The wheel you can drive on studded tyres in summer, but it is not recommended for safety and bike condition. Studded tyres are designed for winter conditions and their use on dry asphalt reduces traction and increases wear. Changing to summer tyres improves driving comfort and significantly extends the life of both tyres and wheel components.
Is it safe to ride your bike on studded tyres in summer?
Driving with studded tyres in summer is not safe compared to standard summer tyres. On dry asphalt, the grip of studs is significantly reduced because they are designed to grip ice and snow, not dry road surfaces.
Braking distances are longer with studded tyres in summer conditions because the friction between the studs and the hard road surface is lower than with the rubber component of a normal summer tyre. This significantly increases the risk of crashes and accidents, especially in sudden braking and turning situations.
On wet asphalt, the situation is even more challenging. Studded tyres cannot effectively channel water away from the tyre to the road, which can lead to a slippery driving experience. Summer tyres are designed specifically for these conditions and offer better safety.
What are the disadvantages of studded tyres on your bike in summer?
Use of studded tyres in summer wears out wheel components faster than usual and puts extra stress on the whole bike. The vibration and uneven wear caused by studs puts particular strain on the braking system and the wheel frame.
The transmission suffers from the higher rolling resistance of studded tyres. Pedalling requires more power, which wears out the chain, sprockets and pedals faster than normal. This leads to more frequent maintenance and higher costs in the long run.
Extra stress is put on the wheel frame due to the uneven movement of the studded tyres. The fork and rear end in particular may suffer from constant vibrations. In addition, studded tyres themselves wear out quickly on hard asphalt and may not last until the following winter.
When should you change your bike's studded tyres for summer tyres?
It's worth replacing studded tyres with summer tyres as soon as temperatures stay in the plus range and the roads are ice-free. In general, March and April are the best months, when the night frosts end and snowfall is no longer regular.
Signs of the need for replacement include persistently dry asphalt, temperatures above +5 degrees during the day and weather forecasts that no longer promise winter conditions. If you notice that your driving sensation has become slippery or unstable on dry roads, it's time for a change.
The benefits of summer tyres are immediate: better grip on dry and wet asphalt, shorter braking distances, a more comfortable ride and lower noise levels. Pedalling is also significantly easier thanks to the lower rolling resistance, which makes cycling more enjoyable.
How to store studded tyres correctly for the summer?
Studded tyres proper storage starts with thorough cleaning before storage. Wash the tyres with water and a soft brush to remove dirt, salt and sand that can damage the rubber during storage.
Check the condition of the tyres before storing them. Look for cracks, wear and tear and make sure there are still enough studs left. Make a note of any defects so you can have them repaired before next winter. Pump slightly less air into the tyres than normal, about 80% of normal pressure.
Keep studded tyres in a cool, dry and dark place. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources that can cause the rubber to become brittle. Hang the tyres vertically or lay them flat, but rotate them every few months to avoid even wear. A good place to store them is in a cellar, storage room or garage where the temperature remains constant all year round.
Using studded tyres in summer poses safety risks and unnecessary wear and tear on your bike. Changing to summer tyres at the right time will improve driving comfort and save you money in the long run. A professional bike shop can help you change your tyres and advise you on how to store them so that high quality studded tyres on the wheel are ready for use the following winter.
