This article was produced in partnership with Chain Reaction Cycles
Swapping from summer to winter rubber is essential for many car drivers across the northern hemisphere – so why not your bike tyres too? Whether you’re a weekend warrior or daily commuter, they’re your only contact point with the ground, and we’d all like to keep it that way.
We’ve put together a handy guide to help you choose which tyres will let you laugh in the face of Jack Frost and keep riding when others around you are slip-sliding in the snow, or wobbling in the wet. Read on…
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Related: How to change your bike wheels for winter
Why do I need to swap from summer to winter tyres?
There are four main differences between them: tread pattern, tyre compound, puncture protection and size. Taken together, these factors have an enormous effect on overall riding performance in winter.
Tread pattern
Slick and semi-slick tyres provide ample grip (and roll well) when conditions are dry, warm and summery. Tarmac loves them, we love them. But cold and wet conditions can dramatically reduce traction, and if they meet ice or snow then you’re going to struggle to stay upright. A chunkier tread pattern helps them bite better in the dirt, and shrug off water in the wet. A siped tread features thin slits across the surface of a tyre to provide extra grip and disperse water. And if things get really (d)icy, studded tyres will deliver maximum grip.
Tyre compound
Puncture protection
Size
What tyres are best for me?
Clinchers vs tubulars vs tubeless
Our picks for training
Schwalbe Durano Plus
Continental Grand Prix 4 Season
Our pick for commuting
Schwalbe Marathon Plus
Our pick for racing
Schwalbe Ultremo ZX TR
Vittoria Corsa Evo II CX
Our pick for crazy conditions
Schwalbe Marathon Spike
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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