Schwalbe Marathon Winter Studded Tires

• Now that we're deep into a typical Chicago Winter, some of you might be pondering a pair of studded tires for better traction on the ice and in the muck. Over the past couple of winters, I have experimented with various offerings, ranging from the inexpensive Innova/Nashbar designs to Nokians. My experience has been very consistent with the conventional wisdom among serious ice riders: if you are going to buy studded tires, consider them an investment and buy a nicer pair that you'll use for several years. The cheaper designs are basically $10 tires with horrible tread and poor casings, and they will fall apart. Nokian has some interesting mid-range tires, but nothing that compares with the versatility of the Marathon Winter from Schwalbe. The 700x35c and 26x1.75" offerings start with the legendary Marathon trekking tire (an invincible casing, with very low rolling resistance) and add an incredible 240 spikes (200 in 26") for the ultimate in winter riding.

  These will sell out, so if you want a pair please let me know as soon as possible. And best of all, if you buy a pair in January, they are $30 off.

  Schwalbe Marathon Winter, $75 each. $120 per pair (January only.)