Trying to get studded tyres for the CX bike

[downfader]

Hit a snag today, went into the LBS to ask about studded tyres for the worst days of ice or snow (we havent had any proper snow has been a bit of ice at 6am around here though). I thought it would be good to be prepared. One bike for ice/snow, and one still on slicks for normal road conditions.

Only problem was theres a new lad in the shop, who proudly started telling me that he still rides on slicks at this time of year. Eh? I dont think he got my drift, despite twice trying to explain that this is about preparation. I knew what I wanted so I basically asked again and he went out back to ask his boss. came back 5 minutes later to say they could only get the studded in Schwalbe and for a MTB only.

So then I say, "what CX tyres have you got". I thought, perhaps just get a cheap pair and stud them meself. Didnt have any and it would be a 2 week wait. He was trying to convince me to ride on ice with slicks, it seems.

PS anyone got a link to a shop (not wiggle) that will sell me a good CX or studded tyre in 700/32? Cheers

 

[mcshroom]

Can't do 32s, but how about 38s?

Schwalbe Snow Stud

 

[Piemaster]

I bought marathon winters from bike24 (german site) last winter. Think these may be right size, but worth a look.
Service from them was within a week, with two orders I've placed with them. They will probably have stock as well, something the uk suppliers seem to struggle to keep.

 

[longers]

All Terrain Cycles have a fair few here and have been quick to deliver in the past, ignore the Ravens perhaps as they're the wrong size.

They don't sell mine anymore so I can't recommend any but have read recently that they don't have loads in the way of puncture protection so the lighter ones might not be best choice. Hopefully someone who knows more could advise.

I rode mine last year at high pressure and did ok, rivetted them for this year and they're better but not perfect. I think they'll wear too quick and the improvement hasn't been massive but am glad I tried.

I've managed to ride on sheet ice that I couldn't stand up on but to get better grip the pressure needs to be quite low and that doesn't suit my route so I'll just avoid sheet ice if I can.

 

[e-rider]

loads of cheap CX tyres in 700x32 and 700x30 going on CRC right now

 

[leemo]

just ordered some nokian a10 700x32 off fleabay international. Not cheap at £86 the pair although that includes shipping(from USA). Might have to pay import tax though. Id be quick as many peeps have sold out.

 

[trickletreat]

If all else fails you could try this...

http://www.dutchbikeco.com/_blog/Dutch_Bike_Co_Weblog/post/Seattle_Snowpocalypse/

 

[fossyant]

I rode mine last year at high pressure and did ok, rivetted them for this year and they're better but not perfect. I think they'll wear too quick and the improvement hasn't been massive but am glad I tried.

Have you got pics of your DIY project - sounds great !

 

[Jezston]

Hit a snag today, went into the LBS to ask about studded tyres for the worst days of ice or snow (we havent had any proper snow has been a bit of ice at 6am around here though). I thought it would be good to be prepared. One bike for ice/snow, and one still on slicks for normal road conditions.

Only problem was theres a new lad in the shop, who proudly started telling me that he still rides on slicks at this time of year. Eh? I dont think he got my drift, despite twice trying to explain that this is about preparation. I knew what I wanted so I basically asked again and he went out back to ask his boss. came back 5 minutes later to say they could only get the studded in Schwalbe and for a MTB only.

So then I say, "what CX tyres have you got". I thought, perhaps just get a cheap pair and stud them meself. Didnt have any and it would be a 2 week wait. He was trying to convince me to ride on ice with slicks, it seems.

PS anyone got a link to a shop (not wiggle) that will sell me a good CX or studded tyre in 700/32? Cheers

Been trying to find somewhere selling the Nokian A10 Leemo mentions - they seem to be the only 700x32 studded tyres in existence, but Nokian themselves don't make bike tyres any more, and the company they sold the rights to only sells to Scandanavia and North America. I sent them an email yesterday to see if there was any way to get them in the UK, but haven't had a reply yet.

Leemo - let us know how you get on with yours when they arrive. £86 a pair is pretty daunting though seeing as they are supposed to be cheaper than the Schwalbes!

 

[adds21]

I ordered some 700 Schwalbe Marathon Winters from www.actionsports.de last Friday. They arrvied this morning. I couldn't find a UK supplier who had the 700's in stock.

 

[Jezston]

I ordered some 700 Schwalbe Marathon Winters from www.actionsports.de last Friday. They arrvied this morning. I couldn't find a UK supplier who had the 700's in stock.

(one too many /s in that url there adds)

Guessing they are out of stock now, don't seem to be listed on their site

 

[palinurus]

I've got some Schwalbe snow studs on my 'cross bike, not sure what width they are- pretty fat though, probably 38s.

 

[palinurus]

Bought last year from Bike+

 

[adds21]

Guessing they are out of stock now, don't seem to be listed on their site

Yup, looks like you're right. I originally had some on back order from Wiggle, but they kept putting the expected delivery date back. I also tried another on-line supplier, who sent me 26's rather than 700's. It would appear the 700's are difficult to get hold of.

 

[downfader]

Hmm got up today, looked out the window and it was 15cm of snow laying there in Southampton. Snowed lightly all day. I joked at work that I was going to get a big handfull of snow and walk into the LBS and... Mwahaha!!

I saw lots of peeps on BSOs and proper MTBs this morning, even an old man on an upright. I reckon with the right tyres I could have ridden that. Walked the 6 miles instead as the buses were all off (except on that wasnt going where I wanted it to).

Had to laugh, the council sent snow ploughs out this morning, cleared a load off roads but put all the snot on the pavement for the pedestrians.