Innova Tundra Wolf Studded Snow Tire

Living in Wisconsin, I was very disappointed to put the bikes away, after

re-discovering how much I enjoy biking this past year. Even though I'd never ridden on snow and ice before, I began shopping around for studded tires to put on my single speed mountain bike. I was reluctant to spend over $100 for a set tires, not knowing if I'd enjoy winter riding or not, so when I saw these Innovas on sale for less than $60 a set, I thought I'd give them a try. The photo on the website isn't real clear, so I wasn't exactly sure what I would be gettng, but the 26 x 1.75 is the tire in the 'inset' photo, with the more aggessive side lugs and 'offset' spikes. I received them promptly and installed them the same day. Seeing that I have no experience to compare these tires too, all I can say is after two days of riding around town on snow and ice, I think these tires are awesome! It took a few miles to realize how well these tires actually grip on ice, and once I gained confidence, it became apparent I would not be 'going down' unless I did something really dumb or aggressive. Even on the slickest ice, going up hill, I was not able to 'spin' the rear tire, and the front always felt well connected. The bike would get loose on streets that were not plowed well and there were alot of vehicle tire ruts, but on snow and ice covered sidewalks and better plowed streets, the tires were simply awesome. I can't compare these to the more expensive studded tires that are available, but I have a hard time wondering why you'd pay twice as much for other tires?? Maybe they have better size options or they'll last longer, but if you're simply looking to try winter riding without spending a whole lot of money, I highly recommend the Innova Tundra Wolf 26x1.75's!

This tire is a great alternative to sliding on to your face when the snow turns to ice. Where I'm from its a must. Once the winds start blowing the snow off the ice, that's when these baby's come into play. See I can maneuver my two wheeled commuter through the snow with not much more effort than a lazy spring escapade. But when the ice shows its cold, faceless face you need something more, something that can grab that face and show it who is boss. The Wolf is just that shredding something. It attacks that ice to the point of becoming one with it, it practically lets it self in, makes a hot cup of coffee and plops down on ice's couch to watch a 24 episode run of 24. The Wolf lives for ice. In short, when there is ice there is a need for studs, and these tires come through for the win.

I've had these tires 700 x 38 on my commuter bike now for over a hundred miles and they are fantastic. Twice they've been used on snow and ice and the difference in grip over a regular tire is unreal. You can actually ride these tires on ice-covered roads and they grip well. My purpose for the tires was to prevent the usual wipe-outs that I've dealt with over the years when accidentally hitting a patch of black ice at night when commuting home. So far, these tires have kept me upright. The most impressive experience so far was riding on what I thought were only wet roads, then come to a sure stop, and put my foot down only to nearly wipe out because my foot slipped out from under me on the glare ice. The tires, however, kept on gripping. I drove off more cautious of course without further incident. As far as complaints about the Innova Tundra Wolf that I've read elsewhere, I haven't experienced any stud loss, and the studs have held up very well on dry or wet pavement -- no excessive stud wear has been detected so far. Yes, they're heavy, and you'll notice that the first time you swap out your light weight summer tires for these, and they sound like a buzz saw when you pick up any speed, but they will keep you upright on snow and ice. For the money, I couldn't be more satisfied.

The traction these tyres gave me when I first bought them changed my Winter life. I live in Skagway, Alaska and took a couple of spills before they arrived.

However, after a month or so, riding every day admittedly with a good degree of pavement riding toothey seemed to lose their grip. I noted the studs seemed to have worn down a good deal, and with the grit fouling up the base, they just don't seem to quite do the job as well as they did when they were new.

I kind of expected this due to the price, so have no real complaints...

I was weighing whether to get studded tires to help me over the random ice and poorly managed snow on the streets and bike trails of DC and Arlington, Virginia. At this price, I figured I'd give 'em a shot, and I am not disappointed. They grip nicely on the patches of ice I've encountered so far, and I anticipate that the studs and relatively aggressive tread will be a big help next time there's fresh snow. I don't expect they'll be much good on the mixture of sand, salt and snow that the County tends to create on side streets instead of actually plowing them, but it's for the ice I bought them, and they do great on that.

Put 55 km on these tires and the back tire studs are quite worn already. Front tire still looks OK. This was mostly on pavement as there wasn't too much ice yet. But that is very fast wear and there is no way these tires will last one winter. Extremely tall knobs so should have good snow traction. Also have high rolling resistance but that is to be expected. Steel studs don't cut it, you need carbide like on the Schwalbe. My buddy has a full year on his Schwalbe tires and the studs are basically as good as new. I shouldn't have tried to save a few bucks - didn't work.

Does the job on icy roads. Not as nice as Nokian Hakkapeliitta tires, but worth it for infrequent use when the pricing is relatively attractive. I got these from BTD for $27.99 each, when the best available pricing on the Nokian's was $50 -- plus availability of the Nokian's was VERY hard to come by in January 2012.

My high school son rides his bike to school everyday so I purchased several of these before winter hit in Minnesota. One miserably cold day my son came home all bruised up, with bent a rim, and a bent frame all because I waited to put these tires on. He told me his front wheel lost traction on the ice and he slammed himself and the bike into a curb. Interesting thing was the weather warmed up after that and the roads cleared but I didn't want to take any chances so I put one studded tire on the front wheel of his bike. That was all he needed to stay safe the whole winter. I was ready to install the rear tire but he never complained about needing it.

this was a great tire for my bike. i live in grand forks north dakota 3rd coldest city in U.S. my bike worked like a charm with my barmits. one day it was icy conditions and it was safer to ride with my tundra tires with studs than to walk. as soon as i got off the bike i sliped so i continued to ride. in general great tire.

This tire works great on snow and ice. I have a 6 mile round trip commute in Minnesota. I bought them just to try winter biking and now I love it. These are are great way to try winter biking with out spending a ton of money.

Nice tire, great on bikes that don't have enough room for wider tires. I'll probabbly buy another pair.

Just couple of issues with the tire. First they are an absolute bitch to put on and take off. God help me it I flat in the cold. When I struggled to put them on I gave them to my mechanic and he told me he really struggled as well. Second I think they need to be wider as I was riding on somewhat compacted snow (by a snowmobile on the trail) it was so bad i had to stop and turn around or fall down. I think they are not wide enough for trails. Plus they are very heavy. They did teach me why a good pair of tires cost $90 each. You get what you pay for. I do believe they will last forever as the rubber is hard as a rock. But I think this is also what causes the great instability on compacted trails. My car tires for winter are soft and my bike tires should be as well.

I bought these tires to get through a Buffalo winter. After 50 to 75 miles, the studs were worn down to the point where I wiped out badly on an icy patch on the road... completely negating the reason for buying a studded tire. Don't waste your money. I bought a set of Nokian W109 set and I am now on my 4th winter with them and the studs are just as good as the day I bought them. I have ridden through all kinds of weather and these tires are excellent. Innova - One month use, Nokian - 24 months use. Sure the Nokian is about twice as much up front, but I got 24 times the life... and no single wipe out on slippery road since.

Having more than 5 bikes in the family, I surely didn't want to spend an arm and a leg equiping all the bikes with snow tires. I also wanted tires that worked to keep my family safe. I read all the reviews, checked out all the prices and settled for these. Shipping was fast. Next question was when to put them on. You never know when mother nature will bring winter to Minnesota. My son finally came to me and said it was time to put them on. In another review, they mentioned that the front tire is the most critical tire to prevent from slipping. So we tested the theory out and it worked prefectly that way all winter.

great traction in snow on ice and mud little noisy

Overall rating is not perfect because of the hefty weight, but then value rating is top since those will last forever and cost very little.

Are they efficient? Yes. Just like a 4x4 automotive vehicule, when driven at the correct speed with correct pressure, studded tires are safer, all things equal. You can actually ride on an ice rink. Do you still need to pay attention to your front wheel traction? Off course. Snow and ice are different. Riding on snow is like riding sand. But ice... you need low pressure and a grip. These will do.

Studded tires are virtually impossible to wear out, provided you use them in winter condition! Those will suck the power out of you let and you'll be in for a good workout, but you'll stay upright and will keep riding day-in day out.

Btw, I've been winter riding to work for over 10 seasons, in Montral, Qubec.

I have the 700 size. Living up north with snow and ice, this tire is very good. Snow, slush, ice, very good. A couple of notes Beware when sharp turning on ice. To avoid this, keep low pressure (45lbs). If cycling big zigzags, no problem. This tire does grip!

I commute to class everyday, round trip seven miles. I put these on the front and a Schwalbe Snow Stud, on the back. First week commuting I had my first experience with freezing rain, and decided I was more stable on the bike then walking. I put these on the front hoping that would reduce the wear on the steel stud, After two months of riding (on a lot of pavement) they still seem to be gripping the ice just fine). I do wish I could have got the 35c tire instead of the 38c. Clearance isn't exactly ideal on my Kona Jake.

works well

This is my first studded snow tire and from what I can tell it is good investment. I've put maybe 80 miles on it so far, mostly on dry surfaces as we haven't had much of a winter yet and I haven't lost one stud yet.

It was awesome the few days we had solid snow pack and ice.

I don't know how well a more expensive tire would perform in comparison, but for my money this is a great deal and more than enough for a regular commuter like myself.

These tires were a bargain and have a compromised design that reflects the low price. The tires are twice as heavy as my summer tires and roll slower even at full inflation. They were no harder to mount than my summer tires and can be inflated to 80psi without the bead falling off the rim. The studs are replaceable, which is good as they will probably wear faster than more expensive tires. However, keeping the tires inflated to high pressure in dry weather will delay stud wear. The tread blocks shed snow quite well and will bite into snow at lower pressures. The studs will grip glare ice from what little I've gone through, but don't expect to take these on frozen lakes. All in all a good but not great commuter tire for various conditions, but you'll have to manage the tire pressures according to conditions.