Winter and Cyclocross tyres / tires

If a jobs worth doing.....

haha

Hmm, thought I's be able to get in some Nokian Hakepelitta's in from Germany, seems they are all sold out- garn! My supplier says he sold 1600 of them in Oct- through his retail shop, so those Germans are very organised and planned ahead. No dice on the Conti's either, or Schwalbes....

OK, so what's the difference between these two tires, besides the price?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/schwalbe-cx-pro-light-cyclocross-tyre/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/schwalbe-cx-pro-mtb-cyclocross-tyre/

The CX Pro Light is the folding version.

The CX Pro Light is the folding version.

hm. ok, don't think I need that. that's £20 saved!

They dont have very aggresive tread, as the are designed for hard packed snow and ice (ie. what you find on roads). But this also means they offer a nicer ride then most studded tyres. Yet they still have a large number of, well placed, quality carbide tipped studds.

In deep softer snow, its the tread that gives traction, not the studds.

So far so good with my Marathon Winters and I've done well over 800 miles on them already. I've lost a few studs and in deep snow, as you mention, they aren't great. I find I tend to "snake" down hills, but I haven't fallen off (yet!), they do tend to slide and then bite. On roads with a thin covering of snow, or sheet ice they are great. And once you get them up to speed they are really pretty nippy. They are probably the best compromise for my route which starts out in the countryside (lots of snow) and ends in the suburbs (clear roads).

Have ordered a pair of Continental Spike Claw 240 26x2.1 for tomorrow - f-ing weather is doing my head in now

Have ordered a pair of Continental Spike Claw 240 26x2.1 for tomorrow - f-ing weather is doing my head in now

They look like an MTB version of my Nordic spike 240. I'd expect a shite ride on the clear stuff, but an unbelievable improvement on the snow. I actually like the distinctive ride on unsalted compacted snow.

Its -1 here, which gives terrible snow conditions. Roads are covered in a thick paste, which nothing grips. Plus the snow is wet and sticky, so your bike gains weight, you gain wetness, and cycling glasses are useless. Still, its milder then it was at least.

Try 24C Halo Couriers from billys.co.uk as they have a meaty tread then there is the Four Seasons Grand Prix from Continental too

Hey tyredoctor, do you work for billys?

You've been reported for spam, and either you're very evangelistic about some shops or services, or you have a vested interest and it's spam. If it's the latter... stop it now. If it's the former, let us know but diversify your recommendations a bit. You're such a new member that mentioning the same company a few times when you have but a handful of links makes people suspicious. Me? I'm unsure, but I'm willing to give you the benefit of doubt and this warning to make sure if it's all innocent it stays that way... we really dislike spam.

I don't care about spam, but if that -er ending is deliberate affectation, I'm fucking livid.

It's all seemed strange to bump up old topic that hasn't been surfaced for a short while with mentioned of site and tyres.

Yes let's bring this thread up, why not.

Does anyone have Schwalbe Smart Sam cross tyres? I've been thinking about getting some but I'm not sure my bike has enough clearance... Can anyone tell me the actual width of the 700x35?

Well, was forced into an earlier than needed (given the very mild weather at the mo') move onto the winter tyres because my summer tyres wore out and so I thought I'd just stick the winter tyres on rather than buy a new tyre for a couple of weeks use (skint anyway).

My rear Winter Marathon was looking worn, but not too bad: some of the central studs had been pushed over sideways and the tread had started wearing down. However, from the outside they still looked good for another season. It didn't occur to me to check the inside. First day with them on I get a puncture, because the casing has worn inside allowing the studs to push through. The inner tube was pock marked at quite a few of the stud locations. I can't afford a new tyre yet (hopefully next month) so I've just used the worn summer tyre I'd just taken off to line the Winter Marathons.

In fairness I did do over 2500 miles on them, but I still thought I'd get more than one years use out of them.

Bump.

As its coming in handy again.

Marathon winter's did the trick last night riding 7 miles across town in heavy snow. Did a lot better that the cars...

Cant stop myself.

4.7" tyre, with 100 carbide studs screwed in (took ages). Dont want the ride of a 200+ studded tyre, just a little ice grip. The studs are'nt cheap but they are easy to install, dont pull out, and can be removed without leaving a visible hole.
http://www.supatracks.com/best-grip-screw-in-ice-studs.html

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Marathon winter's did the trick last night riding 7 miles across town in heavy snow. Did a lot better that the cars...

And faster too, a lots faster.

(was running standard marathon, but still managed reasonably well).

Need some advise on tubeless cyclocross tyres, I definitely need to make the switch after 2 pinch punctures resulting in a knotted tube and a very bumpy ride home.

Not advised by Mr P. Big discussion in one of the CX threads.

Not especially big news, but anyone doing cross or off road on a cross bike and after a fit and forget tyre I can seriously recommend the Mitchelin Mud2.

2 of us out in the snow in Brockwell park on saturday night/sunday morning both sporting the muds and I could ask for nothing more. It's not often I get out on the bike anymore but these are confidence inspiring tyres'

I think I underestimated the affect size can have with grip and therefore confidence. Fitted some 47c Land Cruisers a few weeks back and the bike feels like nothing can stop it!

May be because of the shocking weight of the tyres (they are definitely not for CX!) but the grip, comfort and security are worth the weight. Plus they still roll very well on road sections.

I tried tubeless cx using Stan's tape. Burped every time I had to dismount. Went back to tubes after 1 race. Switching to tubs next season.

I tried tubeless cx using Stan's tape. Burped every time I had to dismount. Went back to tubes after 1 race. Switching to tubs next season.

What tyres/wheels were you running?

Campag Scirocco with mud2.