What Model of Studded Tires are the Best?

Last winter I used the 1.75" studded tires on the right and fell in love with snow travel on plowed bike paths. There was adequate traction except when rolling through deep slush. The tires had sat unused for many years, but once purchased for our son's middle school commutes. A couple months ago he reclaimed the tires to use for cold weather transportation. No problem, I thought, I'll just get new ones for myself!

Buoyed by Schwalbe's reputation and my own experience with their tires, I figured I couldn't go wrong with their Marathon Winter Plus model (left in above photo), also available in 1.75". Ideally I'd prefer wider tires, but fender clearance would then be an issue. The new tires seemed to work well until maneuvering through an inch of snow. The front has purchase but the rear tire frequently fishtails as I struggle to move forward, keeping momentum. I could ride my son's full suspension bike, equipped with the previous studs for comparison (brand unavailable), but his bicycle would obviously feel quite different.

The primary difference, visually, is his tires sport a deeper tread. Does that alone provide more purchase? Or does tread pattern? Air pressure? Does the weight of a bike also matter? I'm sure there are a lot of factors at play, but I only mention this because there are a wealth of studded tire options. Had I done better research, at the very least, I would've investigated another Schwalbe offering - the Ice Spiker Pro.

Using any model of studded tires for winter riding is better than none at all. I may experiment with air pressure. Next time I'm in the market for new winter tires, I'll make an informed choice. Enjoy January's sunshine and lengthening daylight. Dress for the weather and get out there!

Dedicated Winter Bike 2.0

A dusting of snow has already coated our cycling paths. It has melted, but it's got me thinking about riding throughout the winter again because, at some point, snow will be here to stay - if we're lucky and I hope we are - it also means enough coverage to ski in local parks.

After getting rid of a too small Trek Antelope earlier in 2020 that served for two years as a practice winter bike, (never tried studded tires) I'm ready - I think - for the next step.

I've spent some time pondering exactly what that next bike should be: Do I want a lean maintenance-free machine, converting my step-through Peugeot into a 365 Bike and use currently owned 26" studded tires? I also have an extra wheelset, which means I could swap wheels when needed, though in reality the hassle wouldn't be worth it. Or, I could purchase a cheap single speed fat bike - I've always loved the comfort of cushiony 4" tires. But the coolest thing ever - to be honest I'm dreaming big - would be a 20" fatter tired bike like the Velo Orange Neutrino. which might cone in handy for multimodal commuting, using our local bus service. 

After all my internal ramblings, I've decided to slap the studded tires on the Peugeot St. Laurent and try it out for the snow season. If that's successful, then eventually I might have Old Spokes Home convert the bike into a 365 bike - the model is a perfect candidate.

Dedicating the Peugeot to winter duty still allows a range of perfectly suitable bikes for the rest of the year: skinny-tired fender-less Peugeot UO 14 for fair weather rides, Dahon Boardwalk, and with safe bike parking, the Rivendell Clem could also work. All are unique bicycles that would be efficient commuters (plus give me a variety of riding styles).

I think I answered my own question.

After another snowfall that has lingered for days, I was ready to get out there. Today I mounted the studded tires and rode in more fresh snow that started the moment I left home and continued for the entire 8 miles I was outside! To be honest, it's helpful that I primarily ride on flat trails.

I had so much fun. I can do this!  

Le Peug with studded tires. I removed the front basket for better visibility while using a front mounted light, and sporting an older set of small panniers.

72 Years Old and First Time on Studded Tires

Studded tires allow an easier transition to winter rides.

 
I've been using studded tires for five years, and I never expected my husband to want to join me this winter on packed snow trails!

Here’s the backstory: My husband suffered a life-altering injury 35 years ago when he fell on ice while riding to work, resulting in a broken hip. That hip troubled him on and off for many years, which is partly why it took me so long to try winter riding myself. His mobility eventually declined until he had a successful hip replacement about three years ago.

Earlier in 2025, I came across an amazing deal on a pair of 26" lightly used 45North studded tires. They were just sitting in the basement, and I thought I might eventually use them or pass them on to our son’s girlfriend. To my surprise, my husband decided to put the tires on his old Bridgestone—a once-loved bicycle that had lost its appeal in favor of his more comfortable hardtail.

So far, we have gone on three outings. He’s gotten the hang of it, and with even better traction than my own tires, he’s considering putting studs on his 29er!

It just goes to show, you're never too old to try something new.

Ideas for 2020

Until a month ago, our focus in 2020 was moving in May, adjusting to a longer bike commute, and life situation, with my husband transitioning to part-time work. We presume events will still happen - just a little later than expected.

Priorities may look different, of course, with travel likely postponed. Instead, I'm planning to focus my energy on Miss Clementine's makeover this year.

• Explore a new upright bar setup, possibly using a removable face plate (that I bought last year and is shorter reach). I love the svelte look of Albatross bars, but I'm also considering Velo Orange Curvy or Granola bars. Alternative hand positions are just as important as bars with less rise (or no rise) than Rivendell's Boscos currently fixed on Clementine. After 3 years, I need to make a change. With two stems  and 2 types of bars (Curvy One and Granola?), I will have options and may put the unused bar on my Peugeot St. Laurent commuter bike. I've found whatbars.com to be very helpful.
• I've been having discomfort using thumbshifters on my winter bike, but once I transitioned to the Peugeot for spring commutes, shifting has been easier/smoother, so for now I'll leave thumbies on the Clem. 
• I need to redo racks! After the Racktime Topit failed on a WTF adventure, I'm rethinking how best to setup the Clem for tours by shifting racks between bikes, hopefully saving another expense.  
• Less of a priority is switching tires. Although current 2" wide tires are functional and perform well on dirt, they are sluggish on paved roads. Visually, I dislike black tires. I may replace them with 1.75" gumwall Paselas.

I plan to also dismantle the Trek Antelope this year as it no longer fits me well. I will save many of her accessories and components to be used as back-up for the Peugeot commuter, including the wheels that will live on as extra wheel set with studded tires, making safe winter riding on the Peugeot as easy as swapping wheels!

What's on your bike agenda in 2020?

Easter Afternoon Bike Shop

64 F, light wind, sunny

Easter afternoon the kids were scattered throughout the neighborhood and my husband decided to go for a walk. I needed to be around so I set up the driveway with bike tools and stand up pump. First, my old seat on my Trek had to go. I put the old one (but still very usable with a slight tear) on my kid's bike, replacing a very hard saddle that my son had been complaining about for nearly a year.

New seat is on the right, men's style. The leather Miyata seat is longer and slightly wider, women's style. Usually a woman's saddle is shorter and wider, but for some reason this one is different.

Next up for replacement were two front tires. The Miyata now has a tire with less profile. Hopefully I will have a quieter commute without gravel and dirt scratching the inside of the fender. The Trek's front tire had cracked, showing the red color of the inner rubber. I checked my bike log. I can't believe the tire lasted five years.

While I struggled with removing both tires a neighbor came by to borrow tire levers and pump. He was removing his studded tires. I guess it's really Spring!

I also added a bell to one of my son's handlebars, a gift in his Easter basket.

Then, my husband returned. Our youngest boy went to a neighbor's home to play with his friend. Her father was happy to keep an eye on both kids for a while, and my husband and I went our for a bike ride. Our neighborhood rocks!

Riding Packed, Plowed Rail Trails

Last week's 16.5" dump on top of several packed inches plus drifts meant the snowblower had to clear one narrow corridor by shooting snow through the fence onto rail tracks.

It's been a wild one this winter, with regular snowfall and normal below-freezing temperatures. For the past 5 years, I've gotten used to frequent rides on a nearby, plowed rail trail. Until this year, trail coverage was thin or even clear pavement at times during typical globally warmed Vermont winters. This meant easy access with or without a studded tire bike. I could get used to this!

My tires are all over the place in thicker, trodden snow.

It's been tricky even with 1.75" studded tires this year. If the paths aren't cleared close to the surface, my rear tire, especially, fishtails, losing traction. I often need to put a foot down, which is all the more reason I ride a step-through bike. Bike handling is tough: hands loose on the bar, spin in low gears usually gains traction. It takes a toll on my body though. A 10-mile ride is plenty in these conditions and I rest between outings, sometimes for 3 days.

But watching the sunset over Lake Champlain; stars appearing in the sky; and solitude, keep me coming back for more.

The left, ice-lined area had the best traction. Note the ski tracks on the right. Burlington plows half the path in winter to allow other snow sports.

Yesterday's climb into the 30'sF created soft paths. Oddly, I sought out ice-filled lanes! The top layer had just enough grip, but smoother going overall. Go figure.

Often, the bridge connecting Burlington to my Colchester community loses its snow first. I think it's the lack of tree coverage. Note the ski tracks continuing across the bridge.

The Colchester side had the smoothest surface, cropped close to asphalt. There are few riders compared with walkers, so often snow is pockmarked and frozen - terrible to ride!

Is all this worth it? For an avid rider, yes. I like the challenge. The important thing is I'm safe and know my limits.

2025 Rewind

Adventures in Colorado.

2025 was a year when we made travel and adventure a priority. With maximizing vacation and my retirement on the horizon, it made sense to start the momentum.

 

An organized Philly Bike Expo folding bike ride.

Early in the year, attending the Philly Bike Expo, riding on plowed trails, researching a new folder, and a Colorado vacation occupied my mind and body. 

The adventures continued! A fun-filled overnight with Adele, buying a Downtube folder, bike touring the Cross Vermont and Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, and exploring trails around the Montreal region. My husband and I have become KOA converts: we love the dependable cleanliness, atmosphere, and occasional glamping in a cabin.

September and October were filled with more travel: Veloroute des Bleuets, and coastal time capped with riding the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail. I never let good weather pass me by!

We made an effort to ride more mountain bike trails. Vermont and New York are filled with trail networks. We only touched the surface of a growing system.

And of course, the annual Coffeeneuring Challenge. I made headway in practicing the Gouache medium, dipping my fingers into painting scenery.

We've had a snowy start to winter. By far the best surprise has been riding with my husband on snowy, plowed trails. He broke his hip while riding to work when we lived in Portland, OR, and since then he's avoided riding in the winter. Something clicked this year - available studded tires likely helped. Since the initial rides together, he's outfitted his preferred bike with gnarly 29" studs and can handle the trails much better than I can with narrower tires. With his 26" studded Bridgestone up for grabs, I'll be sure to explore better traction.

I'm grateful for all the 2025 adventures, plus I topped 3600 miles. Life is good.

Specialized Hard Rock Ultra - Great Utility, and Then Some!

1993 Specialized Hard Rock Ultra: unique pink and purple fade.

I didn't know I would replace my much loved Trek Antelope so soon! I have always admired 1980-1990s rigid mountain bikes for their relaxed geometry and utility - they make great all around bikes, whether that's commuting, touring, riding with family or, in colder climates are adept as winter beaters - add studded tires and don't worry too much because it's an old bike. Added bonus: frames are upgradeable with new components.

Amazing shape for a 40 year old frame! I feel very lucky.

Our youngest son is a bike mechanic at a shop that accepts bikes and parts donations - they rehab older bikes for resale or to help lower income folks get decent transportation at nominal cost. I happened to mention months ago that if he ever came across a certain model and color in my preferred 20" size, then give a holler, expecting it was like finding a needle in a haystack.

Granola handle bars set a little higher than my seat. Stem is at maximum height. I expect there will be tweaks down the road like a taller stem or bars with more rise, non-traditional fenders, etc.

I got a text and photo while I was just starting a solitary mountain bike weekend. "Hey mom, look what I found." When he said it was in great shape, it didn't take long to give him the green light. I was ecstatic of course, thinking about the possibilities, then, if I'm honest, wondering how I could personally justify this new addition, bringing what I thought was a perfect number of bicycles from 4 back to 5.

From August to November we started collecting parts. I bought the VO Granola bars as an alternative, though aligning width-wise with much loved Soma Oxford and Ritchey Kyote bars. Had the VO Crazy bars been narrower, that would've been my first choice. I also chose a loved saddle - the Terry Topo - at least for starters. 

Between our son's knowhow, sourcing new and used parts, and my industry discount - I work for Terry Bicycles - we saved money, and honestly I wouldn't have considered this project on my own otherwise. 
 

He put together a 2X assortment of components that would play nice together. The only hiccup was configuring the V-Brake setup, necessitating ordering a top tube clamp to correctly guide the rear brake cable. He also added his signature two colored spoke nipples, bordering the valve, when building wheels.

Immediate riding impression: I felt at home! I've missed this kind of comfort, 2" plush tires, and diamond frame. I immediately transferred the Jack-the-Bike-Rack for needed utility, and more recently, repainted an older, discontinued Blackburn Mountain rack, installing it fairly easily - saved from the Trek Antelope, so that old beauty lives on through this recent reincarnation. And, I have now fulfilled a dream of owning a purple bike!

Rack and my commuter pannier makes this bike more useful.

And I shouldn't have worried about the Hard Rock's place in my collection. Shortly after acquiring the frame, my husband and I rode a rugged Northern Rail Trail where my Rachel, unfortunately in her current setup, wasn't the best choice. I kept thinking how the Hard Rock would be a perfect complement, lending comfort to rough terrain.

For those seeking build details...

The Specialized Hard Rock with the Best Bag Setup

The Specialized Hard Rock has become my alternative winter ride during Vermont's periodic dry spells. While the Peugeot step-through, bedecked with studded tires, always takes precedence on snowy surfaces, I've learned to keep a backup bike handy. The Hard Rock's wider tires strike the right balance for safety; handlebars easily support my lights; and two racks allow ample carrying capacity.

The best use for this bag.

Recently, I moved a favorite, versatile bag behind the seat, using it like a quasi-seat pack. Straps are secured to rails with buckles looping around the rack. Any weight is fully supported on the rack. It has been perfect: extra cargo space for a few tools, my purse, a lock, and room for other things. If I plan to pick up a few groceries, I bring an additional bag, attached to the front rack. In the past, all my bikes had panniers - the more space, the merrier! - but for once, just enough space seems like a better arrangement. It's also been much easier to clean the drive train.

I've thoroughly enjoyed riding the Hard Rock this winter.

The more I ride the Hard Rock, the more this bike makes me smile.  

Slow Rolling with Adele - Lodge Life, Restaurant Finds, and Garage Sale Adventures

Adele and I know how to have a good time. Dating back to the 2014 inaugural Tour Du Ticonderoga, we've been touring annually, except for a hiatus during the pandemic. Recently, I made a last-minute weekend lodge reservation, and Adele was game! 

As the one-way trip would be only 25 miles, we left from my house, easily boarding the Causeway Bike Ferry just a few miles later. Behind a line of folks exiting the ramp to get on the path, someone ahead shouted, "Hold it! Mink family incoming!" We stopped to watch a momma mink with a youngster in her mouth, and two other young following behind as they all scampered by us down the gravel path, then dove into the bushes. What a treat!

Return trip the following day, waiting for the bike ferry. There's a story behind why I'm carrying tires on my rear rack...

We pedaled along the quiet roads of Grand Isle, crossed another ferry to New York through a hazy, smoke-filled afternoon, due to Canadian wildfires, then gradually made our way to Point Au Roche Lodge. The price was reasonable, with great reviews, and easy check-in. The hostel-style accommodation had a large kitchen, allowing you to bring your own food, while coffee and tea were also provided. We didn't see any staff. Our room was large, complete with a sitting room and a screened porch. What a great spot! 

On the deck at Doc's on the Water at Mooney Bay.

Typical Adele - foodie extroardinaire - had scoped out a restaurant ahead of time so we didn't need to bring dinner with us. It was a ten-minute walk and a lovely setting! We marveled at the marina view, tasty fish and chips, and the fact that we were on the same wavelength, ordering the same meal and drink.

We stored our bikes for the night, out of sight, tucked into a corner of the lodge's gazebo.

The next morning, with caffeinated and snack-filled bellies, we ambled along a loop beside the lake, marveling at waterfront homes, lawn ornaments, and newly planted cornfields. A slight tailwind pushed us south along a back road, eventually returning to downtown Pattsburgh for Eggs Benedict at another Adele find: Campus Corner, a local's diner. Sitting on swivel stools, hustling waitresses, full plates of yummy food - everything one would expect from a diner.

Inside the Campus Corner diner.

Admiring Plattsburgh's historical homes and monuments.

26x2" 45 North studded bike tires - a cargo net comes in handy! Adele and I are on the Grand Isle ferry.

Three routes connect Plattsburgh to the Cumberland Head peninsula and the NY/Grand Isle, VT ferry: Two outer lakeside roads and an interior, more direct way with a segregated bike lane. We took the fast way the previous day, but upon return, I suggested a winding, scenic shoreline road (formerly the main route until the inner expressway/bike lane was built about 20 years ago). 

Adele had mentioned that it would be great to stop at garage sales. We think alike. On previous adventures, I found a nice watch, and my favorite earrings came from a secondhand store in Canada - all from previous trips with Adele. So it was fortuitous that the route I suggested, of course, was hosting a neighborhood garage sale!

As it was a Sunday afternoon, sellers were tired, and many included a curbside free pile. I was semi-interested in studded bike tires with little wear. I asked the price. "What would you offer?" They accepted $5 for both - a steal. Adele picked up a  free folding organizer bag. 

I don't think I've laughed this much on an overnight bike tour, in quite some time!

Separation Anxiety or is it Just Winter?

The Trek Marlin 7, Specialized Hard Rock, and Bassi Rachel in dry dock until spring.

Late fall, my husband organizes our garage to accommodate both vehicles, which means deciding which bicycles must be stored in the basement. I primarily use the Peugeot commuter  (eventually shoed with studded tires) and the folder as backup throughout the winter. I like alternating between a heavy but sturdier bike and a lighter, small-wheel counterpart because of riding diversity, plus the latter is easier to clean in wet weather.

And so, every time I descend the stairs to our basement, I see my most colorful bikes and I'm wistfully longing for the day to ride them all again! It may be I'm not ready for winter, or each one is a reminder of adventures to come. I've only ridden the Hard Rock a handful of times but it's scheduled for a 2024 tour. The Rachel is a magical touring wonder and my hardtail reminds me of fun times in the woods. 2023 infused me with hope, the first time since 2020 that my husband and I rode bikes on two vacations in one year - it's no wonder I'm dreaming of the same for 2024!

A Surge in Winter Commuters

Nothing beats a balaclava, down parka, and winter boots, in my opinion, turning a
cold weather commute into a pleasant affair.  

Is it the fat biking explosion, better education, studded tires, or something I can't quite put my finger on that has contributed to more winter bike riders? Or is it a natural extension from an uptick in fair weather cyclists? As an avid bike commuter, it took a job change and a route that is safe, for me to ever consider riding in the dark, not to mention becoming comfortable commuting in sub freezing temperatures. I still haven't tackled snowy conditions, nor do I plan to, but there are a growing number of cyclists who refuse to let mother nature get in the way, like Freezing Saddles participants, Bri at Bike Like Crazy, and Doug at Four Season Cycling, all proving that it can be done.

What is driving the winter riding craze?

Riding through a Gauntlet of Emotions

Doing the best that I can do right now.

Leaving from my home office after a less than stimulating work day, it was imperative to get outside, (now a strange form of exercise when I used to bike commute). Indeed, 5 pm never rolls around fast enough for me. I alternate evening walks with my husband with solo bike rides on the Burlington Greenway, listening to soothing sounds of waves or relishing the quiet stillness, encountering only a few walkers. This is usually the me time that I crave.

But after wonderful cross-country ski snow, a warming trend has softened compacted firm snow on our trails to slippery mush. I came to grips with this reality this evening, fleeing local water-filled, icy trenches for roadways with cars, (so noisy!), studded tires rattling on asphalt, wondering if it was worth pedaling at all. I passed a beautiful odor-free dead skunk, weaved around puddles, feeling that I was unprepared and emotionally caught off guard after navigating frozen snow-filled paths with confidence for 3 months. Then a car sprayed me as I pedaled through a neighborhood - nobody's fault, I realize - but nonetheless it seemed like the nail in the coffin. What the heck was I doing out here on roads?

Shortly afterwards, I headed to the waterfront path, determined to take my chances heading home on a car free route. It was quite slushy and slippery at times. I had to concentrate to maintain forward momentum and keep the front wheel straight, and even so there were periods when I had to put my foot down, walk a bit, before setting off again. It was then that I realized all the balance skills I acquired from riding on packed snow came into play, lending confidence. Without pedestrians to dodge, I challenged myself to keep at it for as long as possible. There were also stretches of bare pavement - more than I had anticipated - that gave a welcome reprieve from intense bike handling.

As I crested the bridge over the Winooski River, I felt euphoric - this bridge always has that effect on me - because it's the homestretch, because it feels like I'm flying in the darkness. I could walk home from there if needed. As I navigated the last half mile home, I thought about how this particular ride, through a gauntlet of emotions (better word than "gamut" don't you think?), seemed an apt metaphor for 2020 and now 2021. We're all dealing with change, highs and lows, but we keep moving forward, as best we can.

The Winter That Was

 

This winter, like much of the mid-west, has been above normal temperature-wise and lacks abundant snowfall. Brief reprieves from intense cold have been prolonged and spring-like warmth has certainly been weird, but welcome! 

I embrace riding my bike in the winter with studded tires, and equally I've been enjoying exploring again on my Dahon on snow-free paths. The folder has been updated with new Gripshifter, new cables with purple housing, new cassette and chain, plus a permanent fix for a rattling rear fender. Recently, the bottom bracket has been creaking more so I have plans to give my spry Dahon more love.

Though the unseasonably warm - dare I say recording breaking - weather will not last indefinitely, the return of Canadian geese has been a nice surprise, along with more daylight. I've bolted from a home office to enjoy sunset rides, serenaded by Jupiter and Venus sparkling on the western horizon.

The Mittens that Everyone Needs

My hands suffer when it gets cold. While I have bar mitts attached to my commuter Peugeot, that bike is also decked with studded tires until the weather gods decide it's really spring, so alternative mittens are required to keep my digits from freezing, especially if I ride another bike on dry roads. Or, walking, shoveling, etc. 

I'd read how leather mittens with wool liners are some of the warmest outdoor wear you'll find, so I took the opportunity to replace some failing synthetic lined mittens with LLBean's version.

Call them what you will: double layers, choppers, chopper mitts, work mittens, or leather mitts, ultimately, they're the warmest mittens I've ever used!

The leather shell blocks the wind, grips the handle bar, while the wool liner is warm and replaceable, should one eventually need to. Critical is the air pocket between liner and shell that traps warmth. And if both get wet, just air dry separately. 

There are many brands available in this type of arrangement. And not to worry, I can grasp the shifters and brake levers just fine.

I'm reminded of the Dr Seuss book, The Lorax and  Thneed - the thing that everyone needs!

The True Winter Heroes

Rider in Madison, Wisconsin. Photo credit: Michelle Stocker, The Cap Times

I see brave souls, taking the lane, bundled up against the cold.

They often ride without studded tires, on any style of bike.

Getting from one place to another.

Flashing lights, backpack, panniers, or messenger bag.

The true heroes of winter are the everyday riders, braving the elements.