Tires

During my online research about winter biking, I read many varying views about the necessity of studded tires. Some passionately argued for them, others said they were unnecessary.  For those in the yes camp, there was debate about whether to have studs on the center of the tire (the highest point that has the most contact with the road). After much wondering, I jumped in and bought the Schwalbe Marathon Winter tire shown below. The studs are not on the centerline.

Here is what the manufacturer has to say about the tire:

For a safer journey. You have full control on icy roads with the Marathon Winter. Even in tight bends and under violent braking everything remains under control. The spikes work best on ice when running at minimum pressure, while at maximum pressure the tires can be ridden on ice-free roads with minimal road noise. (http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/marathon_winter)

At Schwalbe, the tires are $85 each. I got them on eBay for $55 each.

I bought the tires last January, but amazingly never had to use them. The weather was such that the roads stayed clear for all of my spring commutes.  This fall I put these tires on the old bike shown in the post below.  On days when there is snow or ice anywhere on the roads, I ride this bike.  When the roads are clear, I ride my normal commuter bike which is a Specialized Carmel.  Over the past few weeks there has been quite a bit of back and forth on the weather. One day I thought it would be ok to take the Specialized.  While braking on a snowy patch, I went right down to the ground pretty hard.  The Specialized is now in the rafters.  I'll ride the winter bike until next spring.  These tires are supposed to last 3-6 winters. My original worry that lots of riding on asphalt might wear the studs down seems to be unfounded.