Talk to me about ice tyres

[fossyant]

but I only have 700c-equipped bikes these days.

Oof, I see a big gap in the stable !

 

[rualexander]

Thanks for the input everybody. I've gone for a pair of these:
https://fawkes-cycles.co.uk/schwalbe-winter-studded-tyre-kevlar-guard-in-black-p25184

They appear to be a cheaper version of the Marathon Winters, with half the number of spikes. They should be enough for my usage (4.5 mile commute on roads and cycle paths). If I think it's really bad I have the option to WFH.
Schwalbe say this:

Extreme cornering is the last thing I'll be contemplating if the surface looks sketchy!

If you decide you need more spikes you can buy them with the fitting tool and add them yourself, the tyres have the holes for them to fit into already on them
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/inner-t...eel-spikes-pack-of-50-with-installation-tool/

 

[fossyant]

If you decide you need more spikes you can buy them with the fitting tool and add them yourself, the tyres have the holes for them to fit into already on them
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/inner-t...eel-spikes-pack-of-50-with-installation-tool/

I have the tool and spares for both tyres (the ice spiker spikes are a little different). I haven't actually lost any !

 

[dicko]

I used to think like that, but an entirely unexpected off on a main road when just riding in a straight line persuaded me otherwise!

When you go down on ice, it's totally unpredictable and immedaite

That’s why I don’t cycle in icy weather anymore. Back in the early 60s cycle tyre choices were of wheel size and width from Curry’s the high street electrical and cycle shop. If I remember they were a very helpful organisation for bike bits.

 

[sevenfourate]

My riding buddy has already told me if it’s at all looking likely / possible there will be ice on our ride - he’ll be giving it a miss.

As I’m not sure I’ll be mustering up enough enthusiasm to go out on my own in such conditions: i probably don’t need to waste time considering which tyres I won’t be using 🤣

 

[Ridgeway]

Winter tyres would be a much better solution for commuting, studs could be dangerous for a road commute.

I manage all winter without studs and here at +2000ft snow is frequent.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

@Dadam you did well to buy those tyres, they will make your journey safe on icy winter mornings.
Probably you will find that you don't need them on the way back home, but the workout is great
Did you know that you need to run in the studded tyres on a smooth-ish surface for about 40k?
It's to embed the studs on the new tyres, some could fall out on rough roads at first use.
If you have spare studs, available from Schwalbe, you can slide them back with a pair of pliers and the aid of washing up liquid, tyre inflated.
I commute early mornings, I have an old MB with the studded tyres permanently fitted.
Takes up space, maybe I do less than 100k a year on this bike, but I haven't fallen off in 12 years, since @fossyant told me about the ice tyres.
I have fallen on ice on foot!

I've used Marathon Winters for a few years of commuting and general riding; they work very well on ice and snow, in fact the biggest danger is that you'll put your foot down and only then realise you're on sheet ice. Guess how I know this.

They are noisy and heavy though, as others have said; they're hard work after the first few miles.

Haha, yes, I did the same, almost fell off when putting my foot down.
On icy days, I feel safer cycling on my ice bike than walking any distance.

Winter tyres would be a much better solution for commuting, studs could be dangerous for a road commute.

Well, yes, we forgot to tell @Dadam never to ride on metal when using studded tyres.
Avoid drains, manhole covers and the likes.

I manage all winter without studs and here at +2000ft snow is frequent.

They do not grit the main roads here, never mind the cycle paths or back roads.
Without my ice bike, I would not be able to exit my housing estate.
Pedestrians often wear shoe grips, indeed I own a pair.
We get lots of broken bones due to ice every winter: even if you are going to drive, it's a hazard walking to your car!

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Takes up space, maybe I do less than 100k a year

A 100,000 km a year is impressive

 

[Pat "5mph"]

A 100,000 km a year is impressive

Soz, typo.
I'm multitasking

 

[Dadam]

I love this forum, so far we’ve got opinions ranging from they’re the best thing ever to actually dangerous l! 😆

The ones I’ve ordered have half the number of studs as the marathon winter so probably more of a compromise between ice and tarmac, which sounds like what I was after.

My commute is only 4.5 miles so not so bad. Just a slog going home up the hill

.
Well, yes, we forgot to tell @Dadam never to ride on metal when using studded tyres.
Avoid drains, manhole covers and the likes.

Thanks. I usually do anyway if it’s wet but I’ll keep it in mind

 

[Andy in Germany]

The ones I’ve ordered have half the number of studs as the marathon winter so probably more of a compromise between ice and tarmac, which sounds like what I was after.

So probably reasonably awesome or they'll only half kill you... sounds like a win...