http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Spikey winter tyres... en Sun, 31 May 2026 17:33:13 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=3#post-47085 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:46:36 +0000 Min 47085@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Since I have lost a few spikes I now know what they look like inside and they are very wide, rounded and smooth where they seat into the tyre. I would not be worried about them causing punctures. Plus the tyre inner seems to be pretty thick anyway. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=3#post-47083 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:43:14 +0000 Roibeard 47083@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Silly question time. Given that driving a nail into a tyre is generally considered to be "a bad thing", surely ensuring that dozens of nails are well seated in a tyre is equally a bad thing?</p> <p>Once the tyre wears down, won't the spikes start to cause punctures themselves?</p> <p>I know that the embedded tip won't be pointed like a normal nail, yet still can't shake the idea that eventually they'll be poking the inner tube.</p> <p>Perhaps that's the stage that the tyres are too worn and need to be replaced anyway. However I don't normally think my commuter tyres are excessively worn until I can see canvas...</p> <p>Robert </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=3#post-47062 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:32:08 +0000 kaputnik 47062@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaputniq/6355631169/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6109/6355631169_7f5af608f9.jpg"></a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=3#post-46652 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:23:04 +0000 spitters 46652@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I saw these in the local shop but at £45 each I am not sure I will bother. Given I am not sure they will help with snow and I would prefer to just walk to work on the days it looks too much to be bothered. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=3#post-46620 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:09:29 +0000 Smudge 46620@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Not me, I'm about as far from a weightlifter as you could imagine lol<br /> Just an educated guess! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=3#post-46604 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:43:19 +0000 Uberuce 46604@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ooh, have you played with the CoC? Lovely things, even if they don't really mean much. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-46556 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:18:48 +0000 Smudge 46556@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Uberuce, when it starts to feel plasticy and soft it means you're overtightening and need to be *really* careful ;-) damhikijkok!!</p> <p>Remind me not to shake hands with you if what you said means what I think it means?!? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-46553 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:02:21 +0000 Darkerside 46553@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Spikes went back on the upright at the weekend as well. Only lost 7 spikes between the two marathon winters over the 5 months they were on last year, so they're pretty rugged. It does help that the bike is heavier than the moon, so the extra resistance isn't really noticeable... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-46544 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:26:05 +0000 DaveC 46544@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I put Spikes on my Cotic last week. I'm happy just leaving them on and have the luxury of a Dawes Galaxy with normal tyres for when its warm, like this week. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-46543 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 22:41:45 +0000 Uberuce 46543@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Not a rational mistrust, I know. I can't quite get over the notion that 'tight enough' doesn't exist and 'hard as you can' is merely the closest approach. This is terrible logic if you've spent most of your adult life as a powerlifter with a sideline in specific grip training. I can still shut a Captain of Crush 2.5, weakened as I am. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-46541 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 22:08:17 +0000 kaputnik 46541@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>I don't trust QRs</em></p> <p>You don't? Even Uncle Sheldon does - and for fixed wheel retention too! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-46540 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:56:30 +0000 Uberuce 46540@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Google Earth and some path tracing assures me I've done my 40km since Friday* so I can technically take them off now but there are two big problems:</p> <p>1) I can't be bothered for the sake of however many days we'll get before the frost.<br /> b) I've partially rounded off the silly Allan key wheel bolts on my bike and don't want to touch them till I've resolved that one way or the other. I don't trust QRs, but it's abundantly clear that I cannot be trusted to tighten without damage, at least until I get a flux-capacitor shape Allan key.<br /> 3) If I'm going to be in the area for Hilly Tuesday anyway, I'd love to take a detour through the Innocent tunnel for the Krispiematic Surround Sound.</p> <p>*Which pleasantly surprised me since I was just doing my usual weekend boodling around. I didn't quite realise how cavalier about distance I had become since starting this two-wheels malarkey in April. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-46537 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:05:06 +0000 Smudge 46537@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Well they're fitted now, only *just* enough clearance with the mudguards but clearance there is :-)<br /> I guess they can get some running in later in the week(PY?) and I'm ready for the ice B-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-44818 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:38:59 +0000 amir 44818@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Newcastle are winning again. It's still relatively mild. Is there really a link? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-44798 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:37:24 +0000 DaveC 44798@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I have just got a set for the Cotic I Can't wait to try them now. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-44783 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:32:26 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 44783@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I tihnk Min's tongue was firmly in her cheek there... ;)</p> <p>A bit like me saying I'm planning a European holiday next year already in anticipation of Newcaslte qualifying for the Champion's League, and that guaranteeing we now go on a massive losing streak... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-44782 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:30:10 +0000 crowriver 44782@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Min <em>the warmest winter since records began! ;-)</em></p> <p>It's still Autumn. Once we're past March then we'll see what the winter was like... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-44781 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:24:15 +0000 amir 44781@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"....for the warmest winter since records began! "</p> <p>:)</p> <p>I hope that all you guys buying these tyres really will ensure a lovely warm winter </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-44770 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:53:40 +0000 Min 44770@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Crowriver "Also the studs make a noise like riding over rice krispies when ridden on tarmac. "</em></p> <p>This is EXACTLY what they sound like! I only fitted the front one in the end. I'll wear it for a week then switch to the other for a week then I'll be ready....for the warmest winter since records began! ;-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-44616 Sun, 30 Oct 2011 09:03:14 +0000 Uberuce 44616@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ah, but this bike is a new cyclocross running single/fixed; it's not really going to fit anywhere else except in the <em>Dependable Transport</em> category. It's too modern to be my <em>Aesthetic Statement</em> bike, and it's too heavy to be my <em>Warp Factor Nine</em> machine.</p> <p>Arguably, since my Aesthetic Statement will most likely be an elegant old roadster, I could put Winters on that, but I'm having trouble sourcing one that's in this year's bike budget. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-44612 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 21:04:18 +0000 chdot 44612@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>6) <a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3663" rel="nofollow">http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3663</a></p> <p>7) couldn't find the N+1 thread! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-44611 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 20:35:05 +0000 Uberuce 44611@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Decisions and quandries in Camp 'Uce...</p> <p>I've got just enough clearance to hold a pencil between frame and my current 32mm normal Marathons without touching either. No mudguards yet, but I'm keen to get some before the salt. I'm told that's already at the edge of doability, but not over it.</p> <p>I've got a set of 35mm Marathons Winter spikinesses en route, which now sound worryingly incompatible with mudguards.</p> <p>So, assuming I've been properly advised and I don't have room for Winter+normal mudguards, should I:</p> <p>1) Run in the spikes, put on mudguards when I'm putting the non-spikes back on, and when it's time for the spikes, use the alternatives like Raceblades and clip ons?</p> <p>b) Run in the spikes, don't bother with full mudguards, and settle for the partials/clips</p> <p>Thirdly) Since it's well known that any gap you fit a pencil in can also fit a mouse in, I go not to a bike shop but a pet shop and buy a dozen hardy mice, cover them in vaseline like Channel swimmers, and use the spiky nature of the wheel to grate cheese directly into the tread of the tyres, which the mice will then scamper along the wheel eating, ducking under the clearance as needed, and deflecting the winter muck with their petroleum-jelly enhanced coats.</p> <p>5) Have a wet bum a lot and hope that the fixieness of my bike means it's not so bad to get salt-sprayed. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-44610 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 19:47:30 +0000 Arellcat 44610@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>SRD, have a word with the Laid Back Bicycle emporium - you can get the Marathon Winters in 20" size.</p> <p>The next best person to ask is Carol Hague at West Country Recumbents. WCR runs 'the small tyre shop'. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-44603 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:16:55 +0000 druidh 44603@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I didn't bed in my spiky tires at all last winter. They arrived at the shop on the Saturday, the snow landed on the Sunday and on the Monday morning I had to ride in to the shop on my MTB tyres (no traffic of any sort on the Lanark Road - it was actually quite pleasant and I was being applauded by pedestrians and drivers trying to dig out their cars). I fitted the spiky tyres in the shop and rode home on them. </p> <p>In addition to my non-stop use of them for a couple of months, a mate borrowed them for the Strathpuffer and did all but the first lap with them. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-44602 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:08:27 +0000 SRD 44602@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Don't think I can justify the cost (washing machine died right after I clicked 'buy' on the islabike), but out of curiosity does anyone do these to fit the Helios? (same size tyres as BMX, I believe) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-44600 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 17:16:39 +0000 Min 44600@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>After procrastinating about this for a while I have gone in and bought some spikey tyres. I am going to fit mine now and bed them in. I can always take them off again till it gets icy. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-43785 Sat, 22 Oct 2011 13:52:06 +0000 Arellcat 43785@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That's my spikey winter tyres fitted to my blue bike: an Ice Spiker up front and a Marathon Winter on the back.</p> <p>I tested it up and down my road and it was absolutely hilarious! The noise you get on tarmac is amazing, like walking with cleats on a pavement. Schwalbe says to bed the spikes in with about 30 miles of gentle riding, apparently. I didn't find the tyres especially slow compared with my Panaracer Fire XCs, but goodness me they're heavy! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-43674 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:36:43 +0000 Arellcat 43674@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>My brother has fitted a set of winter tyres to his emergency backup car, while the big car is having open engine surgery. I think they're Toyo Snow Proxys S930s, and while not studded, the compound is very noticeably squidgy and the tread is heavily siped. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-43673 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:31:44 +0000 kaputnik 43673@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Top Gear actually had a good idea last season</em></p> <p>hehe, it was a good idea. Until they tried to maneouver a front-wheel drive, rear-wheel steer vehicle in the snow! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4195&page=2#post-43670 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:24:07 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 43670@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I understand it works similarly in Scandinavia where it's actually a legal requirement to put winter tyres on from October to March (I think it's those dates). </p> <p>We're seriously considering doing it on our car. I've got 'snow socks' which work brilliantly, but while a LOT easier than chains they can still be a wee bit of a faff to get on (depending on circumstances). I like the idea of the car being a bit more immediately sure-footed. Not that the car would go out much if it snowed a huge amount, and when it does I drive well within the limitations put in place by the conditions. But it does mean I've got a bit more control to avoid muppets who drive as if the white stuff affects nothing to do with the handling of the car.</p> <p>Anyway, on the bike side I think I'll pop by TBC this weekend. </p>