How to make studded bike tires


Make Your Own Studded Tires for Winter Riding

Riding with Jack Frost can be great fun, and with a bit of time and patience, commuting to work, running errands or just getting out for some exercise is possible in winter weather. Breathe new life into an old set of tires that would normally end up as waste and make your own DIY studded tires for winter riding.

Upcycle your old tires. © Profimedia

First things first

Find the widest tires possible for your winter studded tire project. Verify the maximum allowed by the bike’s fork, then subtract a few millimeters of clearance for the studs. The wider the tire, the more stable and effective the tires will be. The knobs need to be large enough to hold and support a screw.

Fork width is one thing, but how about the rims? Are they safety rated to handle the width chosen? The rims don’t need to be fancy. And in fact, an older pair will do just fine. Having a winter wheelset ready to go when the weather dictates is ideal and will save time and frustration. Adding studs to the tires will add weight to the bike and make a noisy ride. If you want to try out one before committing to two, make it the front tire. If you like the result, adding them to the rear will only add more control.

Materials

Collect the following before you start.

The procedure

Find the tire’s directional arrow before turning it inside out. Use chalk or a pen and mark the direction on the inside of the tire casing to remind you between screws. Respect the direction with the screws as you go. You do not need to place any screws down the centerline. Concentrate on the sides and extreme shoulder of the tire only.

There is no need to turn your tires into a porcupine; the more studs, the slower you’ll go and the louder the ride. Two screws spaced out should do the trick. You can always add more later if necessary. Pick a knob to place your first screw. Use your fingers to feel where to drill or insert the screw, working from the inside out.

Check your work as you go, following the tread pattern as you progress. You’ll essentially be creating two parallel rows of screws that are slightly offset from each other, one on the side, the other on the shoulder. Two screws every few knobs is what you are shooting for.

Next step

Once you’ve completed placing the screws, it’s time to cover the heads on the inside of the tire in preparation for mounting. Lay down heavy-duty duct tape over the heads. If it doesn’t stick perfectly, it’s not an issue. The tube will hold it in place once inflated. Mount your tire on the rim, respecting the directional arrow.

Make your winter commute a pleasant trip. © Profimedia

If you have tire liners – optional – run them along the inside of the tire bed before installing the tube. No tire liners? Split open an old inner tube and wrap it around the exterior of a slightly inflated good tube (like a coat) before inserting it inside the tire. Work the tire bead onto the rim as you would for any flat repair, taking care not to cut your hands with the protruding screws. Use plastic tire levers to finish installation if required.

Check that the good inner tube isn’t pinched between the tire bead and rim before inflating. Pump up the tire slowly to the maximum pressure shown on the sidewall. Put the wheel onto the bike and give it a good spin. Verify that it is turning smoothly (no hops or wobbles), and clearing the fork and frame with the added material.

Test ride

Safety first, so give your new studded winter tires a spin near you to verify everything is okay before venturing out on a longer ride. Any screw tips that break off (eventually) can be replaced. Lower air pressure may also improve the ride, grip and comfort. Trial and error will allow you to find the right combination.

How did your winter studded tires turn out? We’d love to see your creations!

How To Make DIY Studded Fat Bike Tires: 7 Easy Steps

Studded tires are a DIY project that can be done in just a few hours for less than $50, but the benefits of this DIY project go way beyond money. Studded fat bike tires give you more traction on ice and snow so you stay safer while riding your bike. If you would like to learn how to make studded fat bike tires step by step, then keep reading! 7 Steps DIY Studded Fat bike Tires: 

Table of Contents

Tools and Parts for DIY Studded Fat Bike Tires

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Tires &Tubes

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Studs For Fat Bike

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Screwdriver or drill

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Screwdriver or drill

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Tire pump

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Gloves

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Tire Sealant

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  1. Tires &Tubes
  2. Studs
  3. Screwdriver
  4. Drill & Drill bit 
  5. Tire levers
  6. Tire pump & Tire gauge
  7. Soap and Water
  8. Gloves
  9. Silicone or contact cement

Get all the tools needed for the job like scissors, pliers, screwdriver, or wrench

7 Steps DIY Studded Fat bike Tires

  1. Select Your Tire Grab a slightly worn tyre 
  2. Use cutters to trim down the knobs for better stud exposure 
  3. Use 2mm drill bit to drill a hole in every knob 
  4. Add One Drop of Hand Sanitizer to Each Pocket
  5. Turn the tire inside out and put screws into every drilled hole 
  6. Use 360 mounting screws with mounting head 
  7. Mount the tire in your rim and pour in some sealant 
  8. Pump it and you are done

Step 1: Select Your Tire Grab a slightly worn tyre

Remove the valve stem core using a screwdriver or drill. This will allow you to inflate and deflate rubber easily without taking off the tire.

Step 2: Use cutters to trim down the knobs for better stud exposure

For better Stud grip, you may need to cut the knobs of your tire using a scissor. Step is not done yet!  You need to clean the tire first with soap and water to remove dirt.

Step 3: Use 2mm drill bit to drill a hole in every knob 

Now that your tire is cleaned, it’s time to drill holes. Make sure you use the right size of drill bit for better Stud grip.

Step 4: Add One Drop of Hand Sanitizer to Each Pocket

After drilling one hole, you need to add just a drop of hand sanitizer on the exposed rubber. This will help set Studs into the tire.

Step 5: Turn the tire inside out and put screws into every drilled hole 

Turn the tire inside out and put screws into every drilled hole. Make sure you screw Studs all around without leaving any knob exposed.

Step 6: Use 360 mounting screws with mounting head  for better Stud grip

If your screws don’t have a mounting head, you need to use extra washers for a tighter grip. Then tighten them using a screwdriver or wrench.

Step 7: Mount the tire in your rim and pour in some sealant Mount the tire in your rim and pour in some sealant 

Mount the tire in your rim and pour in some sealant. Add air then check for leaks using soap water. Don’t forget to add air and wipe off the excess sealant.

Pump it and you are done !

Your Studded fat bike tires are ready to go! Note that you should not ride on ice or snow with your new Studded Fat Bike Tires.

Making studded tires at home is a cheap and easy way to customize them. The Best Way To Make Your Own Studded Tires is with an aftermarket stud kit. Many of the options on our list include these kits so you can get more grip than ever before!

Another option for creating your own set of studs is to drill holes in some old tires and sticking them onto your new ones. This method takes a lot of time, but it may be worth it depending on how much traction you need out there on the trails or roads!

Best Studs for Fat Bike Tires

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Marrkey 9mm-25mm Carbide Screw Tire Studs

  • Size: 4x9mm, 4x12mm, 6x15mm, 6x18mm, 6x20mm, 6x25mm

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Marrkey Tires Studs /Screw Snow Carbide Spikes

  • Size: 7mm(W) X9.9mm (L)

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Screw in Tire Stud,Marrkey Steel Body Carbide

  • Size: 8. 5mmx6mm

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Qiilu 100pcs Snow Tire Studs

  • Size: 9.8mmx7mm

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Keenso Anti-Slip Snow Tire Studs

  • Size: 9mm/0.35″

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AXIS Tire Studs for Fat Bike

  • Size: 6.5mmx5.7mm

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How many studs should a fat bike tire have?

How many studs should a fat bike tire have

The number of studs your fat bike tire should have depends on the type of riding you will be doing. For snow and ice, go with a larger number ( 120-300 )of studs per tire. For riding on normal roads, around 60-80 studs per tire is sufficient.

What Are the Benefits of Studded Fat Bike Tires?

How many studs should a fat bike tire have

Studs are mainly used for winter fat bikes. This is to provide as much traction as possible on different types of terrain such as ice and snow where non studded tires would slip out from under the rider.

The benefit  of using studded fat bike tires:

  1. For safety reasons when encountering extreme conditions.
  2. Provide great traction in winter weather.
  3. Improves traction and grip.
  4. Are great for those who need their fat bike to perform well in winter conditions.
  5. Studded tires will keep you safe while cycling on the trail when there is snow present.
  6. Studded tires can help with surfaces such as sand and mud, but they are not always necessary.
  7. Riders will have confidence to enjoy a ride.
  8. Studded tires reduce the risk of injury significantly.

So,  if you’re out in the snow and ice a lot, studded fat bike tires are going to be your best option.

What are the disadvantages of studded fat bike tires?What are the disadvantages of studded fat bike tires

Studded tires can be expensive and the work involved in installing hundreds of metal studs is not something that everyone will want to do themselves.

The disadvantages of using studded fat bike tires:

  1. Can be expensive and the work involved in installing hundreds of metal studs is not something that everyone will want to do themselves.
  2. It does take a lot of time, money, and effort for riders who don’t have access to an installer or purchase pre-studded tires for their bike.
  3. It can be difficult to find heavy duty studded fat bike tires if you live in a place that doesn’t receive snow or ice very often.
  4. Some individuals are unaware of fat bikes with studs because they don’t ride much in areas where there’s little to no snow, which is not the best place to use studded tires.
  5. It can be difficult to find heavy duty studded fat bike tires if you live in a place that doesn’t receive snow or ice very often.

studded fat bike tires both have their benefits and disadvantages. Some people don’t like the sound of studded tires on certain surfaces, so they can switch out to regular tires for summer and winter.

Studded Tire Maintenance:

Studded Tire Maintenance

Taking care of your Best studded fat tire will increase its lifespan and make sure that it performs to the highest possible standards!

  • For mud, you need a soft brush to get rid of any dirt.
  • For cleaning, cold water is best because it prevents oxidation. You can also use soap or mild detergents to ensure that your Best studded fat tire stays clean and performs at its very best!
  • Any dry dirt should always be removed with a hard brush before it becomes embedded.
  • After each ride, Best studded tire should be checked and tightened as required to prevent any problems during future rides.
  • You can apply a thin layer of silicone or other water repellent sealant if you desire additional protection against the elements!

Why Do It Yourself Studded Bike Tires?

Why Do It Yourself Studded Bike Tires

The first reason is cost. A set of new studded tires can be as cheap as $40, where as a pair of quality non-studded tires will set you back closer to $100. That’s not even taking into account that your studded tires will only last through one winter whereas the other ones may very well last 5 or more.

The second reason Studded tires are only useful in snow and/or mud, so if you have a set of studded tires they may be unusable for the other situations. By doing it yourself you can easily mod your tires for any condition.

The third reason is versatility. Snow and ice are the best times to use studded tires, but non-studded winter tires are more versatile. If you know how to swap tires on your bike you can quickly and cheaply modify your setup for whatever conditions that may arise.

The last reason is just pure pleasure, by wrenching on your own bike even if it’s only a simple tire swap you get to experience the satisfaction of knowing that for one winter at least, you won’t be left stranded. That feeling of knowing that you can handle it is a whole lot better than just hoping an “experienced winter rider” will come by and help you out of the jam.

Studdable Fat Bike Tires are an option especially for those who want to be in complete control of their own set up with the possibility of stud installation at any time by anyone that knows how to do it properly. Studs can be installed at any time by anyone who knows how to do it properly.

Is There any other way besides DIY ?

Pre-Studded Fat Bike Tires

Pre-Studded Fat Bike Tires

Pre-studded tires are a great way to get out on the snow for very little money. Many retailers offer studded tires ranging from about $70 -$100. The installation procedure is pretty simple and can be done in minutes with common hand tools. Read our Top 3 best Pre-Studded Tires for Fat Bikes Review here.

Read Best Studded Fat Bike Tires with detail guide and resources!

The benefits All Pre-Studded Fat Bike Tires come with Pre-Installed Studs!

1) You don’t have to do any work.

2) Most retail studded fat bike tires come with studs that are more aggressive and longer than aftermarket studs.

3) You don’t have to worry about your studs falling out.

The downsides of Pre-Studded Tires

1) These tires are mass produced and stud placement is not always uniform on the tire. This means that some tires may be better than others depending on manufacturer.

2) If you ride on overly smooth, hard-packed trails the studs will be deformed and misshapen after riding.

3) The studs are inclined to pop out on super hard-packed trails if they are not embedded enough.

This is pretty much the most common problem with pre-studded tires. Although it only takes one time for them all to pop out, so you might as well learn how to do it yourself.

Studdable Fat Bike Tires

Studdable Fat Bike Tires

The final option for a person looking to upgrade their current tires is going with studdable fat bike tires. Studding them yourself can be done at any time by anyone who has the right tools and knows how to do it beforehand!

Also Read Best Fat Bike Tires Reviews

It is not as easy as pre-studded tires, but it will provide you with more studs at a cheaper price. A set of studs from a popular manufacturer cost about $40 and will do 4 tires. You can use your existing tires or pick up a pair of new one’s for the process.

Why Do Studs Continue to be so Popular?Why Do Studs Continue to be so Popular

experience and don’t mind putting the studs in yourself.

It’s difficult to explain things to others. Some individuals are unaware of fat bikes with studs. This may be the case if they are riding in places without much snow. If there isn’t much snow, a bike with studs on the tires may be preferable because they will also function well.

It’s always a smart idea to seek assistance from individuals who might be more informed about the subject than you are. If you’re looking for tires for your bike and don’t know which ones to choose, consult someone who knows. Make it easy on yourself. If the snow is deep and there’s a risk of an accident or slipping, get studded tires! Studded tires will keep you safe while cycling on the trail when there is snow present.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for an easy way to convert your fat bike tires into studded ones, this article will help. The steps outlined here should provide a good starting point no matter what the condition of your tire treads.

We hope that these instructions have been helpful and we also want to invite you to share any other tips or tricks with us in the comments section below! Have fun creating DIY studded fat bike tires at home today-and happy riding!

FAQ’s

Can I stud my own fat bike tires?

Yes, you can. Follow our 7 step guide on how to make Studded Fat Bike Tire!

How do you put studs in a fat bike tire?

You can use a sharpened screw or bolt to put studs in your tire. You can also use a power or pneumatic drill for this.

How long does it take to stud a fat bike tire?

The time it takes to stud a fat bike tire depends on the number of tires you are doing and whether or not you have a drill. If you have a drill, it will take around 30-40 minutes per tire.

Can you stud any bike tire?

Yes, you can. Most bike tires will be compatible with studded tire systems except for road and BMX racing bikes.

Do you need studs on a fat bike?

No, you do not need studs on a fat bike. There are many reasons why people opt to put different types of tires on their fat bikes. You can also ride studless tires on snow and ice without any trouble.

How long do studs on tires last?

If you are using a good quality screw or bolt, studs will last for years without requiring replacement.

How to make studded tires on a bicycle with your own hands


If you want to safely ride a bike in winter (and not only) then you need to take care of good grip of the wheels with snow, mud, sand, ice. You can buy studded tires, or you can make studded tires on your bike with your own hands.

In this article, let's look at a more affordable and cheaper option for how to do this.

How to stud bike tires

Option #1: Tire conversion (large tread)

Needed:

  • deep tread tire
  • Small flat screws (package), in this case short wood screws are good

1. Purchase a package of self-tapping screws from a hardware store.

2. Take a drill and a 2-3 mm bit. Drill holes in the places where you are going to install the spikes.

3. Try to screw in the self-tapping screw at a perpendicular angle (90 degrees) to the tire, it should not stick out to the side.

  • Drill the hole and screw in the screw immediately. When you first screw the holes, and then screw in the screws, it will take you a lot of time to find the holes.

4. After these works, glue the inner surface of the tire with reinforced electrical tape (possible in 2 layers). You can also use special anti-puncture tapes in the tire instead of adhesive tape, which are sold at a bike shop. They will help protect the camera from being damaged by the screw heads.

5. Place the tire on the bike rim. Be careful during installation - you can injure your hands.






How to make a studded rubber on a bicycle

Option No.

2: Redding tires (fine tread)

will be needed:

  • Bicycle tires with a small protractor
  • Pack of short bolts and matching nut kit. Bolts should be short, not massive, nuts should be no more than 1 cm high.

1. Remove bike wheels, remove tires from wheels.

2. Determine the places in the tire where you can put the bolts (should be screwed between the rubber protection studs, always in the center and preferably at the edges, but not close to the rim).

3. Mark the selected holes with a marker. Drill holes smaller than the thickness of the bolts (they will have to be screwed into the tire, but this way the bolts will not fail).

4. With the thread on the outside, screw the bolts into the tire, then screw the nuts onto the bolts on the outside of the tire. Then the nuts and bolt ends will work as spikes.

5. As in the first option, put anti-puncture tape inside the tire or glue it with reinforced electrical tape in a couple of layers.

6. Fit tires, mount wheels to bike.

Do-it-yourself studded tires for bicycles

Option #3: Using pieces of chain as spikes

You will need:

  • Bicycle or other small chain.
  • Wire, small bolts and nuts, other metal clips.

1. This method is easier, but only suitable for bikes with disc brakes.

2. Purchase the required items.

3. Remove the wheels from the bike, measure the circumference of the rim + tire using a flexible meter.

4. Cut off the chain of the measured length.

5. Attach the cut chains around the rim and tire. This can be done with wire, bolts with nuts, other metal clamps.

6. Mount the wheels. If suddenly the wheels are not put in place - remove the plastic protection.

Recommendations for work

  • Do-it-yourself tire studding on a bicycle takes a lot of time.
  • Do not inflate the wheel chamber very much, a slightly lower tire has a large grip area with the road surface.
  • Winding the chain around the wheels (option no. 3) is best suited for stable driving on ice. The wheel should not be wide.
  • An old chain from a bicycle is enough to wind one thin wheel of 28 diameters. During work, use a chain squeezer.
  • Even if you put the chain only on the front, and on the back - a tire with an increased tread - the resulting bike design will be stable on snow and ice, sand.
  • Do not try to drive on studded tires on stones - studs will not save you from such a road.
  • To correctly put the chain on the wheel, first lower it, and when you fix the chain, pump it up. The increased pressure in the chamber will hold the chain very well.
  • Anti-puncture tape can be made from a used tire with a low (slick) tread (bald), cut a strip of the required width from a used tire and put it inside the used one. If this design is cumbersome, you can cut a strip from the old tube and put it on rubber glue inside the tire you are using. This tape protects the camera from punctures better than reinforced tape.

Warnings

  • You must understand that riding a bicycle on slippery roads (snow, ice, mud) even on a bicycle with this wheel modification is fraught with falls and injuries. Therefore, if the road is very slippery and it is difficult to ride on it without falling off the bike, then it is better to use another means of transportation.
  • Self-tapping screws have sufficiently sharp edges that can pierce the camera if installed incorrectly or inattentively.
  • Rubber studding is applicable for mountain bikes, it is not advisable to use narrow tires for this purpose.
  • Do not over-inflate the wheels as this could cause the bike to fall off.
  • If you chose the 3rd wheel studding option, you should understand that in case of a chamber puncture, you will have to remove pieces of the chain and put it back on after repair.
  • 1st and 2nd options are not suitable for tubeless, if you drill through the tire, you will break its tightness.

We hope the article helped the variant of tire studding for a bicycle. Share in the comments what you did. Also watch a helpful video on this topic.




How to put spikes on the rubber of a bicycle with your own hands?

Contents

  1. How to put studs on rubber with your own hands?
  2. Large tread rubber
  3. Fine tread rubber
  4. Studding chain pieces
  5. Tips for studding rubber
  6. Bicyclists' feedback

Using studded tires makes it easier to ride on ice.

However, there are times when the spikes are lost, but the rubber is still in good quality. To restore products, you need to know how to put spikes on rubber with your own hands.

How to put spikes on rubber with your own hands?

The method of studding bicycle tires depends on the type of rubber and the conditions in which the bicycle will be used.

Large tread rubber

In order to make studded tires at home, you need to prepare tires with a deep tread and small screws (wood screws are most commonly used).

When the components are prepared, you need to do the following:

  • on the back of the tire, using a marker, you need to indicate the places where the studs will be placed;
  • use a 3 mm drill to make a hole for the tenon;
  • using a screwdriver, screw the self-tapping screw into the hole, while the spike should not stick out to the side, but be placed at an angle of 90 degrees;
  • the self-tapping screw should be screwed in immediately after drilling;
  • after all the studs are installed, it is necessary to glue the inside of the tire often using a special reinforced tape to prevent the studs from falling out while driving;
  • check the tire and install it on the bicycle wheel.

This type of installation does not take much time. Most often, the spikes are installed at an equal distance from each other.

Fine tread rubber

To make rubber, prepare tires with a fine pattern and small bolts with nuts. Bolts should be no longer than 1.5 cm.

To make this type of studded rubber, you should perform the following algorithm:

  • remove the tires from the bicycle wheel;
  • on the inside of the tire, use a white marker to mark the places where the studs will be installed;
  • Using a 2-3 mm drill, make a hole and screw in the bolt. It should be remembered that the drill must be of a smaller diameter than the bolt. The bolt must be screwed into the rubber with force;
  • screw the nut onto the bolt from the outside;
  • carry out this procedure with all bolts;
  • it is necessary to salt the reinforced tape inside the tire for additional fixation;
  • install the tire on the wheel.

When studding tires in this way, it is necessary to drill holes in the middle. The edges and the part closest to the rim are not used.

Studding chain pieces

This type of bicycle tire studding can be done using an old bicycle chain or other type of small chain at the rider's discretion.

This technique is most commonly used for bicycle disc brakes, but can be applied to all types of bicycles if desired.

To install the chain pieces, proceed as follows:

  • remove the wheel with tires from the bike. Unlike the first options, the tires are not removed;
  • Using a meter, measure the required chain size. The length of the chain should be the length of the circumference of the tire and the bicycle rim;
  • make chain blanks of the required length;
  • using a strong wire or special clamps, fasten the ends of the chain in the rim area so that the chain fits snugly on the tire;
  • place the chain at an equal distance from each other;
  • Reinstall the wheels and check that they function correctly.

This method is used much less frequently than the first two. However, it is much simpler and does not require a long installation.

Tips for studding rubber

In order for studded bicycle tires to last a long time, you should follow the advice of professionals:

  • in order for self-tapping screws to last longer, use lugs before screwing in;
  • holes must be drilled with a thin drill at high speed;
  • when using studded tires, do not pump over the wheels, as this reduces the effectiveness of the use of studs;
  • Turning screws must be cut off a little, leaving no more than 5 mm;
  • to use bolts, it is necessary to choose washers with a height of no more than 1 cm;
  • in the absence of reinforced tape, you can use the old chamber, cut lengthwise;
  • Tire chain recommended for thin wheels. On a wide tire, spikes must be used;
  • the use of studs is not suitable for tubeless tires, this reduces their tightness and makes the device unusable;
  • The chain can only be used on one wheel, preferably on the rear. This will help you ride more comfortably on ice.

Compliance with the recommendations helps prevent frequent errors and damage the tire. While studding, you should not rush and carefully monitor the location of the stud in the rubber.

Reviews of cyclists

High-quality bicycle tires are expensive, so I decided to update the existing tire with a deep pattern myself. I bought self-tapping screws at a hardware store and screwed them in. Screwed directly into the drawing. It turned out well, but you need to constantly monitor the condition of the spikes. There is also a risk that the spike could damage the camera.

Rating:

Maxim

I used a thin chain as a material, which I bought in a hardware store. While driving on ice, it serves well, but there is one drawback - the chain constantly breaks. And in order to restore it, you need to use new pieces, otherwise the problem will constantly arise.


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