Road bike tires

[Eden]

Do studs work on black ice? Thick ice has something to grab, but it seems like black ice might be too thin and too slippery?

[ridebikeme]

Yes, studded tires would work on black ice... that's why so many commuters use them. Although I would caution people that even using studded tires does NOT leave you in a position where you'll never fall, so be cautious.

Nokian and Schwalbe are two of the companies that make stidded tires, and offer stud replacement for either studs that you lose or wear out.

CAtrin, I lived in Indiana for many years, so I can apprecaite where you are coming from. I know that CIBA used to do trainer/roller rides as a group if you are interested... certainly makes the time go faster and I'm sure you can pick up lots of tips as well

[lph]

The thing about studded tires is that you are riding on metal studs, whether they have ice to grip or not. They work best on smooth flat porous ice of some thickness, but epsecially if you have a decent tire pressure up to minimize the "tractor with a flat tire" feeling, carbide studs and cold rubber will never give you the same grip that dry warm rubber will. You can give it your all when going straight ahead, but think of skating, be careful of cornering or banking, and try lower pressure first until you know your tires well. I had a most spectacular slide-out when braking with studs on a smooth granite pavement - I left stripes several meters long