I may have to pickup studded tires next year for bike commuting

[Kennah]

The Nokian A10 has my attention, courtesy of Peter White Cycles webpage.

[Denninmi]

1. I've heard really great things about studded tires.

Probably a really worthwhile investment for anyone who rides regularly in winter conditions.

[happyslug]

2. The only downside is increase roll resistance, it is noticeable.

But it is less of a difference then going from a "High Tempered Steel" frame to an Aluminum frame. For those people who read this thread who do NOT known the difference, "High Tempered Steel" is what most bike frame were made up till the 1980s, when Aluminum became the rage. Chrome-Moly Steel frame can match and at times beat Aluminum frame is stiffness, but both are clearly stiffer then bikes made from "High Tempered Steel".

The "Stiffer" the frame, the easier it is to peddle. Thus the move to Aluminum was driven as much as a desire to get a bike easer to peddle as oppose the latest fad.

My comment is when I shift from slicks to studded tires, I notice that I must peddle harder to go the same pace and distance as with slicks, but the difference is less then I had when I went from a High Tempered Steel Frame bike to an Aluminum bike.

I have had my studded tire for over ten years. I put them on only after the snow is staying on the ground for a few days and take them off when the snow has melted and it is no longer expected for any snow to stay on the ground for more then a day or so. Roughly mid December to mid February. In some years I do NOT put them on, I just leave them hanging up for the following year (where I live in Johnstown Pa that happens about once every 3-4 years).

Peter White sells at least three grade of studded tires, I recommend the tire with the least studs. That is what I have used and I have had no problems with them EXCEPT for the noticeable increase roll resistance.

[Kennah]

3. So you have a second set of rims, complete with cassette on the rear, for your studs?

I've been debating this. Doesn't seem like a huge expense and it's a heckuva lot easier to switch wheels rather pry tires off the wheels.

[happyslug]

4. Yes and No, I have a second set of Rear Rims, but only one front rim

Last edited Wed Jan 30, 2013, 06:29 PM - Edit history (2)

And the reason I have a Second rear Rim was result of an ordering accident not any planning.

I tend to keep on the Studs once they are on, generally six weeks to three months per year. Today it is 60 degrees outside, but I am still using studded tires for it will get cold come this weekend. Thus I wait till I am sure what snow that will fall will not stay before I take off the Studs. That probably will be mid-February (through one year it was March).

I do have a second bike that I can use if I even want to ride without studded tires AND NOT change the tire on my front wheel. The only problem is the second bike has no lights and my main bike's light is a generator in the front hub. Thus I would have to buy a new light for the second bike. Once Spring breaks I will have more daylight and thus less need for a light, but then I would have time to change the tires on my main bike.

Just looks like I will stay with the Studded tires for another month or more, damn generator lights just can't change them between bikes like you can a battery light. Dame Schmidt's SON generators:



http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/index.html