other people who are able to communicate interesting information quite clearly.
Originally Posted by Jim from Boston
(from a now-closed thread) In the past I have offered IMO several useful suggestions about cycling, particularly for winter and urban cycling, to multiple repetitive threads.
They are usually lost in the morass of often scores of replies, both in agreement and dispute with mine…
They are usually lost in the morass of often scores of replies, both in agreement and dispute with mine…
My experience is that people drive differently in every city and treat cyclists very differently. The best advice often comes from cyclists that live the closest to you …
The exception here would also be Jim from Boston--anyone that can successfully commute around Boston has my full respect and probably knows how to deal with about every intersection imaginable!
The exception here would also be Jim from Boston--anyone that can successfully commute around Boston has my full respect and probably knows how to deal with about every intersection imaginable!
I have been an avid cyclist, as a lifestyle since about 1972…I happened serendipitously on Bike Forums in 2008, and it was frankly incredible to find a community that shared so many concerns I had kept to myself as a lone cyclist.
This enthusiasm has definitely increased my enjoyment of cycling. As far as improving it, what I have gotten directly from BF [include]:
This enthusiasm has definitely increased my enjoyment of cycling. As far as improving it, what I have gotten directly from BF [include]:
- the opportunity to post and literally "journal" my thoughts and activities about cycling and lifestyle (even if nobody else reads them), but which I wouldn't write down otherwise
:(With apologies to @mornview , the OP. Perhaps I provided some information about studded tires.)
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 11-26-18 at 07:58 PM.
11-26-18, 07:52 PM
#31
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Thread Starter
Hi all,
Thanks for all of the input.
One oversight on my part was to mention that we live in a small apartment without sufficient room to have 4 bikes at the ready at any given time.
Both of our winter commuters are equipped with Schwalbe Marathon Winters 26 x 2.1. It's encouraging to hear that the tires should outlast the studs, but what prompted this thread was her stating that she feels like she has (after about 3 winters with this particular set of tires) been losing traction. She says that this might be her imagination, but she also feels she can see a wear pattern in the studs. I haven't had time to verify this myself; just wanted to see what the consensus was here first. I'd estimate she puts on 600-800 miles each winter.
I would be open to trying something like these zip-on studded tires:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/870651719/retyre-one-the-worlds-first-zip-on-bicycle-tire-sy
But again I was hoping maybe someone here has already tried a solution like this and could vouch for it.
All that being said, I agree with the general consensus here - I'd rather be caught on bare pavement with studs than caught on ice without
.
Thanks for all of the input.
One oversight on my part was to mention that we live in a small apartment without sufficient room to have 4 bikes at the ready at any given time.
Both of our winter commuters are equipped with Schwalbe Marathon Winters 26 x 2.1. It's encouraging to hear that the tires should outlast the studs, but what prompted this thread was her stating that she feels like she has (after about 3 winters with this particular set of tires) been losing traction. She says that this might be her imagination, but she also feels she can see a wear pattern in the studs. I haven't had time to verify this myself; just wanted to see what the consensus was here first. I'd estimate she puts on 600-800 miles each winter.
I would be open to trying something like these zip-on studded tires:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/870651719/retyre-one-the-worlds-first-zip-on-bicycle-tire-sy
But again I was hoping maybe someone here has already tried a solution like this and could vouch for it.
All that being said, I agree with the general consensus here - I'd rather be caught on bare pavement with studs than caught on ice without
.
11-26-18, 10:03 PM
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Various sizes of SMW might already be the light versions of studded tires. I don't know if you can go lighter provided the constraints you have given. I would just ride the studs - it's not like they are made out of sugar!
11-27-18, 04:04 AM
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Both of our winter commuters are equipped with Schwalbe Marathon Winters 26 x 2.1... she feels like she has (after about 3 winters with this particular set of tires) been losing traction. She says that this might be her imagination, but she also feels she can see a wear pattern in the studs.
Imagine cutting a broom handle into pieces in a miter saw. There's a sharp, perpendicular edge between the mantle and the flat end.
As the tire gets some use, this edge will get blunted, and after an undefined mileage the end of the stud core will be spherical instead of a flat surface.
I don't consider this the be "worn out", but sure, it's possible to see some wear even on SMWs.
The Suomityres WCX 300 have studs that comes to a point. These too eventually turn dome-shaped.
It seems reasonable that you lose some "bite" as the studs lose their pristine condition.
Exactly how much, I have no idea.
With time, the rubber gets drier too, which also has an influence. The edges of the tread pattern also gets blunted.
Ice isn't consistently hard either.
Personally, I'm not concerned about it.
Even the most worn of my studded tires will still score the ice quite impressively if I decide to lock a wheel up on ice. I take that as proof that the studs are still gripping the ice to a considerable degree.
11-27-18, 04:35 AM
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@mornview re: "what prompted this thread was her stating that she feels like she has (after about 3 winters with this particular set of tires) been losing traction. She says that this might be her imagination, but she also feels she can see a wear pattern in the studs."
maybe you just need a new set of tires post some close up pics if you can. this is what new tires look like
btw it is possible to compact enough snow in the tread to lift the tire off the studs & allow slipping on ice, but the conditions have to be just right
maybe you just need a new set of tires post some close up pics if you can. this is what new tires look like
btw it is possible to compact enough snow in the tread to lift the tire off the studs & allow slipping on ice, but the conditions have to be just right
Last edited by rumrunn6; 11-27-18 at 09:08 AM.
11-27-18, 04:54 AM
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Both of our winter commuters are equipped with Schwalbe Marathon Winters 26 x 2.1. It's encouraging to hear that the tires should outlast the studs, but what prompted this thread was her stating that she feels like she has (after about 3 winters with this particular set of tires) been losing traction.
She says that this might be her imagination, but she also feels she can see a wear pattern in the studs.
I haven't had time to verify this myself; just wanted to see what the consensus was here first. I'd estimate she puts on 600-800 miles each winter.
I would be open to trying something like these zip-on studded tires:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...icycle-tire-sy
But again I was hoping maybe someone here has already tried a solution like this and could vouch for it.
All that being said, I agree with the general consensus here - I'd rather be caught on bare pavement with studs than caught on ice without. .
She says that this might be her imagination, but she also feels she can see a wear pattern in the studs.
I haven't had time to verify this myself; just wanted to see what the consensus was here first. I'd estimate she puts on 600-800 miles each winter.
I would be open to trying something like these zip-on studded tires:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...icycle-tire-sy
But again I was hoping maybe someone here has already tried a solution like this and could vouch for it.
All that being said, I agree with the general consensus here - I'd rather be caught on bare pavement with studs than caught on ice without
. .When new, the SMWs have the core of the studs are shaped as a "perfect" cylinder…As the tire gets some use, this edge will get blunted, and after an undefined mileage the end of the stud core will be spherical instead of a flat surface.
I don't consider this the be "worn out", but sure, it's possible to see some wear even on SMWs.
The Suomityres WCX 300 have studs that comes to a point.These too eventually turn dome-shaped. It seems reasonable that you lose some "bite" as the studs lose their pristine condition.
Exactly how much, I have no idea. With time, the rubber gets drier too, which also has an influence The edges of the tread pattern also gets blunted.Ice isn't consistently hard either.
Personally, I'm not concerned about it.Even the most worn of my studded tires will still score the ice quite impressively if I decide to lock a wheel up on ice. I take that as proof that the studs are still gripping the ice to a considerable degree.
I don't consider this the be "worn out", but sure, it's possible to see some wear even on SMWs.
The Suomityres WCX 300 have studs that comes to a point.These too eventually turn dome-shaped. It seems reasonable that you lose some "bite" as the studs lose their pristine condition.
Exactly how much, I have no idea. With time, the rubber gets drier too, which also has an influence The edges of the tread pattern also gets blunted.Ice isn't consistently hard either.
Personally, I'm not concerned about it.Even the most worn of my studded tires will still score the ice quite impressively if I decide to lock a wheel up on ice. I take that as proof that the studs are still gripping the ice to a considerable degree.
… One thing I have tried to figure out is what’s a good way to test the studs on a given day with slick conditions, to make sure they will hold, without actually sliding off the road:
…Testing? Get some pond ice at low speed. Hit brakes? And lower pressure will do better for grip. Most studded tires have sidewall that are very thick.
Try 50 psi front and 60 rear, even that seems too high for me. 225 lb rider plus gear here…
Try 50 psi front and 60 rear, even that seems too high for me. 225 lb rider plus gear here…
I inquired about testing the studs, because unlike a frozen pond, which I never pass, it’s unusual to have significantly long stretches of slippery road to test the studs. If the surface is that slippery continuously, then I’ll soon find out. 
On that previously described slippery slush, I didn’t realize how slippery it was, until I was off the bike walking on the sidewalk.
On that previously described slippery slush, I didn’t realize how slippery it was, until I was off the bike walking on the sidewalk.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 11-27-18 at 06:40 AM.
11-27-18, 05:06 AM
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yeah, bare ice is safer to ride studs on for sure
11-27-18, 07:06 AM
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Here you go:
I was very happy to find out that I could get Marathon studded tires in a 30 C size for this winter for my Diverge beater bike, and I never needed to ride my wide studded-tire mountain bike at all. All my winter (and otherwise) riding is on pavement mainly as a commuter...
Also nice is that they worked well at full pressure (90 psi). On the worst slippery day, I rode confidently, but had two near falls while walking. 90 psi is my usual tire pressure.
I also have run my wide Marathon Winter studded tires on my mountain bike at normal pressure of 65 psi for the past several winters.
Also nice is that they worked well at full pressure (90 psi). On the worst slippery day, I rode confidently, but had two near falls while walking. 90 psi is my usual tire pressure.
I also have run my wide Marathon Winter studded tires on my mountain bike at normal pressure of 65 psi for the past several winters.
Those tires look like they really have minimal studs. Do they work? Seems like you would need more.
Testing? Get some pond ice at low speed. Hit brakes? And lower pressure will do better for grip. Most studded tires have sidewall that are very thick.
Try 50 psi front and 60 rear, even that seems too high for me. 225 lb rider plus gear here
Testing? Get some pond ice at low speed. Hit brakes? And lower pressure will do better for grip. Most studded tires have sidewall that are very thick.
Try 50 psi front and 60 rear, even that seems too high for me. 225 lb rider plus gear here
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 11-27-18 at 08:29 AM.
11-27-18, 07:15 AM
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Both of our winter commuters are equipped with Schwalbe Marathon Winters 26 x 2.1. It's encouraging to hear that the tires should outlast the studs, but what prompted this thread was her stating that she feels like she has (after about 3 winters with this particular set of tires) been losing traction.
11-28-18, 11:19 AM
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Most of my riding on studded tires are actually on bare pavement. As I stated in an earlier post I probably put on 5000+ km on one tire before wearing out the rubber, not the studs. I ride with studs most of the time during Dec, Jan, Feb, and March. Unless the weather forecast calls for good weather without the possibility of any snow/ice on the road I will stick with studs. For about $70/pair shipped from UK, they are worth every penny.
11-28-18, 09:28 PM
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Most of my riding on studded tires are actually on bare pavement. As I stated in an earlier post I probably put on 5000+ km on one tire before wearing out the rubber, not the studs. I ride with studs most of the time during Dec, Jan, Feb, and March. Unless the weather forecast calls for good weather without the possibility of any snow/ice on the road I will stick with studs. For about $70/pair shipped from UK, they are worth every penny.
Worth the price.
11-28-18, 10:02 PM
#41
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Most of my riding on studded tires are actually on bare pavement. As I stated in an earlier post I probably put on 5000+ km on one tire before wearing out the rubber, not the studs. I ride with studs most of the time during Dec, Jan, Feb, and March. Unless the weather forecast calls for good weather without the possibility of any snow/ice on the road I will stick with studs. For about $70/pair shipped from UK, they are worth every penny.
11-29-18, 05:45 AM
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Completely frustrated today!! Stupid stinking weather!
I was all excited about riding this morning without the studs when I saw the forecast. Slight chance of flurries. Slight! Had my non-studded road bike all prepped--lights, camera,..action!
Woke up with a dusting of snow on the ground. I thought, it should be fine, but once out on the driveway the ground was slippery. So back inside I got to swap for the studded bike. But after rolling off the driveway I realized I had a front flat. Arghhh! I probably could still have taken the slicks to work, and most of the roads would have been fine. Most of them, but it only takes one, doesn't it?
So, anyhow, I'm driving to work.
I was all excited about riding this morning without the studs when I saw the forecast. Slight chance of flurries. Slight! Had my non-studded road bike all prepped--lights, camera,..action!
Woke up with a dusting of snow on the ground. I thought, it should be fine, but once out on the driveway the ground was slippery. So back inside I got to swap for the studded bike. But after rolling off the driveway I realized I had a front flat. Arghhh! I probably could still have taken the slicks to work, and most of the roads would have been fine. Most of them, but it only takes one, doesn't it?
So, anyhow, I'm driving to work.
11-29-18, 06:28 AM
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I have a fat bike with Dillinger 4 studded tires. But earlier this year I purchased a pack of spare studs from BikeStuds and filled-in the empty stud pockets of the Continental 120s of my beater bike. So now these tires are Continental 240s. This bike is for the seasonal transition when most of the snow has melted but there are still patches of ice on the ground.
11-29-18, 01:44 PM
#44
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Most of my riding on studded tires are actually on bare pavement. As I stated in an earlier post I probably put on 5000+ km on one tire before wearing out the rubber, not the studs. I ride with studs most of the time during Dec, Jan, Feb, and March. Unless the weather forecast calls for good weather without the possibility of any snow/ice on the road I will stick with studs. For about $70/pair shipped from UK, they are worth every penny.
11-29-18, 01:46 PM
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11-29-18, 02:01 PM
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11-29-18, 03:57 PM
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11-29-18, 04:28 PM
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Those 118-count 26"-ers at Chain Reaction are a smokin' deal, esp if you hit $50 and get free shipping to the States. It's hard to find USED studders for $20 and change.
Anyone familiar with the quality of the Schwalbes, compared to, say Nokians or Suomis? I know Schwalbe is a good t[iy]re brand generally, but what about their stud/spike offerings?
Anyone familiar with the quality of the Schwalbes, compared to, say Nokians or Suomis? I know Schwalbe is a good t[iy]re brand generally, but what about their stud/spike offerings?
Last edited by madpogue; 11-29-18 at 04:58 PM.
11-29-18, 05:31 PM
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My lbs has a set of 700x35 pm me for his #