Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro REVIEW | A disappointment?

Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro REVIEW | A disappointment?
We're testing the Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro 27.5 x 2.6 in different conditions. While the tyre is excellent on ice and hard packed snow there are places that is not that well suited.
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[@sepang87]

Similar experience after 2 winters using them in Russia. Excellent on ice and hard packed snow, struggling more through soft snow. Another good feature in my opinion is puncture resistant. I have 0 punctures so far, having used them for over 2,000 km. Nice video!

[@MTBs]

Thanks mate! There are tyres with a more square profile which I think would work better in deeper snow.

[@superyamagucci]

Mate it's so cold in Russia you probably have dozens of punctures but the tyre is frozen solid!

[@formlesstrace4782]

I've had similar experiences, ISP only works well on ice and hard packed snow surfaces. Having wider rims and running lower tire pressures make it a bit better performer in other situations, but still not as great than your usual grippy mtb tires. On snowy trails SuomiTyres Piikkisika or 45NRTH Wrathchild should perform a lot better than ISP while still working well on icy surfaces. However, those are also much more expensive tires. Terrene Cake Eater maybe also worth of trying, however its ice grip appears to be weaker than on ISP.

[@MTBs]

If there should be a tyre that works for Nordic conditions, it has to be from Finland! 💪

[@joeshmoe7967]

Literally looking to buy today.....I am wondering why they don't make just a good MTB tire with studs. I mainly need for hard packed snow and ice. I have the Schwalbe Marathon, bit its is useless in any snow. Works good on black ice on paths. I was hoping this one would better for a least a bit of travel across a field. I am not looking to go back country riding. A local shop has a good deal, so I may risk it.

[@malucry84]

Testing ride stability with one hand on, while on the left hanging tripod, is not really reliable.

[@MTBs]

😂 That was only for a few hundred meters though.

[@kavorka8855]

hi, i am thinking of buying these, my current tyres are 27.5X2.1, would 27.5X2.25 fit the wheels? The difference is these are slightly wider

[@MTBs]

Depends on the width of the wheels, but in general - yes, they will fit. It’s a tiny difference.

[@dvanolpen]

Maybe if you weren't carrying a tripod in your left hand steering would be easier??

[@MTBs]

😂 Yes, for sure! But that was only for a few hundred meters.

[@dvanolpen]

@@MTBs Thanks for the reply and video! Just ordered a set up the 26x2.10s for my hardtail. Mostly for gravel road (packed snow/ice) riding and some packed snowshoe trails. I'll stay out of the deeper snow and leave my tripod at home! 😉

[@vaappu79]

Well it's a nanosecond and you are face down on the ice/snow without studs if there's an unexpected icepatch. So I'll take these any day instead of none spike tyres. Don't have E-bike and always on trail.

[@titusm9837]

It is imperative to have the right pressure when riding in snow. It is the same as offroad cars -- as low pressure as possible does wonders. This is true on snow and sand (maybe even mud) . It is very weird that a tire that has the right compound would perform worse on snow than regular tires...that's why i suspect improper pressure. I just ordered a set so maybe after testing i will come with an update. I use 2.75 with 2.6 wide. Normally i ride with 1.5 bar on the maxis DH tires. Maybe i will consider 1.3 or 1.2 for those.

[@MTBs]

Yes, I lowered the pressure and got better traction. But a square profiled tyre with larger knobs will provide better grip in deep snow. The Ice Spiker Pro have small knobs and a round shape.

[@titusm9837]

@@MTBs I would expect the smaller knobs to eliminate snow faster...like mud tires... At least this type of pattern should work good in mud too right? At least that's what one would expect. I hope I will not regret buying those over another set of DH tires.

[@Alexj244]

Just a quick note to everyone thinking using normal mud tyres in winter, do not use maxxis 3C compound, it will crack in cold.

[@MTBs]

Thanks for the heads up, but I think most soft Maxxis tyres show cracks around the knobs despite the temp if that's what you mean?

[@donparsons1237]

Studded fat tires are the trick to winter riding... They stay well planted in soft snow and ice... And a person can run lower air pressure that offers more traction as well as a softer ride... A bit more effort pedaling but way more fun going distance... The trick is a low range gear ratio... A person can easily pedal all day long with out burning the tank... Once yha go fat for wither riding you'll never go back too thins... There are thousands apon thousands of fat tire riders in our 50 km zone... Fun factor is 10,,, and super easy getting around all winter long... Thanks for sharing as lots of folks on the thins have the same issue trying to ride the trails in our area... 10 too 20.000 fats with in our 160 km circle... Cheers all

[@MTBs]

Great input!

[@bobikbobikowy5458]

I damaged my wrist last year. I was going to work, my everyday route, pretty steep downhill and there was ice patch on the turn. I was angry at myself that i didnt buy those tires. Gonna purchase them this year :D But im worried that people are losing studs, they shouldnt sell product that is faulty. If i will use it everyday it will be big problem for me.

[@MTBs]

I don't think you need to worry about the studs. Have talked to a few owners and it's like with winter tyres for cars. Ride carefully at first on tarmac or a flat gravel road to let the studs set. After that you should be fine.

[@Valhallaaaa]

Hello guys what is your favourite Winter tire? I liked Continental Moutain King a lot and now i wanna try something new on front...

[@MTBs]

I think any "aggressive" mud tyre will work well in snow. Maxxis Assegai up front?

[@ebikescrapper3925]

Use adjustable zip ties when putting them on, squash the tyre down on the rim every 4 to 5 spokes

[@MTBs]

That's one way to do it, thank you for the tip! We found that it worked putting them on like with regular tyres, only with a little bit more work.

[@SidroSagradoMTB]

Awesome review. Watched even if I have very slim chances of riding on snow. :)

[@MTBs]

🤣 You are lucky to escape the snow and not have to worry about winter tyres!

[@lettyguerrero37]

What a discovery!

[@BH-cy9tb]

Wow I just checked here in USA those tires are 127-137.00 per tire. 60 euros is a steal.

[@MTBs]

Finally something that's cheaper in Sweden than in the US!! 🙏🤑😁 But seriously, 127$ that's a lot of money!

[@BH-cy9tb]

@@MTBs yup. It is. I will probably wait till off season and see if I can get them a little cheaper.

[@MTBs]

Good plan! 👍

[@joeshmoe7967]

@@MTBs About 93 euro in Canada....AT 60 euro I would buy a pair and a spare!

[@joeshmoe7967]

Literally about to buy at $138 canadian. I ride mainly on hard pack, so if I get a few years of winter riding then not a bad price.

[@Hybrid600]

What pressures were you using?

[@MTBs]

Sorry, I don't remember. Not too low and not too high, probably. 😆

[@Hybrid600]

@@MTBs lol

[@davidwarner6755]

Cute Bunny (1:00)!

[@MTBs]

Dead now, though…🪦