Today's Ride

[Andy_ROC]

I used to winter ride alot more before I had any XCD ski setups, a few peeps rode some DIY studs if you're so motivated lol

Yeah I've seen some blogs where people talk about DIY studs. I love the ingenuity! But spikes are out for me based on several more things besides scratching up the inside of my car and risk of damaging clothing loading/unloading. Weight, rolling resistance and just not doing what I want. I want better grip climbing a snowy slope and from what I've learned tread is more important than studs. In fact one guy that rides a lot in an icy region of the world recommended no studs unless you plan on riding clear smooth ice.

I just pulled the trigger on Maxxis Assegai front and rear. Aggressive tread with soft grippy rubber. These will be my winter tires and I'll pull them off when the snow is gone to save the tread for next winter. Thanks @Tjf1967 for changing my perspective to "these are my winter tires."

 

[Ripitz]

I might make an investment in some soft, aggressive tread Schwalbe for winter riding.

I only roll on Schwalbes. I guess if you were 100% on ice and snow maybe the studs would be worth it. Take the wheels off and wrap them in a moving blanket when you stuff it in the car.

Otherwise I think it comes down to the siping and the rubber compound. Siping, especially along the sides is crucial. I run the Marathon GT 365s year round.

 

[Andy_ROC]

I only roll on Schwalbes. I guess if you were 100% on ice and snow maybe the studs would be worth it. Take the wheels off and wrap them in a moving blanket when you stuff it in the car.

Otherwise I think it comes down to the siping and the rubber compound. Siping, especially along the sides is crucial. I run the Marathon GT 365s year round.

View attachment 27746

Interesting as you ride a dramatically different tread than the knobby tires on my bike. The Maxxis Assegai (below) that I just ordered are similar to my existing tires just more aggressive and softer rubber. Either way it should help as my existing tires are already worn from a lot of gravel and road riding. These will be dedicated to winter trails and no road or gravel.

 

[jasonwx]

Interesting as you ride a dramatically different tread than the knobby tires on my bike. The Maxxis Assegai (below) that I just ordered are similar to my existing tires just more aggressive and softer rubber. Either way it should help as my existing tires are already worn from a lot of gravel and road riding. These will be dedicated to winter trails and no road or gravel.

View attachment 27753

i run this tire in a 29x 2.5

 

[Andy_ROC]

i run this tire in a 29x 2.5

Good tire? Any complaints?

 

[jasonwx]

Good tire? Any complaints?

For the type of riding i do.. Very chunky and tech they are perfect...very robust, used to run DHR's..but i found them to heavy..

 

[Low Angle Life]

For the type of riding i do.. Very chunky and tech they are perfect...very robust, used to run DHR's..but i found them to heavy..

Funny, I intentionally got off Assegai's and back onto a DRF EXO/DHR EXO+ combo because the Assegai's were too heavy and slow rolling. Particularly on a 29er. Assegai's are probably in the top 3 best performing tires you can buy right now, I just personally find them to be overkill. I could also never get along with a DHR on the front.

 

[Andy_ROC]

Funny, I intentionally got off Assegai's and back onto a DRF EXO/DHR EXO+ combo because the Assegai's were too heavy and slow rolling. Particularly on a 29er. Assegai's are probably in the top 3 best performing tires you can buy right now, I just personally find them to be overkill. I could also never get along with a DHR on the front.

Good to hear your report on Assegai being overkill. Sounds like a good snow tire for my trails. Weight and roll isn't really a concern since I'm on an emtb.

Looking forward to getting them on.

 

[tirolski]

Heard something coming from behind me while walking yesterday on a snow covered old railroad track trail and it was somebody on a fat bike. A few minutes later he comes back upgrade, we chatted and discussed bikes for a bit. His looked real nice.

Saw folks walking dogs, snow shoeing and there were ski tracks to boot.

 

[Andy_ROC]

Good 10 mile ride today on snow packed trails. The new Maxxis Assegai did really well on the snow. Great grip and I could brake hard and stop like I was on dirt. Climbs and down hill had plenty of grip. Clear ice is still obviously a no go and only for studs.

Weather was blah with thick overcast and about 33 degrees. At least we had bluebird skies yesterday when I was skiing.