WHY DOES SCHWALBE NOT OFFER WINTER TIRES WITHOUT SPIKES?
Very simple: Because Schwalbe considers this as the only safe option to cycle in snow and ice.
Of course it would be nice to cycle without the permanent noise of the spikes. On a car, winter tires with sipe technology and a compound which provides grip are a good idea. However, the situation on a bicycle is completely different. You only ride on two tires and when you start slipping on an icy road, you fall directly on your face.
Our product range comprises plenty of tires with grip and coarse tread which offer good services on wet and cold roads, muddy forest tracks and even on firm snow. Whoever looks for such a tire makes a good choice with tires, such as Smart Sam or Marathon Mondial. But whoever wants to ride safely on an icy road, will have to choose tires with spikes..
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SPIKED TIRES
Are spikes forbidden?
On bicycle tires spikes are no problem. In some countries, spikes are forbidden only for automotive vehicles, as they damage the roads. However, speed e-bikes are considered as automotive vehicles.
Is it necessary to run in tires?
To ensure the durable hold of the spikes, the tires should be run in approx. 40 km on asphalt roads. Avoid forceful acceleration and braking during this period of time.
And you don’t slip away?
No. The spikes dig themselves very well into normal asphalt roads. Even fast curves are unproblematic.
Can you ride with spikes also on normal roads?
No problem at all. If, however, snow is rather seldom and the roads are mainly free, the running noises will soon become irritating.
When do tires reach their limits?
In deep snow even tires with spikes are no longer a help.
In my region, snow is seldom. How can I make good use of tires with spikes?
The best option is to fit the tires on a second bicycle. In the morning you decide which bicycle is suitable for the respective weather. On icy roads it is a great feeling to have full control on tires with spikes, even when the cars drive very slowly.
How long is the service life of spikes?
All Schwalbe spikes have a core made of extremely wear resistant carbide (tungsten carbide). With these spikes you can ride a few thousand kilometers. The fact that the corners are rounded by grinding and the spikes are pressed deeper into the material is normal.
Individual spikes got lost. Can they be replaced?
Yes, replacement spike kits incl. tools can be ordered from Schwalbe.