FAQ: Bike Tire Studs

What kind of tires will BIKESTUDs work with?

Our studs are made for tires with pre-formed pockets to accept studs. Most such tires are meant for fat bikes. Studdable models include the Dillinger, Escalator, and Wrathchild from 45NRTH; Vee Snowshoe XL and Avalanche; Bontrager Gnarwhal, Terrene Wazia, Cake Eater, and Johnny 5; and others where you can see a small round hole in the tire knob. We have yet to find a studdable tire they don't fit.
They will also work as replacement studs in nearly any factory-studded tire for any kind of bicycle, such as Nokian, Suomi, Schwalbe, Continental, and others.

Can I use these studs in regular bike tires?

No. If you are hoping to put studs in a standard bicycle tire that does not have pockets, these studs are not appropriate for your application. There are various brands of screw-in studs for that purpose. We have also seen many DIY options, some of which look viable…. and some not so much.

How do various stud types differ?

First and foremost, flat tip studs are the most affordable. You can save money studding your own tires, for far less than the cost of pre-studded tires.
Flat-tip studs are totally flat on top (not pointed or domed), which means the entire edge of the carbide cylinder digs sharply into the ice, like a knife edge.
Pointed-tip studs offer less aggressive traction because they only grip at a single point (which dulls quickly), and for these reasons we no longer carry them.
Concave-tip studs have similar traction to the flat-tip. Some find that the hollow center helps them self-sharpen as they wear, though they may wear a bit faster than flat tip studs.
Hex tip studs are 33% wider at the tip than flat or concave studs, and 22% lighter than the Ultra XL crown tip studs, placing them in the middle between the typical stud size/weight and the XL options. It hits the spot for those wanting extra traction without the XL cost or weight. As a thin-wall hollow tip, they're aimed at riders spending most of their time on snow and ice.
Crown-tip (Triple-Traction) studs are similar to concave tip studs, but the ring around the tip has zig-zag edge, making three distinct traction points per stud. They have similar wear characteristics to pointed and concave tip studs. The Ultra XL version has an extra-wide tip for the most aggressive grip on the market.

Which studs should I get?

Our most popular stud is the flat tip version, notably for its affordability and excellent traction, along with the best durability of any stud type--it's the best bang for the buck and offers a tremendous improvement over a non-studded tire for icy surfaces.
Concave tips are offered for those who prefer something to match the factory-installed studs of particular brands.
Hex tip studs are a moderately priced option for those seeking a traction upgrade over flat/concave options without going to the full expense and weight of the XL options.
Crown-tip studs are for those who want the ultimate traction experience.
Getting studs is the most important decision... that gets you most of the way to the best traction you can get. The difference between various stud types is splitting hairs to some degree, accounting for perhaps the last 10% of traction improvement. Using studs of any type can substantially improve traction in icy conditions.

What are they made out of?

All of the studs types we sell have an aluminum body for light weight, with a tungsten carbide tip for durability.
Be aware that some of the bargain priced studs available elsewhere have a steel body, which are substantially heavier than aluminum-body studs, and some others use carbon steel tips rather than carbide, which are far less durable. We do not sell these types of studs.

Do I need the tool?

Yes. You're going to need some kind of tool. Ours are custom made specifically for this purpose, and improvised alternatives can be quite clumsy. Remember, you're likely to insert 100 or more studs... our tool makes it easy and worry-free. We have them made in a factory now, but used to make them ourselves... Check it out.
We now have three tools available... the original Mini-mag has a slightly magnetized tip which holds the stud in place better than a non-magnetized tool. Our newly-improved models (Monster-mag & T-handle) have an embedded neodymium magnet that holds the stud securely in place. You can even shake it and still retain the stud.

Are they difficult to install?

It is not a difficult process. Time consuming? Well… it can be, but it's not hard. It typically takes an hour or less per tire with a break here and there (it's possible your hand/s will get a little tired). See our tire stud installation guide for helpful tips to make it as fast and easy as possible.

Will they make my tires heavy?

No. Well, not meaningfully so. Our flat tip studs are 0.25 grams each (0.30 g for concave tip), which means studding an entire Dillinger 4 adds just 60 grams to the tire weight (or 72 g for concave tips). The body is made of lightweight aluminum, with tungsten carbide insert at the tip.

How many studs do I need?