"I saw this deal, and thought someone might like it" thread.

[dbb]

Research out of Sweeden (largely in Sweedish) suggests studded tires on bikes improve grip, braking and steering.

Now you know.

English abstract below with my emphasis.

http://www.vti.se/en/publications/pd...t-facility.pdf


Abstract
The purpose of this project was to define a useful methodology for comparing the ice grip of different bicycle tyres and to perform initial measurements. The long term objective is to set up recommendations to winter cyclists regarding bicycle tyres based on measurements performed according to the defined methodology. Measurements were done on smooth slippery ice using two regular (non-studded) bicycle tyres and four studded tyres of different brands and models. The tests were carried out in the VTI tyre test facility (TTF). The TTF is a unique indoor flat track machine for tyre tests on ice or asphalt pavement. This construction enables measurement of frictional forces under controlled conditions both when braking and steering. The TTF has been used for several years when testing tyres for both passenger cars and heavy vehicles, but to be able to test bicycle tyres some modifications of the equipment were necessary.

The defined test method proved to be suitable for comparing studies. The measurements showed that studded tyres improve the grip on ice compared to regular bicycle tyres, but there can be differences in performance between different types of studded tyres. A larger number of studs is not necessarily related to a better grip on ice. When braking with locked wheel the frictional forces measured, were up to 2.5 times higher with a studded tyre compared to a non-studded tyre. In addition, studded tyres generally generate greater frictional forces when steering on ice compared to non-studded tyres. In general, a lower tyre pressure slightly increases braking and steering forces, but an optimal tyre pressure might be necessary in order to achieve the best possible performance from a studded bicycle tyre. Based on the results so far, cyclists should be recommended to use studded tyres when cycling during winter conditions. With an improved grip on ice and a better braking stability, there are safety benefits to be made.

Title: Can studded tyres reduce the number of single bicycle accidents? Friction measurements of bicycle tyres in the VTI tyre test facility

Author: Mattias Hjort (VTI)
Anna Niska (VTI)

Publisher: Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI)
www.vti.se

Publication No.: VTI rapport 862

Published: 2015

Reg. No., VTI: 2012/0494-28

ISSN: 0347-6030

Project: Studded bicycle tyres – a tool to reduce the number of single bicycle accidents during winter?

Commissioned by: Länsförsäkringars Forskningsfond AB
Keywords: Cycling, bicycle, tyres, winter, friction, slipperiness, slip curve


Apologies - I put this in a inappropriate thread. Sorry!

[hozn]

I guess the concept of conducting studies to prove what everyone knows to be true is not limited to sociology! :-)

[dbb]

I guess the concept of conducting studies to prove what everyone knows to be true is not limited to sociology! :-)

Except in the US we would have had the University of South Florida or UC San Diego do the research!

[ShawnoftheDread]

Study finds bears really do defecate in forests.

[wheels&wings]

I guess the concept of conducting studies to prove what everyone knows to be true is not limited to sociology! :-)

I like studs too. Some of you know that. We don’t need fancy research studies to prove that studs = awesomeness. Though I don’t actually have any on my tires. Maybe one day… surely I’ve gone down enough times without ‘em.

I expect we could all come up with more useful studies. But I’m just grateful these people are focused on bicycle safety. I mean, think about the millions of bucks devoted to studies like,
--what sort of department store fragrances will convince ladies to buy more lipstick,
--what bomb components will destroy more people,
--which cartoon characters will inspire toddlers to whine more loudly when they drive past a toy store --I want I want I want.

And maybe there is some merit to the tire study. The bit that caught my attention was,
“….there can be differences in performance between different types of studded tyres. A larger number of studs is not necessarily related to a better grip on ice.” Maybe there is an ideal configuration. I can ask my Swedish brother to read the Swedish study.

I imagine the studded tire industry had something to do with this research. And you can’t blame ‘em. I mean, it’s not exactly high season for studded tire salesmen, even in Sweden. They have succeeded in making us think about studs as we wring sweat from our shirts.

[trailrunner]

Except in the US we would have had the University of South Florida or UC San Diego do the research!

Hey - I went to UCSD, and just so you know, we sometimes had bad weather. For sure, I remember the terrible winter of '80' and the night it got below 45F. We all thought the world was coming to an end. It was so bad that I actually had to wear a sweater!

[dbb]

Hey - I went to UCSD, and just so you know, we sometimes had bad weather. For sure, I remember the terrible winter of '80' and the night it got below 45F. We all thought the world was coming to an end. It was so bad that I actually had to wear a sweater!

Rules 5 and 9

[GovernorSilver]

Hey - I went to UCSD, and just so you know, we sometimes had bad weather. For sure, I remember the terrible winter of '80' and the night it got below 45F. We all thought the world was coming to an end. It was so bad that I actually had to wear a sweater!

Wow, so did I!

Yeah, I used to wear my heavy jacket when it was a chilly 55F outside. Visited last year for Christmas - life was so miserable with 73 F days.

I'd like to try studded tires on my Breezer Uptown 8 when the ice returns here to DC, but that rear wheel is a pain to work with due to the chain guard, internal hub, etc. All that work for maybe a couple of days of riding on ice, then having to switch back after the ice is gone. Of course the answer is N+1 - a bike that allows easier tire changes.

I'll continue watching this thread for deals on studded tires and N+1 candidates.

[KWL]

...Of course the answer is N+1 - a bike that allows easier tire changes.

The true answer is N+1 - a bike that lives with studded tires year round. No tire or wheel changes needed. A reasonably priced mountain bike with fenders and Hakkapalitta W240 studded tires is resting in my garage right now, just waiting for the first snow/ice fall.

[americancyclo]

Voler is having a sample sale if you're looking for bibs or skinsuits. Men's, Womens, and a bunch of tri gear
http://www.voler.com/browse/cat3/?cat=Samples,Sale