Choosing a winter tyre begins with the surface a cyclist actually rides on. A suitable tread can help on cold, wet pavement, while smooth ice calls for the mechanical grip of metal studs. Tyre maker Schwalbe stresses that studs are intended for icy roads; even a studded tyre does not turn deep snow into an easy route.
Before buying, check that the tyre size fits the rim and that there is enough clearance around the frame and mudguards. If roads are clear on most days, studs will make more noise on asphalt. Schwalbe says studded tyres can also be ridden on dry roads, but their sound and rolling feel are part of the trade-off. The decision therefore depends on how often a particular route actually ices over, not simply on the temperature.
Schwalbe recommends running new studded tyres in for about 40 kilometres on asphalt without hard acceleration or braking, allowing the studs to settle. Afterwards, riders should still respect the tyre’s pressure range and watch for worn or lost studs. Gentle braking and deliberate cornering remain important in winter: extra grip helps, but it cannot replace attention to the road.