DIY studded tyres.

[Baggy]

Hope the trike wasn't damaged

 

[nuttycyclist]

Thanks for the concern. the trike was fine.


Actually the real reason behind the idea of these tyres was last month's fun. I rode home in deep slush, put the bike away. Got up, rode onto road (which looked the same) then when I got two houses away I realised that
a) The slush was frozen solid
The front wheel was sliding left
c) The back wheel was sliding right
d) I was chewing the road surface
e) I couldn't get enough traction to crawl back to where the bike was.

I don't think the neighbours noticed.

 

[Baggy]

Ouchy!

In October I managed to slither around on some mud on a lumpen path (on the way to the pub), lost my back wheel, acquainted my lady parts with the crossbar and then bounced my front wheel merrily along the 12" high estuary wall, admiring the water as I went.

I've been a bit nervous of anything slithery since then, if I had knobblies I'd almost be tempted.

 

[nuttycyclist]

... admiring the water as I went.

Reminds me of the last Unicycle proper ride. 36" cocker, canal tow path, steep downhill at a lock gate. I decided to dismount so stepped forwards off the seat.

Now, for the non-unicycle readers amongst you, if you're falling forwards you accelerate to bring the cycle back under you.

I was perched on the saddle, feet off the pedals in the air. The unicycle was accelerating down the steep hill; holding me in the saddle. All I could do was watch the approaching canal... (fortunately I managed to fall off before getting wet. This Time.)

if I had knobblies I'd almost be tempted.

There is a good reason us blokes NEVER throw anything away. Both tyres I used are old, perished, and have lived in the roof of the garage for the last 10 years.




As a newcomer to this site I will refrain from commenting on your lady parts and Chuffy needing to kiss them better, until I work out the etiquette here.

 

[Baggy]

All I could do was watch the approaching canal...

Ah, the joy of movement and water!!

As a newcomer to this site I will refrain from commenting on your lady parts and Chuffy needing to kiss them better, until I work out the etiquette here.

I don't really throw anything away either, but the knobbliest thing in my possession is 700cx32

Anyway, am off to have a nice cup of cocoa now - great to catch up a bit and hope the tyres continue to do the trick, more snow on the way on Sunday apparently...

Hope to see you around again

 

[nuttycyclist]

Yup, great to catch up indeed. You know where you can find me.

Can't wait for Sunday!

ouch pun(ture he11 by the look of it -

lots of cursing at a snowy roadside!

Considering the half hour of cursing on Tuesday, I am NOT looking forwards to this

 

[MacB]

Deep down I think it's a goer and for around a tenner for rivets and tyre liners I can have a go at turning an old pair of tyres into something that I reckon will work.

I don't think the homebrew tyres will stand upto to a lot of use on bare tarmac without wearing down the screws/rivets but they should be good enough for some fun on ice and off road.

It's your health I worry about mate, Nutty is experienced at self abuse, possibly your most essential tool will be the bottle of scotch to deaden the pain.

 

[longers]

Well they've done 45 miles of bare tarmac so far, and then gripped lovely on the sheet ice outside the house. Pulled a stoppy on the drive.

Yes they are wearing down, but they were too long to start with. ILooking at the wear to date I'd say that these tyres are actually better this evening than they were on Tuesday night's test ride.

I'll be interested to hear about the durability. Sounds like they're going to be tested thoroughly.

 

[MacB]

I'll be interested to hear about the durability. Sounds like they're going to be tested thoroughly.

I may mock but I tune in to hear the continuing adventures of Nutty, it's addictive

 

[hubgearfreak]

i've just found this;
http://www.supatracks.com/pdfs/bestgrip-screw-in-ice-studs.pdf

 

[palinurus]

That may be very useful. Good find.

 

[MacB]

juat e-mailed re prices etc.

 

[hubgearfreak]

juat e-mailed re prices etc.

keep us informed, won't you?

 

[MacB]

keep us informed, won't you?

checked on the US site and they sell at $100 for 100 studs and the fitting tool....though they're out of stock. The studs you'd need for tyres, their 1000 model, are carbide tipped so should last. Minimum tread depth is 5mm to use these, that's the smallest insertion depth they do. So they'd only work on significant knobblies, you can buy the Nokian W240 for $140 a pair. They have 240 studs each, or per pair couldn't quite see which, so buying that many studs would set you back either $300 or $500.

Will wait to see what the UK distributors come back with but not holding out any hope now

Had a little scout for other makers of studs, endless options for other types of vehicle, but all seem to need insertion of 11mm upwards, so not suitable for bike tyres.

Shame because I'd been thinking, cheapo tyres, pile of studs, bit of superglue, electric screwdriver and half an hours work. Based on the above you'd then be the proud owner of a diy set of studded tyres that cost you £400

 

[palinurus]

Oh balls.