The Ice Spiker are back for 2017

The temperatures here in the South East of England have again dipped below zero, and I decided the time had come to prepare my commuter for the imminent snow.

I dug out my old set of Schwalbe Ice Spiker from the shed, and fitted them just before the the first commute to work of the year 2017.

The first time I used the Ice Spiker was in 2010.

Since then, I have only used them a handful of times in 2012 before investing in a set of Schwalbe Marathon Winter tyres for my folding bike, which I reviewed.
As the winters are getting colder again, I suspect we might see snow this year.
It normally snows around February in the South East of England, but a few days ago the ground was so slippery I could not ride down my driveway without sliding on black ice.

Fortunately I remembered to set the tyre pressure correctly and these tyres only add about 5 minutes to my 20 minute commute, which I personally think is perfectly acceptable.

Balloon tyres... (Schwalbe Marathon Supreme 26 x 2.0 folding tyres review)

I have recently fitted a set of large volume (balloon) tyres, a set of Schwalbe Marathon Supreme 26 x 2.0 folding tyres.





They replace my worn out set of Continental City Ride 26 x 1.5



The City Ride tyres were not great tyres at all: uncomfortable at high inflation pressures (70 psi), vague and slow at lower inflation pressures (40 psi), dreadful in the wet since new, with little traction on anything other than clean tarmac, and suffered greatly in lower temperatures (below 8 Celsius.)

But, they were cheap, and as far as puncture protection goes, they were very reliable: only one puncture in 12,000 miles. The rate of wear has been really great, probably explaining their reduced grip in cold and wet weather conditions.

Although the Marathon Supreme comes in both 1.6 and 2 inches wide models, I chose to try the 2 inches wide model on my commuter bike, and try a 'balloon' tyre for a change.

I am so far, pleased with my choice!



Before I expressed my opinion on the performance of the Marathon Supreme, let me tell you that a smaller (20 x 1.6) version of the same tyres are mounted on my folding Dahon Mu P8, and they have been great on that bike.

I must detail the type of riding I do, too. My hybrid bike is used for commuting duties, normally on London roads, and in the hilly part of the Kent countryside; it gets used for all sorts of other duties too: I go shopping and carry full panniers in excess of 20 Kg; I transport my daughter on a rear mounted bicycle seat, inclusive of panniers for day trips to the park; I ride on fire roads and trail tracks. And I expect reliability, handling, durability, and comfort.

Using this particular tyre, I can achieve all of the above objectives.

A large volume tyre allows lower inflation pressures without a great loss of rolling resistance. This comes at a price: rolling weight. But these tyres are not particular heavy even in the larger width, and therefore excel in providing the greater compliance and comfort of lower inflation pressures (40psi) yet resist to punctures and pinch flats, even on potholed roads.

The particular rubber compound used for these tyres is certainly more effective on wet roads than the City Ride tyres I used previously.



The carcass uses a higher TPI construction, which ensures compliance even at higher inflation pressures as required when carrying heavy loads.

The only caveat to be aware of is that these tyres are huge, and effectively increase the overall diameter of the wheel (total circumference 2050 mm): your gears will seem slightly longer as a result; please remember to adjust your cycle-computer accordingly.

Time to fit winter tyres, again...

I had winter tyres (Schwalbe Marathon Winter) fitted for most of December 2011 and it didn't snow. It was icy at times, certainly cold enough to justify having winter tyres fitted, but I had yet to experience the beauty and joy of riding on snow covered roads this winter.

Vittoria Open Pave Evo CG review: Jan 2012 update

It's been over a year since I fitted a pair of Vittoria Open Pave Evo CG to my Kiron Scandium road race bike.

20 inch Schwalbe Marathon Winter studded tyres review

I recently fitted a pair of Schwalbe Marathon Winter tyres to my folding bike, in size 20x1.6

These tyres are suitable for use in icy/snowy conditions and generally when the temperatures drop below 3C.

track pump showdown: Tesco Via Velo floor vs. Bikehut Performance track

Last week I bought a Tesco Via Velo floor pump with gauge for GBP 18.00

I tried it on both my hybrid's Presta tubes, and on my folding bike's Schrader tubes.

Schwalbe Ice Spiker review

I recently reported my first impressions riding the Schwalbe Ice Spiker on dry tarmac.

Now I can finally report about their performance on ice and snow covered roads and paths.

Vittoria Open Pave Evo CG review

I recently fitted a set of Vittoria Open Pave' Evo CG to my race bike.

I previously had a set of Continental GP4000S which I was pleased with in terms of reliability and handling, but never found particularly comfortable on British chipseal roads.

I was looking for a more compliant ride, with the same road holding characteristics in the wet, and the Vittoria's tyre description seemed to be what I was looking for.

I have now done about 300 miles on them, in wet and dry weather, and I can confirm that they are *exactly* what I was looking for.

Continental Grand Prix 4000S review

I currently use a set of Continental GP4000S on my race bike.