Should I change me tyres in the winter ??

simon_ramsey

I ride an Airnimal Joey and currently have Schwabe Stelvio Slicks (pumped up to 120psi) as I like my speed Is it advisable to ride slicks in the winter ?? or should I change my tyres to something with a bit more grip. The range of tyres available is quite limited as I have 24 inch wheels ISO520.

batch78

No don't bother.

If you have a quick look in one of the road forums its all explained about how 'winter' tyres are a marketing myth.

Just stay away from painted lines and metal work, no tyres will save you from this when its wet. :evil:

Rich158

I'd agree, don't bother.

The reason car tyres have grooves is due to the amount of tyre in contact with the road, and the need to displace the water between the tyre and the road.

On a bike the contact patch is a couple of millimeters square on road tyres, which effectiively cuts through the surface water giving a decent coontact between the tyres and road.

I was sceptical untill I saw the amount of spray my sllicks put up, and felt how much grip they were giving me.

prj45

The more rubber on the road the better, you can't aqua plane on a pushbike.

Unless the surface is very rough then tread and surface interaction comes into play.

simon_ramsey

Thanks for all the replies - you have just reaffirmed what I thought. Already take it a bit easier when it is wet so I have a bit more time to avoid painted lines etc and read about aquaplaning on bikes not been an issue on Sheldon Brown's website.

tardington

Can you get completely slick tyres with puncture protection? I would like some...

Rich158

I use continental ultra gator skins and GP 4000's. I don't think they have specific puncture protection, but keeping them at 100-120 psi has kept me puncture free for 6 months or so

simon_ramsey

The tyres I am using at the moment Schwabe Stevlio Evolution are completly slick and have brilliant puncture protection. I have bits of flint, small holes in the tyre from road debris (only in the outer the puncture resistant carcass is still intact) but still no punctures. I stupidly removed a sharp stone from one of my tyres and it went flat . Now I just ride with whatever I have picked up off the road in the tyre.

doog442

simon_ramsey wrote:

The tyres I am using at the moment Schwabe Stevlio Evolution are completly slick and have brilliant puncture protection. I have bits of flint, small holes in the tyre from road debris (only in the outer the puncture resistant carcass is still intact) but still no punctures. I stupidly removed a sharp stone from one of my tyres and it went flat . Now I just ride with whatever I have picked up off the road in the tyre.

I have been pulling small bits of flint out of my slicks for a month or two. Is it best to leave them in :?: I now have the odd empty hole in my Bontrager racelite hardcases and was going to ask if there is something to fill these holes in,now i have taken the stones out.

Rich158

I just leave the holes, it doesn't seem to do the tyres any harm. I would take the pieces of flint out though, they'll only work themselves further into the carcus, and eventually lead to a puncture

rustncogs

I think somebody on here once recommended thick superglue for filling in holes.
I do this now as I've found if pick a piece of glass out of my tyre, next time I check it, something new has usually worked it's way into the cut.

gb155

What about Snow ? I mean the road will be musy etc and not snow filled but Im running 1.5's City Jets, If I get up on Monday and we have a decent snow covering (as is being reported) Should I stick my old 2.2 off road tyres on ?

Belv

Bit late now, but personally i would change tyres for snow!