Tires Selection and Snow
#1
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From: NE Ohio
Bikes: 1992 Serotta Colorado II,Co-Motion Speedster, Giant Escape Hybrid, 1977 Schwinn Super Le Tour
Tires Selection and Snow
I was wondering what tires would be suitable for riding when the roads are lightly snow covered. No ice just snow. I really don't want to invest in studded tires but would like to get out on these nice snowy and sunny days.
Thanks
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#2
Knobby rubber helps in light snow. Carbide studs are to keep you upright on ice.
If you are sure there's no ice, then I would think knobbier rubber would be helpful in just light snow. Perhaps you already have tires that would work for that?
I switched to studded Hakkapeliitta A10's for the winter. They are narrow for studded tires (700x32) and are less aggressive than most studded tires, having less studs and smaller rubber knobbies. They are great on light snow and the studs have saved my bacon on ice many times now, but they come with higher rolling resistance and price tag than summer tires. For my purposes, they have been great, I would purchase them again.
If you are sure there's no ice, then I would think knobbier rubber would be helpful in just light snow. Perhaps you already have tires that would work for that?
I switched to studded Hakkapeliitta A10's for the winter. They are narrow for studded tires (700x32) and are less aggressive than most studded tires, having less studs and smaller rubber knobbies. They are great on light snow and the studs have saved my bacon on ice many times now, but they come with higher rolling resistance and price tag than summer tires. For my purposes, they have been great, I would purchase them again.
#4
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#6
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If you are 100% certain there is no ice, then I would look for a soft compound knobby tire. The tires that came on my Specialized Rockhopper (I don't know off the top of my head what the tires are) work great in snow and cold conditions; they just don't do well on ice (which is why I went to Hakka 294s). Check out the Continental Top Contact Winter II. I've never owned a set, but they look like they would do well in the conditions you describe.







