Which bike for winter commutes ?

[RhythMick]

Just thinking ahead a bit to the inevitable icy winter, I'm really keen to keep commuting.

I'll want to maximise grip so have been looking into studded tyres. I read an excellent web page that reviewed lots of different tyres and drew distinctions between ability to handle deep snow, compacted snow, flat ice and ability to climb out of icy ridges. The site recommended you ensure you currently have 10 to 20 mm clearance above and to the sides of the tyres.

So, I'm going to order some studded tyres - but first I need to decide which bike to use. Both bikes have the clearance.

Bike 1 : Planet X Kaffenback steel framed all rounder, takes 700c tyres. Currently using Schwalbe Marathon+ 35mm.

Bike 2 : Yeti Arc alu hardtail, 26" tyres. Think the current tyres are Mavic Crossride, though I also have a pair of WTB Raptors waiting for a good muddy outing.

So which would be best on ice with studded tyres?

 

[potsy]

Whichever is the least expensive in case you trash it
My studded tyres go on my rarely used hybrid, won't be so upset if I wreck that one.

 

[buddha]

I'd use the MTB. I have a Pompino (same geometry as Kaffenback) and 35c Marathon Winters just fit in the rear - but I cant use a (road bike style) mudguard.
This year, I may get some studs for my old MTB.

 

[Cyclist33]

Think the key phrase is "I need to decide" - yes, you do!

 

[RhythMick]

Think the key phrase is "I need to decide" - yes, you do!

Yep. That's why I'm seeking advice from the experienced and wise cyclists on here. The rest are welcome to comment too of course
..

Logically I'd expect narrower studded tyres to dig in a little more than wider. Pressure = Force / Area. Just curious to hear if that matches experience.

 

[RhythMick]

I'd use the MTB. I have a Pompino (same geometry as Kaffenback) and 35c Marathon Winters just fit in the rear - but I cant use a (road bike style) mudguard.
This year, I may get some studs for my old MTB.

Thanks. Yes I took the proper fenders off and use seatpost / frame mounted guards.

I guess putting studded on the Yeti means I have more choice of terrain.

 

[Cyclist33]

Yep. That's why I'm seeking advice from the experienced and wise cyclists on here. The rest are welcome to comment too of course
..

Logically I'd expect narrower studded tyres to dig in a little more than wider. Pressure = Force / Area. Just curious to hear if that matches experience.

I hold myself as neither experienced nor wise. To claim oneself either is naive and foolish.

If you want an actual opinion on the issue, I would say that the difference between the two won't be significant enough to make one wildly more preferential than the other, so use the bike you care less about.

Stu

 

[fossyant]

Tricky, but I'd plump for the MTB. depends, would you be using the other bike when it's not icy.

I don't tend to use the MTB too much in winter - I have a road bike for road. If the cross bike is mainly being used then use the MTB as the ice backup,

 

[amaferanga]

Is this for commuting? If so how many days do you expect to need studded tyres for even during a really bad winter? I've managed without, missing only a few days in our recent bad winters so much so that I just don't see the point in studded tyres for the majority of the UK.

If it's just so you can go out and p!ss about in the ice/snow then ignore this....

 

[RhythMick]

I hold myself as neither experienced nor wise. To claim oneself either is naive and foolish.

If you want an actual opinion on the issue, I would say that the difference between the two won't be significant enough to make one wildly more preferential than the other, so use the bike you care less about.

Stu

ok thanks

 

[RhythMick]

Is this for commuting? If so how many days do you expect to need studded tyres for even during a really bad winter? I've managed without, missing only a few days in our recent bad winters so much so that I just don't see the point in studded tyres for the majority of the UK.

If it's just so you can go out and p!ss about in the ice/snow then ignore this....

hmmm good points