Being a master of multi-purpose gear, I’m always thinking of how much value I can get out of every item purchased. So when it came to extending my riding season through the winter, I knew I was going to have to bite the bullet on studded tires. It was either going to hurt my bank balance or suck up hours of my time. However, I figured that having reliable traction on snow and ice was better than looking like a three-legged cat trying to bury its own scat on a frozen pond.

Buy or DIY?
When it comes to studded tires for winter biking there are two options: buy or make. Buying is the easy, yet expensive, way out. There are a variety of manufacturers that make studded tires. Some tires are made for commuting while others are ready for full-on winter trail adventures. All tires usually require a break-in period on pavement to set the studs. Don’t avoid this step; you don’t want to lose any of those precious points. If you’re riding on a regular basis through the snowy months, consider a tire with carbide rather than steel studs as they're more wear-resistant.

Making your own studded tires obviously requires more time and energy than just clicking the ‘buy’ button online. However, it’s a great way to recycle used tires while catching up on the season premiere of your favorite TV show. If you make the commitment to DIY studded tires, you’ll be pleased to know that it doesn’t require much more than a handful of supplies and a few hours of your time.

DIY Studded Tires
Supplies:
1 Set of gently used tires – the knobbier the better.
50-100 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch sheet metal or wood screws (flat and countersunk).
Drill or sharp awl.
1 used bicycle tube or tire liner - for reinforcing the inside of the studded tire.
Duct-tape or glue.

Before we delve into the process of creating DIY studded tires, let’s take a moment to consider a few things:

When choosing tires, it’s wise to find something that has big, fat, widely-spaced knobs. This will ensure there is good clearance for snow, allowing it to shed quickly. In addition, solid, blocky knobs provide good support for the stud (screw) itself. Reinforced sidewalls are also a plus; anything to make the tire as durable as possible.

When it comes to hardware, use flathead screws. One common problem with DIY studded tires is flats occur, so whatever you can do to minimize the interface between the head of the stud and tube is always beneficial. When developing a stud pattern, remember that you will encounter a variety of climbing, breaking, and cornering while riding. (Cornering is where you want the most traction since it’s when the least amount of tread is in contact with the ground.) At a minimum, place screws on every other outside knob. If you want the most traction and can afford the time, stud the whole enchilada. Remember to use longer screws on the outside and shorter on the inside of the tire.

During assembly you'll be making holes in your tires to accommodate the studs. Consider using an awl for this (a long, pointed tool used by textile craftsmen to punch holes in heavy duty fabric). Unlike a drill, it won’t tear the rubber and weaken the tire.

DIY Studded Tire Steps:

1. Mark the knobs that will carry the screws.
2. Punch or drill holes in knobs.
3. Drive screws through from inside out.
4. Secure and reinforce the tops of the screws with duct-tape or glue.
5. Line tire with old tube (cut to fit) or tire liner – this protects the screw-heads from the tube.
6. Add talc between liner and tube.
7. Install tube.
8. Mount tire on rim (carefully avoiding all the spikes you just added).
9. Inflate tire to max pressure.
10. Install tire on bike and spin to make sure there is enough clearance with the frame.
11. Dress warmly and go ride!

If you make the commitment to ride through the winter, spend a little extra time or money on studded tires. If not, you’ll spend more time flailing than pedaling. Here are a few tips for riding in the snow and on the ice:

• Don’t dismount on ice – Remember that it’s your tires that have studs, not your shoes.
• Avoid pavement (after the break-in period) – Your studded tires will wear very quickly if you spend more time on pavement than snow and ice.
• Prepare for crashes – Learning the winter riding ballet takes time. Expect to go down and wear appropriate padding.
• Run lower pressure – Backing off your tire pressure will provide more float in the snow.
• Consult the Friction Coefficient Scale for Winter Road Conditions – a little light reading for the geeked-out crowd. Visit IceBike for more details.

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