Which type of tyres offer better grip on potentially slippery roads

[notmyrealnamebutclose]

So not daring to ride my hardtail hybrid in some recent snow and icy conditions I thought lets get some new tyres that can better handle the winter conditions.
Are nobbly's a better choice in say cold wet damp maybe light icy roads (ice scares the shite out of me lol) I would imagine yes if there's some snow about but
that's rare where I live, near the coast, so lets ignore that possibility for now.

What I worry about most is not so much straight line riding but cornering, ie using the sidewalls more.
So looking at nobbly's here, are these more or less likely to grip the tarmac whilst cornering? There's got to be less actual tyre contact here with the tarmac, no?
But then does the nobbly areas offer more grip due to its profile? I dunno

So what is the answer guys? Nobbly's or not?

 

[fossyant]

None other than ice tyres on roads, and even knobbly ice tyres can slip as I picked up a broken pelvis and hip socket exactly one year ago riding ice tyres. Nothing other than spikes grip on ice.

 

[fossyant]

Knobbly tyres generally have less grip in any condition on tarmac, as they are meant for loose surfaces.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Winter compound tyres, and ultimately studs as per Schwalbe Marathon Winters. Mtn bike mud tyres are good in a decent depth of snow, but not for ice.

 

[notmyrealnamebutclose]

None other than ice tyres on roads, and even knobbly ice tyres can slip as I picked up a broken pelvis and hip socket exactly one year ago riding ice tyres. Nothing other than spikes grip on ice.

Ooof sorry to hear that bro. That is something that I need to avoid, a broken pelvis, leg or arm is not on my list to do's

 

[oxoman]

Studded tyres are your best bet tbh. Little bit noisy but worth that for save riding in icy conditions. For what its worth frozen rutted snow is pretty much unrideable, have been forced to a couple of time riding home from work at night or early morning and it was pleasant. Note there's a few different ones by schwalbe, basically the dearer they are the more spikes they have.

 

[notmyrealnamebutclose]

Personally I have no real need for spike, studded tyres as I just won't go riding out in snow or obvious icy conditions.
I've been caught out in the past by some light ice areas riding home late in the evening where the temperature has
dropped, I know ice can form quite suddenly in densely shaded areas maybe with severe wind chill conditions but
then I'm off the bike and walking.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

Metal spiked tyres are the only sure way to ride safely in icy conditions.

Other than that, wider and softer tyres are better than narrower and higher pressure. Nobbly? I'm very skeptical it makes any difference on ice.

Basically, spiked or stay at home. If you're really determined to risk it, let the pressure down, but be prepared to go to A&E.

 

[albion]

Tyre studs. Even wide Marathon plus do not cope with ice or refrozen snow..
The thaw arrives here, likely Monday so only small essential utility rides for me till then.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I commute very early in the morning.
When the rubbish bin by the back door is frosty, when Alfie the cat's garden water bowl is frozen, it's time for the ice bike with the studded Marathon winters.
Last year I only used it for about 50 miles, but so worth having if you commute.

 

[Sharky]

I went down riding conti city tyres, which have a decent tread, but no good on black ice.

My rule is now, if it drops below 4°, then I don't go out.

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

Another vote here for Schwalbe Marathon Winters, noisy and draggy but very effective.

 

[PaulSB]

I went down riding conti city tyres, which have a decent tread, but no good on black ice.

My rule is now, if it drops below 4°, then I don't go out.

Pretty much my approach though I assess the day rather than the actual temperature. Clearly people who have to commute don't have this luxury.

The OP really only needs a quality winter tyre for the "cold, wet, damp" conditions he/she describes. There are plenty to choose from. I find diesel spills the greater threat. I've been down on several, all on a left turn into a side road.

 

[fossyant]

Another vote here for Schwalbe Marathon Winters, noisy and draggy but very effective.

Or the Plus version for extra studs - more reliable. Snow studs with shoulder spikes worked for me for a long time (15 years) then 'didn't' on on occasion. Since swapped them (they had done a good service) to the Plus. 200 spikes, yes draggy, but should be much better on ice. Drop the pressure to about 30 PSI though ! And, can be got quite cheap if you look about - £16 each I paid.

 

[fossyant]

If it's just 'crap weather tyre' I'd be looking at a mid range, well known make.

Would be interesting to hear the tyre size of the hybrid though ? Recommending something like a Conti 4 Season isn't really an option for a hybrid. Is the riding all tarmac ? If you have a bit of a mix, some bridleway, bit of gravel, then Schwalbe Land Cruisers are OK - not super fast, but they come in millions of sizes. Roll OK on road, but have enough tread to deal with off road fine, including mud. I commute on these.