GTryder

I really hope winter is a long long way off. However, the recent purchase of a 3 speed hybrid with 26" wheels and disc brakes has me thinking ahead and wondering about tires. I should have clearance for 26x2.2's.
Does anyone have any experience with these:
https://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticy...ctwinter.shtml

While these tires are not studded, they are a winter specific rubber compound and tread pattern. Tire manufacturers (Nokian coming to mind) have made great advancements in winter tires for automotive use - wondering the same holds for bikes?

2_i 

These are good for light winter weather, light snow and limited patches of ice. In my area these tires end up being useful over a significant portion of the year, both when conditions above are present and as an insurance against such conditions. For more serious ice you need studs and for deeper snow you need a more aggressive thread.

GTryder

That seemed to be the consensus from the limited online reviews I found. In my area ice isn't usually a major issue. Deep snow outside the tracked area, especially on side streets and motorists who don't know how to winter drive (or panic when they see a cyclist in winter) are the main issues. We don't have bike lanes either.

Last winter was my first attempt at winter cycling and I just used my hardtail with 26 x 2 cross country tires @ 45 lbs and lowered the seat a bit to compensate for more restrictive clothing. It was fine most days until February, when our record breaking snowfalls started. Now, with a better suited bike, I want to invest in one set of winter tires - so studded will likely be the choice and even then there will days that that it just won't be safe or practical to bike. Fortunately my direct walking route is only 4km, so vehicle use can be avoided