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Studded tyres on the wheel should be used when the temperature stays below +5°C and there is ice or heavy snow on the road. Studded tyres offer the best grip on icy surfaces, but on wet asphalt on worn roads, a normal winter tyre will do just fine. Correct timing and recognition of the conditions make studded tyres an effective safety investment in winter cycling.
When is it sensible to use studded tyres on your bike?
You should change to studded tyres when the temperature drops permanently below +5 degrees Celsius and especially when the roads are icy. Optimum operating temperature for studded tyres is between -15 and +3 degrees Celsius, which means the studs grip ice effectively but do not wear too much on hard surfaces.
Ice conditions determine the benefits of studded tyres. On hard ice, such as icy cycle paths and light traffic lanes, studded tyres offer significantly better grip than normal winter tyres. They are particularly useful in the morning and evening, when moisture freezes on surfaces.
The condition of cycle paths affects tyre choice. Well-plowed and well-sanded roads may not require studded tyres, but poorly maintained side roads and yards benefit from the extra maintenance that studded tyres provide. In urban areas where salting is effective, studded tyres may be unnecessary on main roads.
What is the difference between studded tyres and normal winter tyres?
Studded tyres contain metal studs that penetrate the ice and provide mechanical grip. Normal winter tyres rely on a soft rubber compound and groove patterns that work better on snow and wet asphalt than on hard ice.
Differences in grip are accentuated in different conditions. On ice, studded tyres can offer up to three times the braking distance reduction of normal winter tyres. In snow and wet asphalt, the difference is smaller, and a soft winter tyre may even perform better in deep snow.
Wear and tear and operating costs differ significantly. Studded tyres for winter bike use wear faster on hard asphalt because the studs abrade both the tyre and the road surface. Normal winter tyres have a longer life, but lose their effectiveness on icy surfaces. The purchase price of studded tyres is typically higher, but the safety benefits can offset the additional cost.
How do studded tyres affect cycling comfort and safety?
Studded tyres improve safety significantly on icy surfaces, but affect driving comfort, especially on hard asphalt. Studs cause vibration and noise, which is most noticeable in quiet environments and on flat surfaces.
The driving experience changes with studded tyres. The bike feels more stable on icy sections, but the rollability is reduced on hard surfaces. Studs can cause slight sideways skidding when riding straight on asphalt, which takes some getting used to. However, manoeuvrability improves considerably on slippery surfaces.
Studded tyres behave differently on different types of road. On sand and gravel roads, studs provide extra grip, but on asphalt roads they can feel awkward. In an urban environment, where surfaces change rapidly from wet asphalt to icy patches, studded tyres provide reassurance in unpredictable conditions.
How long should you use studded tyres on your bike?
Period of use of studded tyres typically lasts from late October to early March, depending on local weather conditions. In autumn, it's best to change when night temperatures drop permanently to below freezing, and in spring when daytime temperatures regularly rise above +5°C.
The timing of the changes will depend on the weather. Too early fitting will wear studded tyres unnecessarily on warm asphalt, while too late replacement can cause dangerous situations on the first icy mornings. Checking the weather forecast will help you to optimise the timing of replacement.
Storage and maintenance affect the life of tyres. Studded tyres should be stored in a cool, dry place out of the sun. Cleaning tyres from salting will extend the life of both rubber and studs. Checking the studs at the beginning of the season will ensure optimum performance.
Properly maintained studded tyres will last for several seasons. Regular air pressure checks, even wear through wheel rotation and careful driving on hard surfaces will maximise tyre longevity. Professional maintenance ensures that studded tyres serve you safely throughout their service life.
