How to Convert Bicycle Tires Into Studded Snow Tires

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 References

To deal with that pesky ice and snow on your bike, you'll need traction. If your wallet is tight, then it's time for some real "MacGyver" style craftiness.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Using Knobby Tires

1
Purchase the right supplies.
2
Drill (using a very small bit) down from the center of chosen knob into the tire.^{[1]
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3
Drill a screw up from inside-out. If the angle isn't perpendicular to the tire, it'll stick out one side or the other.
- Do one hole and screw at a time. Don't try drilling all the holes, then installing screws...you'll drive yourself crazy trying to find which knob you drilled.
4
Put duct tape over the screws on the inside of the tire; sometimes it is best to use two layers of tape. You can purchase "tire liners" (there are a few brands include Slime and Mr. Tuffy) that are designed to go in between the tube and the tire instead of using duct tape to protect the tube.^{[2]
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5
Mount the tires back on the rims. Getting the tires mounted on the rims will be difficult, comparable to wrestling a rabid porcupine.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Using Tires with Tubes

1
Take wheels off of the bicycle, and the plain tires off the wheels.
2
Find places to put screws through the tires. You will need to find spaces in the tread pattern if your tires aren't bald (remember now, only put them through the outer sides and perfectly in the middle... easiest if you only use the sides).
3
Mark the points, and then use the screwdriver/drill to pierce through the points you marked. But be careful to drill a very small hole so that it takes you some moderate effort and time to put the screws like mentioned below. This will prevent it from collapsing inside.^{[3]
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4
Put the screws pointing outward, then thread the nuts over the screws that poke through the tire. The nuts have now become your studs.
5
Put duct tape over the screws on the inside of the tire; sometimes it is best to use two layers of tape.^{[4]
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6
Put the tires back on the rims (with tubes inside of course) and then place them back on the bike nice and tight.^{[5]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Using a Chain and Clips

1
Be aware this method is by far the most reliable and easy to apply. However, it is only possible on bicycles without rim brakes.
2
Get yourself the materials needed for this method.
3
Take wheels off the bike and measure the cylindrical diameter of the tyres (with rims).
4
Cut the measured length pieces (12 - 18) of the chain so it fits tightly with the tyre.
5
Fix the chain at its place with steel clips or some iron wire. Nuts and screws can also be used.
6
Mount the tires back on the bike. This won't be much of a problem but if it happens then pep-up your bike's mud-guards.

Community Q&A

Question

Do I use steel screws instead of wood screws?

Matt Gander

Community Answer

Use studded tires rather than making your own. However, using very short (5-10mm) wood screws, scrwed from the inside of the tire would work best. Use an old inner tube to line the inside of the tire and the screws may damage the tube.
Question

Can I use worn down bike tires?

Community Answer

I would not. They will not provide as much traction, which may cause you to slip and crash.

Warnings

Method 3 would make changing the tire or tube more difficult, as the chain segments would need to be removed first.

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Even with duct tape or other barrier between tires, it is possible to pop tubes.

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This is not a good idea if you use UST/tubeless tires. You will lose the airtight seal that is needed to keep air pressure.

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Improperly inflated bicycle tires can create an unsafe condition and result in an accident and injury.

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This only works on fat mountain bike type tires. Not recommended with tires 27mm or smaller.

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This is not a safe modification to a bicycle. Do so at your own risk. If it is too icy to ride a bicycle safely without snow tires, it may be too icy to do so with snow tires. Consider alternative forms of transportation.

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Things You'll Need

Method 1:
- deepest-tread knobby tires you can find
- a bunch of #8 X 1/2" lath screws with super-large flat heads (Lath screws are good because they are really flat and have a lot of surface area)
Method 2:
- bicycle tires that use tubes
- 40-200 short screws with matching nuts (typically 1/8"-1/2" wide nuts... and 1/4" to 1/2" long). Do not use wide or long screws, or long nuts for that matter. Use short, average-width screws with wide nuts. Nuts shouldn't be longer than 1/2 an inch.
Method 3:
- Extra bicycle chain (any type will do).
- Steel clips or nuts & screws.