Testing Studded Snow Tires on an Electric Bike!
Well this may seem a little wacky but I am testing some studded snow tires. And yes, it does snow in Arizona!
It may be hard to believe but Flagstaff Arizona is at 7000 ft elevation and we tend to get a lot of snow in the winter.
I currently have the Schwalbe Marathon Winter tires mounted on the Hebb electric bike that I have in for testing and review. They have a
nice pattern of studs on each side of the tire along with some siping of the treads that further helps in slippery conditions. In the snow and ice you can run them at a lower pressure to get the studs to grip. When the streets have cleared but you know there will be more snow, you can pump up the tires and ride the center strip of the tire to avoid wearing down the studs too much.
So far so good. These tires really grip well! I haven’t slipped and fallen…..yet 🙂 It is cool to have all wheel drive thanks to the front hub motor on the Hebb e-bike and the normal rear wheel drive of a typical bike.
The traction that these tires give you is confidence inspiring. You can brake pretty well, and lean the bike into corners a bit. The motor driving the front wheel works well with the studded tires.
Schwalbe recommends that you ride them “easy” for the first few miles to make sure the studs seat properly in the tires.
I am going to put a few more miles on these tires before giving the full review.
Please leave your comments and/or questions below.
Thanks!
– Pete
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Same tire i am using on the rear Bion X motor on the Trek Navigator 2.0 i have front well that a Nokian Ex stream 296 2.5
Hi Ken, How is the Nokian tire treating you?
Pete: I’ve got the same tires, but I still can’t bring myself to lean into a corner. Tell me it’ll be okay.
Ah heck if we fall it’s only soft snow
Hi Ted, It all depends on your comfort level. I have been riding
bikes for a long time (mountain, road, cyclo-cross) and I am
comfortable with pushing the limits a little 🙂 I recommend starting
out with a little bit of lean and see how it goes. Also; when I say
“leaning” into a corner, it is a lot less than what I would do on dry
pavement. Hope that helps!
Hi Ted, It all depends on your comfort level. I have been riding
bikes for a long time (mountain, road, cyclo-cross) and I am
comfortable with pushing the limits a little 🙂 I recommend starting
out with a little bit of lean and see how it goes. Also; when I say
“leaning” into a corner, it is a lot less than what I would do on dry
pavement. Hope that helps!
I’d definately be scared to really go into a corner with these. But they do look legit.
thnks for info ..
seeking studded tires for my eZee …700 wheels..
needing help
jon
Hi Jon,
Here is a link to the Schwalbe Winter Marathon tires in the 700c size.