Good tires for road riding in winter weather?

Question

What are some good tires to install for riding the roads in snow, ice, other winter conditions? Besides letting some pressure out for better traction, what tires should I use?

Answer 1

Different tires for different conditions.

For bare/wet roads I've been real happy with my Continental Grand Prix 4-Season with Vectran tires.

With snow, it depends on the clearance through your brakes... On a typical road bike with standard brakes, you may not have enough room to add tires with traction. If you have a cyclocross bike or bike with V styled or even disc brakes, you can put on something with a bit of traction for snow and packed snow conditions. I like the Challenge Grifo 700x32c Black/Brown Clincher. On my mountain bike, I love to ride in the snow and use Kenda Nevegal tires.

I tend to not ride in icy conditions, but you can create your own 'studded' tires with zip ties. About every 2 inches cinch up a zip tie around your tire and rim.

Answer 2

Snow and ice are two entirely different conditions.

For snow more or less standard "mountain bike" tires are generally fine. Lowering tire pressure is NOT usually a good idea.

For any amount of ice you need studded tires.