Stud

No, not me.  The metal kind that can be banged into tires for winter wear.  I just bought a pair (don't ask me why I didn't make my own - life too busy doing other things to spend my time banging in studs into tires).  Anyone use those tires?   I am motivated to attempt more winter days on the bike than I was originally planning.  If there is no snow should I keep them on for just ordinary cold days when it is only rainy and wet on the road?  I still can slip even on rainy days (I suspect more than even on snowy ones) if I am not going slower and taking enormous precaution about leaves ahead, and doubling my anxiety that I am going to fall sideways onto/under a car.  Does one keep on the studded tire for just those rainy days too or will that ruin the tires as without snow they will be directly banging into the sidewalk?  Does one keep them on all fall/winter or only on snowy days, thereby taking them on and off frequently per weather?   Will this be a drag or heaven?

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Permalink Reply by Geoffrey Harding on September 15, 2016 at 2:33am
I have commuted with studded tires the past two winters and I just put them on and leave them for the season. Ideally I'd have another set of wheels but I'm saving up for yet another bike. Carbide studs are supposed to last longer and that is what I have. This will be the third winter with them and the studs are holding out so far.

The studded tires really only help in icy conditions. If there is a lot of snow on the roads they don't really provide any more traction than a regular tire. I mainly use them for peace of mind and they have saved me from taking a spill on several occasions. Last winter was pretty mild and there were only a handful of days where they may have been helpful. They are slower but that is just extra exercise.

So my advice is, unless you are going to buy an extra set of wheels, just put the studded tires on at the first signs of black ice and leave them on for the season. They will wear a little more but you'll always have them if a storm comes through during the day. Many people get by perfectly fine without them. I just use them for a little extra insurance.
Permalink Reply by Jeremy Bloyd-Peshkin on September 15, 2016 at 3:12am

I think a lot depends on what tires you run. I have often found that studs reduce grip in all conditions except ice, and since there are really only a few days a year I might want them I just do without. Core stability exercises will help you remain upright if you do have a surprise ice encounter.

Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on September 15, 2016 at 3:31am

Yes, that is true. One cannot ride on studs like one does on a dry warm tire. No "hanging corners" with the studs and give yourself extra braking time even on dry road conditions.

For me no amount of core stability exercises would give me the athletic ability to keep myself upright on hidden ice.

Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on September 15, 2016 at 8:52am

I have a set of 45NRTH Xerxes. Like Geoffrey, I put mine on when I first need them, and take them off in the spring when the chance of another snowfall is negligible. This will be my third (or fourth?) season with the same set.

Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on September 15, 2016 at 3:21am

If the picture you posted is the tires you have then you have the option to vary tire pressure base on conditions. The studs will probably contact minimally at the higher pressures. So clear, dry road days = high pressure. Lower pressure for icy conditions but it's going to be slower going. Carbide studs won't wear out before the rubber portion of the tire (in theory) so just ride and change pressure (and not the tires) based on daily conditions.

Permalink Reply by Joe M on September 15, 2016 at 5:14am

I've also commuted daily the last two winters on studded tires.  I left them on all season.  I really don't like them - they're SO HEAVY.  In the spring - on their removal - my bike feels like it's got wings. I feel like it's dangerous enough biking in the winter in the dark - so I will put them on again sometime in mid to late November.  I can't afford to be injured from a preventable mishap - so - for me - it's worth it.   

Permalink Reply by SlowCoachOnTheRoad on September 15, 2016 at 6:00am
Thanks for all replies. First responder felt it won't help with snow which is a shame. But if it makes any difference with ice then that's a good thing. Not planning on speeding in the winter anyway. Wonder if I'll die sliding down that steep bridge on Damen north of Fullerton? But I'll try to brave most of the winter. Greatly appreciated also advice about tube pressure! Thanks all though!!!
Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on September 15, 2016 at 8:54am

Width (or rather, narrowness) might help with snow more than the studs. With snow on trails and streets, you want the tire to sink in to make contact with the underlying road surface. Or ice, which the studs will then help with. If the tire doesn't sink through the snow, then the studs won't have anything to latch onto.

Permalink Reply by ad on September 15, 2016 at 3:39pm

I ride studs in the winter.  If you have them on a bike where you can pick up an extra cheap wheelset, I think it's worth having the option of switching them out.  I only ride with them 30% of the time, but that 30% is when I'd otherwise take the train because of thaw/freeze problems on my route.  

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