Winter tyres for bikes: When all-weather tyres and studded tyres are a good idea

The key factor in choosing the right tyre is not the calendar month, but the surface you’re actually driving on. To start with, it helps to take a look at the tyres currently fitted to check their condition and Profile, carcass and intended use check.

Do cyclists need special tyres in winter?

Not necessarily. On roads that are largely clear but wet, a good all-weather tyre may suffice. Where snow falls regularly, a tyre with a winter-suitable compound and appropriate tread pattern is advisable. On icy roads, studded tyres are the far more effective choice. The difference is measurable: in a winter tyre comparison carried out by TCS and ADAC, the braking distances of winter tyres on compacted snow at two bar were on average 16 per cent shorter than those of summer tyres; on smooth ice, however, the advantage of non-studded tyres remained minimal. This is an older comparison from 2021, not a current model test.

Unlike for motor vehicles, the situational winter tyre rule in the Road Traffic Regulations (§2 StVO) does not apply to ordinary bicycles. Nor is ‘O to O’ a statutory deadline. In practice, the more important question is: Is your route reliably free of ice after frosty nights, or do you cycle across shaded bridges, uncleared side roads and forest paths in the morning?

​Conclusion: Check first, then switch

If you mainly cycle on cleared paths, you don’t need to change your tyres. A good all-weather tyre can be the simplest solution. If you regularly cycle through snow or slush, you’ll benefit from a winter-suitable compound and the right tread pattern. If you can’t avoid icy stretches or are cycling off the beaten track, you should consider studded tyres and factor in the drawbacks on tarmac. And if black ice turns the path into a slippery slope, turning back is a wiser option than buying any tyres at all.

Which tyres are best suited to which winter road conditions?

All-weather tyres, winter tyres or studded tyres: how do the different types perform?

All-weather tyres for everyday use: The Schwalbe Marathon 365 is an example of an all-season tyre with a siped tread pattern and a puncture-resistant insert. It is designed for cyclists who ride in cold, wet and light snowy conditions and do not want to change their tyres twice a year. However, for ice that is as smooth as glass, a tyre without studs is still not the right solution.

Winter tyres without studs: The Continental Top Contact Winter II Premium is an example of a tyre specifically designed for winter roads, without metal studs. Such models are worth considering if snow and cold, wet tarmac are a frequent occurrence, but icy stretches can be avoided. Before buying, check the specific size on offer and whether it is suitable for your bike.

Spikes for ice: The Schwalbe Marathon Plus Spike, formerly known as the Marathon Winter Plus, is designed for everyday use in winter. For MTB riders, the Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro is a more off-road-oriented option; depending on the version, the manufacturer states it has up to 402 spikes. The metal studs provide grip on ice, but cause more noise and higher rolling resistance on bare tarmac. These Instructions for fitting spikes shows how to run in new tyres and replace lost studs. The models mentioned are examples.

What should you look out for when buying tyres in autumn and winter?

• Subtext before product name: For slush and loose snow, the tread pattern and tyre width are important. For ice, studs and lateral grip are key. A coarse MTB knobbly tyre is no substitute for a studded tyre on black ice.
• Fit and tyre clearance: The ETRTO size, rim and permissible tyre width must all be compatible. Check the clearance at the fork, rear triangle and mudguards, even when the bike is compressed and there is mud on the tyres. Studded tyres may be wider than expected.
• Composition and condition: A winter-suitable tread pattern is of little use if the tyre is worn out or damaged. Check the tread, sidewall and puncture protection before the season starts.
• Air pressure: Slightly lower pressure can increase the contact patch and grip on soft ground. However, stay within the pressure limits specified for the tyres and rims, and take into account your weight, riding style and the risk of punctures. A pressure gauge is more reliable than the ‘thumb test’. This article explains, Why the correct tyre pressure depends on the intended use. Lower pressure does not turn a normal tyre into a winter tyre.
• E-bike registration: For pedelecs with assistance up to 25 km/h, suitable studded bicycle tyres are permitted. An S-pedelec with a top speed of 45 km/h, on the other hand, is classified as a moped – studded tyres are not permitted on these. For tyres without studs, the approval, speed and load capacity markings, as well as the specifications in the vehicle documents and those provided by the manufacturer, are decisive.