Studded tyres on your bike provide excellent grip on icy and slippery surfaces in winter weather. These special tyres contain metal studs that penetrate the ice and provide a reliable grip even in the most difficult conditions. Properly selected studded tyres significantly improve winter cycling safety and allow year-round cycling.
What is a studded tyre and how does it differ from a normal winter tyre?
Studded tyre contains metallic studs, embedded in the tyre surface to provide extra grip on icy surfaces. A standard winter tyre relies only on a special rubber compound and groove patterns, while a studded tyre combines these features with metal studs.
The pins are usually made of carbide-tipped steel pins, which are very hard and durable. The studs are strategically placed in the centre and on the sides of the tyre to provide optimum grip in both straight and curved driving. One studded tyre can contain between 100 and 400 studs, depending on tyre size and model.
A normal winter tyre works well in soft snow and wet conditions, but on icy surfaces its grip is limited. Studded tyres, on the other hand, offer reliable grip on paved ice and hard slopes, where normal winter tyres start to slip.
How do studded tyres perform in icy and slippery conditions?
Pins penetrate the ice surface and create a mechanical contact that prevents the tyre from slipping. This physical attachment to the ice works on a completely different principle to the friction between the rubber-free tyre and the ice.
As the wheel spins, the pins sink into the ice to a depth of a few millimetres and grip the irregularities in the ice. This creates a grip-generating mechanism that works under both braking and acceleration. The studs allow the rider to control the bike even in sudden situations.
Studded tyres adapt well to different winter conditions. In freezing snow they offer excellent grip, in hard ice studs are at their best, and in wet snow they combine the advantages of both studs and rubberless tyres. The only challenge comes on dry asphalt, where studs can cause a slightly uneven ride.
When should you change studded tyres on your bike?
It pays to change your studded tyres when regular frosts start and roads freeze, usually in late November or early December. The timing is determined by local weather conditions and the condition of the roads.
Monitoring weather conditions is important, as studded tyres work best when the temperature stays at or below zero. If you mainly drive in an inner city where roads are regularly salted, regular winter tyres may be sufficient. Studded tyres are essential if the route follows unsalted roads or cycle paths.
In Finland, studded tyres are allowed between 1 November and 31 March. Outside this period, their use is prohibited. The legal requirement applies to all vehicles, including bicycles. An exception is Lapland, where studded tyres are allowed for longer periods.
How to choose the right studded tyres for your bike?
Determining the right size start by checking the dimensions on the side of your existing tyres, such as 700x35C or 26×2.0. Studded tyres on the wheel is available on most standard tyres, but the range is narrower than on standard tyres.
When comparing stud designs, it is worth paying attention to the number and placement of studs. More studs does not always mean better grip, but the correct placement is more important. For light urban riding, 100-200 pins are sufficient, while for mountain biking you should choose a model with 300-400 pins.
There are studded tyres suitable for different types of bikes. For city bikes, narrow studded tyres that roll well on asphalt. For mountain bikes, you should choose wider tyres that offer better grip on snow. For electric bikes, stronger constructions are recommended to withstand higher forces.
Prices range from €50 to €150 per tyre. The more expensive models tend to have higher quality studs and more durable rubber. Quality factors to consider include the reputation of the manufacturer, the way the studs are fitted and the overall construction of the tyre. Good studded tyres will last for many winters with proper use and maintenance.
