Are you kidding me with the obsession over studded winter bike tires? Do people really think theyre necessary for casual winter riding? It seems to me that the added weight, increased rolling resistance, and higher cost of studded tires far outweigh any perceived benefits. I mean, how many people are actually riding on black ice for extended periods of time? And dont even get me started on the damage those metal studs can do to pavement and bike paths.
Meanwhile, there are plenty of excellent non-studded winter tires on the market that offer excellent grip and traction on snow and slush without the added hassle and expense of studs. Not to mention the fact that many studded tires are only effective at very slow speeds - if youre actually trying to ride at a decent pace, the studs are just dead weight.
So, I have to ask: are studded winter bike tires really worth it for the average rider, or are they just a solution in search of a problem? Are there any real-world scenarios where studded tires would be the better choice, or are they just a marketing gimmick?