Hi all!
Does any of you commute by bike in the winter? I'm torn between the Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro and the Marathon Winter, specifically the 26" ones to fit my commuter hardtail.
The Ice Spiker is obviously more extreme, has more studs and would work well in deeper snow, might grip better in icy rutted tracks, but I guess my commutes would be mainly on better days with less slush.
I'm mostly looking for ice traction, and I was not necessarily impressed with the Ice Spikers when trail riding on crust/ice a few years ago (I sold them right after one ride).
Basically, I'm wondering if the 26x2.0" Marathon Winter would be good for icy patches, some light snow/slush, on hilly city streets. I don't care much about rolling resistance, but stability would be my priority. The Ice Spiker Pros are 60$ cdn at CRC and the Marathon Winter (240 studs) are 38,50$, which is pretty cheap. I'd do an Ice Spiker front/ Marathon rear but I prefer to have the same feel (unless someone says otherwise).
Has anyone used those? What were your impressions and terrain/conditions like? Thanks!