Introduction: Studded Bicycle Tires for Ice and Snow

Here in Oregon we've been struck be what some have called the "snowpacalypse" and as an avid bike commuter I have found myself needing some extra traction to make it the 9 miles to work. I have seen a number of instructables and tutorials involving screws and nails and the like, however since I dont have those things and they all seem to have the problem of puncturing the tire frequently, this is my solution.

Step 1: Step One - Gather Supplies

For this instructable you will need an old bike tire of the size to fit your bike(or at least one you dont mind losing regular use of) and a good length of heavy gauge wire

Step 2: Step Two - Gather Tools

You will need a pair of heavy pliers to bend the wire and some anvil type cutters to cut the segments(I will explain in the next step why this type is important).

Step 3: Step Two - Detail

For this instructable you will need anvil type cutters to cut the lengths as opposed to bypass type cutters. This is important becase they allow you to cut off lengths with points on the ends allowing cyou to pierce the tire without predrilling the holes which would tear the banding in the tires and weaken them.

Step 4: Step Three - Cut Lengths

Use your anvil type cutters to cut off lengths of wire with a sharp angles at both ends, this is important to pierce through the tire cleanly. I'm using about a 3 inch length (thats about 8 centimeters for all you with a reasonable measurement system)

Step 5: Step Three - Form Spikes

Using your bending pliers to first bend your wire segment to a sharp V, make it a little skinnier than the width of your tire. then bend up the ends. The length here is dependent on how thick your tire is and how long you want the studs to stick out, but too long is fine since they can be cut down after the fact

Step 6: Step Five - Attach Studs

Place your stud/staple/bent wire thingy in the inside of your tire, this is where you chose how wide the studs will be in the tire, it is best to have them toward the edges of the tread so they only engage the ground when you turn or start to slip, but wont increase rolling resistance otherwise.

Step 7: Step Six - Finishing Touches

At this point its best to bend the studs out from the centerline slightly, this will both help to secure the studs in the tire as well as prevent them from grinding down as much. Its up to you how far apart you put the studs, you shouldn't need very many but I chose to put one about every three inches so I have about 30 pairs on my tire.