Ice tyres: width and mudguard clearance

[winjim]

I am considering getting some Schwalbe Winter spiked tyres but I don't know which width to go for. Frame is a Genesis CdF fitted with SKS P45 mudguards. Two questions:

Will there be a noticeable difference between riding 30mm and 35mm spiked tyres? 30mm seems awfully skinny for snow and ice and I imagine the lower pressure of a 35mm tyre would be useful in those conditions.

Do the spiked tyres require any extra clearance, ie will the 35s fit under my guards?

Ta

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I thought 35 was the narrowest you could get. The tyre isn't any wider than a normal 35but the stud's protrude a few mm's

 

[winjim]

The 240 spike Marathons are 35 but the 120 spike winters go down to 30. I think if the spikes are going to protrude that much I'll need to go down to 30 as even a regular 35 tyre is pushing it for clearance on that frame.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

If you had mentioned this a few weeks ago I could have sent you an old one to see if it fits, unfortunately I disposed off it. Whereabouts in the country are you, if you are close to Leicester you are welcome to come and put my wheel on your bike to check the clearance?

 

[winjim]

If you had mentioned this a few weeks ago I could have sent you an old one to see if it fits, unfortunately I disposed off it. Whereabouts in the country are you, if you are close to Leicester you are welcome to come and put my wheel on your bike to check the clearance?

Thanks for the offer. I'm in Sheffield so just far enough away to make it a bit too much of a mission. I think I'll probably end up with the 30s as I know they'll definitely fit

 

[mcshroom]

This is a view of my 30mm Winter: -

They are a little bulkier than a slick 30mm tyre but not massive. The mudguards came with the bike, and fitted over my old 38mm snow studs so lots of clearance Not had enough ice yet this year to really test them.

 

[Bodhbh]

The spikes make a tiny bit of difference. I swapped out my marathons for the marathon winters and got some noise from fouling the mudguard, but it was only a mm or so and it was easy enuff to move things out a bit.

 

[winjim]

Tyres have gone on today and I think I made the right choice with the 30s. A 35 with spikes wouldn't have cleared the guards. My bike is now heavier than the sun, but new cassette is in the post so should sort that out. Just hoping for a few clear commutes this week so I can bed the spikes in.

 

[andrew_s]

...so I can bed the spikes in.

If you are bedding the spikes in, run lower tyre pressure so they are properly on the road.
Also, note that what's bad for making them fall out is things like turning the handlebars when the bike isn't moving.

 

[winjim]

If you are bedding the spikes in, run lower tyre pressure so they are properly on the road.
Also, note that what's bad for making them fall out is things like turning the handlebars when the bike isn't moving.

I rode them in to work today. It's hilarious, like learning to ride again. Trying to pick a clean line through the potholes and roadworks so I don't get gravel under the spikes, realising my cornering ability is seriously impeded, and tactile paving is... interesting. Currently got them at 70psi but I'll put them up to 95 once they've had the requisite bedding in period.