question for the ice cyclists

[Origamist]

How do studded tyres deal with ordinary tarmac (no snow/ice)? Do the studs/spikes get ripped off and how does the bike handle?

 

[GrasB]

I use Marathon Winters & they deal with tarmac like you'd expect a heavy 700x35C Marathon to with about 1/3 of the tread missing & they're a fair bit noisier than one may expect. Studs will get ripped out if you really throw the bike about on the tarmac or lock wheels besides that they're robust enough for the job.

 

[marinyork]

Where did you get the marathon ones from?

 

[MacB]

Where did you get the marathon ones from?

with difficulty right now, would appear sourcing via Germany is only option as stockists all sold out in UK.

 

[marinyork]

with difficulty right now, would appear sourcing via Germany is only option as stockists all sold out in UK.

Oh I'm not in a hurry to get them now. When they are in stock what sort of places in the UK?

I didn't really know you could get some marathon ones otherwise I might have done it after the three week freeze over in february.

 

[Piemaster]

I've just had mine delivered from bike24. Ordered them on Wednesday evening.

 

[Origamist]

http://www.dotbike.com/productsP7596.aspx

 

[mickle]

On clear tarmac my IRC Blizzards aren't significantly slower than any regular, robust 2.1 inch knobbly tire. Quite reminiscent of Specialized's original Ground Control for tread pattern, size, shape and all round handling. The studs only protrude a couple of mm from the surface and although they make a fantastic racket loud enough to turn heads they remain predictable in corners. I imagine that stud wear might be an issue but I haven't had them long enough to find out, I've only used them three out of the sevenish years I've had them and not for high miles. I definitely don't need the studs on the back as much as on the front so my pair could be made to last twice as long by using an unstudded tire on t'back. The only real problem aside from the £35 a pop price is just how crap amber-wall tires look to modern eyes. Frankly, I'm embarrassed to be seen out in them.

 

[MacB]

Greyville are the distributors and they recommend Dotbike as the best source. I contacted Neil at Dotbike and he got the latest shipment today, however all 24 of the 26" version have gone straight back out on pre-order. Luckily for me I wanted the 700x35 version and he had 3 in stock following todays delivery so I've just ordered a pair. Humerously they're actually lighter than my existing 700x35 M+ tyres so I shouldn't see as big a performance drop as someone going from 23mm slicks might.

What I'm hoping for based on reading up on them - fit and forget from start to end of Winter, should get 2-3 Winters out of a pair. A 1-2mph drop in average speed in non icy conditions. Peace of mind that, whatever the temperature does through Winter I can still ride.

I hate the thought of being forced into not riding and can't justify the risk of keeping speed higher against the cost of a pair of tyres and a couple of mph. I'll rport back on how I find them.

 

[fossyant]

I am not riding in these conditions.... (glad I finished work last friday). If it's wet and icy then it's a no go for me - been there and wiped out at speed, and two slower offs, all on one commute - I was very lucky the road was quiet...... I am not wrecking 2010, after 2009 seasons aspirations being screwed by a blind driver....

 

[Stephenite]

Schwalbe Marathon Winter 700x40 for me. They come with two rows of studs allowing you to climb out of ruts. They pump up to 70psi so reducing friction (a little). They are heavy but you're going slow on ice anyway. My LBS has them (and Hakkapelita tyres) so if anyone has trouble sourcing i can post them out. It'll be after new year tho. Merry xmas.

 

[BentMikey]

If you're wondering about studded tyres, there's lots of good info on the Peter White Cycles link here:

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/studdedtires.asp

 

[Origamist]

Greyville are the distributors and they recommend Dotbike as the best source. I contacted Neil at Dotbike and he got the latest shipment today, however all 24 of the 26" version have gone straight back out on pre-order. Luckily for me I wanted the 700x35 version and he had 3 in stock following todays delivery so I've just ordered a pair. Humerously they're actually lighter than my existing 700x35 M+ tyres so I shouldn't see as big a performance drop as someone going from 23mm slicks might.

What I'm hoping for based on reading up on them - fit and forget from start to end of Winter, should get 2-3 Winters out of a pair. A 1-2mph drop in average speed in non icy conditions. Peace of mind that, whatever the temperature does through Winter I can still ride.

I hate the thought of being forced into not riding and can't justify the risk of keeping speed higher against the cost of a pair of tyres and a couple of mph. I'll rport back on how I find them.

I think I could squeeze the 700x35s on the tourer (the guards might have to go though). I would probably only use them a handful of times a year, but I guess they would last for years. Last night I covered 6 miles in one hour because of the snow and gridlocked traffic (although it took someone on a bus 3 hours for the same journey!). They sound like a sound investment.

 

[longers]

That sounds like what I'll do, I could have a bike set up with them in readiness for the occasions they're needed. It's been frustrating not being able to risk an injury at the moment as the cycling does look good fun out there. Another day of cadging a lift tomorrow
Probably won't see weather like this for years now.

 

[hackbike 666]

Probably won't see weather like this for years now.

I bet we do.