Studded/Studdable Fatbike Tire Choices For More Traction this Winter

Winter fatbike riding conditions are constantly changing with the weather here in Minnesota and a good set of studded tires can have you rolling when others may skip out because it's too icy.  There are several manufacturers that have studded and studdable tire options available in 26" and 27.5" wheel sizes.  Below is a list of them for you to research and choose from.

45NRTH

Dillinger 4

"Riding your fat bike on ice just got even better with the redesigned Dillinger tread pattern and tubeless compatibility."

Options:  120tpi Studded, 60tpi Studded, 120tpi Non-studded
Size:  26 x 4.0", 27.5 x 4.0"
Casing:  120tpi Ultralight or 60tpi
Studs:  Concave Aluminum Carbide (120tpi), Steel-Carbide (60tpi)
Bead:  Tubeless Ready Folding 120tpi or 60tpi
Rim Compatibility:  64–94mm wide rims
Pricing:  120tpi Studded/$225, 60tpi Studded/$150, 120tpi Non-studded/$115

Available from 45NRTH dealer bike shops.  More information on Dillinger 4 26 x 4.0" & 27.5 x 4.0" at the 45NRTH website.

Dillinger 5

Image Credit: 45NRTH

"The extra width of the Dillinger 5 provides flotation over loose snow additional grip while turning, accelerating or braking on ice and packed snow. Available in both studded and non-studded configurations. The studded version comes with 258 concave, aluminum carbide tip studs to provide extra bite and increased durability."

Options:  120tpi Studded, 60tpi Studded, 120tpi Non-studded
Size:  26 x 4.6"
Casing:   120tpi Ultralight
Studs:  Concave Aluminum Carbide (120tpi), Steel Carbide (60tpi)
Bead:  Tubeless Ready Folding 120 and 60 tpi
Rim Compatibility:  70-100mm wide rims
Pricing:   120tpi Studded/$225, 60tpi Studded/$170, 120tpi Non-studded/$140

Available from 45NRTH dealer bike shops.  More information at the 45NRTH website.

Wrathchild

"From loose snow to icy freeze-thaw and everything in between, Wrathchild craves the best and worst winter conditions. Deep center lugs aggressively claw into unconsolidated snow for extreme acceleration and braking traction. Super tall side lugs dig into loose snow to provide predictable and confident cornering. Encounter sheer ice on your ride and Wrathchild’s XL concave studs tear into the surface."

Options:  120tpi Studded, 120tpi Non-studded
Size:  26 x 4.6"
Casing:  120tpi
Studs:  XL Concave Aluminum Carbide
Bead:  Tubeless Ready Folding
Rim Compatibility:  65 - 102mm wide rims
Pricing:  120tpi Studded/$235, 120tpi Non-studded/$145

Available from 45NRTH dealer bike shops.  More information at the 45NRTH website.

Bontrager

Gnarwhal

"When bite and traction are required above all else, this tire keeps you moving. Roll through the roughest terrain and deepest snow with the stud-ready, aggressively treaded Gnarwhal. Available to fit both 26 and 27.5 wheels, this versatile tire can be ridden with or without studs to add traction to even the slipperiest winter riding conditions."

Options:  120tpi Studded, 120tpi Non-studded
Size:  26 x 3.8", 27.5 x 4.5"
Casing:  120tpi
Studs:  Aluminum Carbide, 27.5" tires can accept 216 studs, 26" tires can accept 160 studs
Bead:  Tubeless Ready Folding
Pricing:  26 x 3.8" Studded/$225, 26 x 3.8" Non-studded/$120, 27.5 x 4.5" Non-studded/$120

Available direct from Trek and Trek Authorized Dealers.

Terrene

Cake Eater

Image Credit: Terrene Tires

"Gliding over a frozen lake or twisting through a groomed trail—winter riding is best enjoyed with a quick and capable tire that won’t drag you down and still rail through turns. Inspired by studless winter vehicle snow tires, Cake Eater was designed to have lower center tread height with deep siping for lower rolling resistance while the side lugs remained tall and edgy for biting into soft corners. Studs pockets were added in the transition areas for optional added cornering confidence in icy conditions."

Cake Eater 26x4.0 Light  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Non-studded, $120

Cake Eater 26x4.6 Light  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Non-studded, $120

Cake Eater 27.5x4.0 Light  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Non-studded, $120

Cake Eater 27.5x4.5 Light  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Non-studded, $120

Cake Eater 26x4.0 Light Stud  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Triple Traction 180 stud, $200

Cake Eater 26x4.6 Light Stud  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Triple Traction 180 stud, $200

Cake Eater 27.5x4.0 Light Stud  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Triple Traction 180 stud, $200

Cake Eater 27.5x4.5 Light Stud  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Triple Traction 180 stud, $200

Cake Eater 26x4.0 33TPI Stud  33tpi Standard casing, Tubeless-ready, Flat Tipped 180 stud, $150 Sold Out

Cake Eater 26x4.6 33TPI Stud  33tpi Standard casing, Tubeless-ready, Flat Tipped 180 stud, $150

Available direct from Terrene and Terrene dealer bike shops.

Wazia

Image Credit: Terrene Tires

"For some, boundaries are simply starting points. When convention becomes routine, there is a tire that will allow you to go beyond. Wazia is our all-season, all-surface, go anywhere tire. From winter ice and snow to sandy beaches, and all of the trails in between."

Wazia 26x4.0 Light  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Non-studded, $120

Wazia 26x4.6 Light  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Non-studded, $120

Wazia 26x4.0 Light Studded  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Triple Traction 156 stud, $200

Wazia 26x4.6 Light Studded  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Triple Traction 156 stud, $200 Sold Out

Available direct from Terrene and Terrene dealer bike shops.

Johnny 5

Image Credit: Terrene Tires

"Plowing through a layer of fresh morning snow, or grinding on into the unknown in the dead of winter—adverse riding conditions require flotation and traction to keep you on the surface and moving forward. Johnny 5 is our extreme soft conditions tire designed with a wide platform, tall paddle lugs, and 320 studs for maximum traction so that you can continue moving forward when stopping is not an option."

Johnny 5 26x5.0 Light  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Non-studded, $140

Johnny 5 26x5.0 Light Stud  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Triple Traction 320 stud, $260

Available direct from Terrene and Terrene dealer bike shops.

Vee

Snow Avalanche

Image Credit: Vee Tire Co.

"The Snow Avalanche features an aggressive tread design for enhancing steering performance and off-camber grip. With a low rolling resistance and excellent float, this directional tire is great for blocked trails or loose snow."

Snow Avalanche 26 x 4.0  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Silica Compound, Non-studded, $130

Snow Avalanche 26 x 4.0  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Pure Silica Compound, Beige color, Non-studded, $145

Snow Avalanche 26 x 4.0  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Pure Silica Compound, Beige color, Studded (250), $190

Snow Avalanche 26 x 4.0  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Silica Compound, Studded (250), $200

Snow Avalanche 26 x 4.8  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Silica Compound, Non-studded, $130

Snow Avalanche 26 x 4.8  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Silica Compound, Studded (250), $200

Snow Avalanche 26 x 4.8  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Pure Silica Compound, Beige color, Non-studded, $145

Snow Avalanche 26 x 4.8  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Pure Silica Compound, Beige color, Studded (250), $200

Available direct from Vee Tire and local bike shops.

SnowShoe XL

Image Credit: Vee Tire Co.

"The SnowShoe XL is the tire to turn to for grip when winter hits. Excellent in the snow, dirt, or even soft sand, its large and strategically-spaced block tread take an unsophisticated approach to finding traction. Smothered in nearly five inches of sticky rubber, let the sharp edged blocks punch into the trail surface, and drive you forward."

SnowShoe XL 26 x 4.8  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Silica Compound, Black Tread, Non-studded, $115

SnowShoe XL 26 x 4.8  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Pure Silica Compound, White Tread, Non-studded, $135

SnowShoe XL 26 x 4.8  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Silica Compound, Black Tread, Studded (240), $175

SnowShoe XL 26 x 4.8  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Pure Silica Compound, White Tread, Studded (240), $190

Available direct from Vee Tire and local bike shops.

Studs & Stud Tools

For an investment of a little of your time you can save a bunch of money by buying non-studded tires, some studs and install them yourself.  It's pretty simple and with all the studs on the market you can choose the kind that will be best for what you'll be riding.  Below is a list of studs that are available in numerous pack sizes online and at your local bike shop. 

45NRTH

Concave Studs

Image Credit: 45NRTH

Construction:  Aluminum base, concave carbide tip

Pack Size/Price:  25/$10, 100/$30

Available from 45NRTH dealer bike shops.

XL Concave Studs

Image Credit: 45NRTH

Construction:  Aluminum base, concave carbide tip

Pack Size/Price:  25/$15, 100/$45

Available from 45NRTH dealer bike shops.

Stud Tool

Image Credit: 45NRTH

Compatible with studs that have a 3.5mm or smaller shaft.

Available from 45NRTH dealer bike shops for $9.

BIKESTUD

Hex Tip Studs

Image Credit: BIKESTUD

Construction:  Aluminum body, Tungsten carbide tip, 0.4 g per stud

Pack Size/Price:  25/$14, 50/$26, 100/$45, 250/$105, 500/$198

Available direct from BIKESTUD.

Concave Studs

Image Credit: BIKESTUD

Construction:  Aluminum body, Tungsten carbide tip, 0.3 g/stud

Pack Size/Price:  25/$7, 50/$13, 100/$25, 250/$60, 500/$115

Available direct from BIKESTUD.

Flat Tip Studs

Image Credit: BIKESTUD

Construction:  Aluminum body, Tungsten carbide tip, 0.25 g/stud

Pack Size/Price:  25/$5, 50/$10, 100/$18, 250/$42, 500/$80

Available direct from BIKESTUD.

T Handle Stud Insertion Tool

Image Credit: BIKESTUD

Monster magnet tip holds stud in place!

Beefy, smooth handle for comfortable, secure grip

Available direct from BIKESTUD for $15.

Tire Stud Insertion Tool

Image Credit: BIKESTUD

Magnetized tip helps hold stud in place.

Available direct from BIKESTUD for $12.

Bontrager

Tire Stud Kit

Image Credit: Trek

Construction:  Aluminum base, carbide tip

Pack Size/Price:  25/$15.99, 225/$49.99

Available from Trek and Authorized Trek Dealers.

Gnarwhal Stud Tool

Image Credit: Trek

Magnetized tip securely holds tire stud for easy installation.

Available from Trek and Authorized Trek Dealers for $9.99.

Terrene

Triple Traction Crown Stud

Tungsten Carbide Stud Kit

Image Credit: Terrene Tires

Construction:  Aluminum base, carbide tip, 3-pointed crown shape

Pack Size/Price:  100/$40

Available direct from Terrene and Terrene dealer bike shops.

Triple Traction Low Rolling Resistance

Tungsten Carbide Stud Kit

Image Credit: Terrene Tires

Construction:  Aluminum base, carbide tip, 3-pointed crown shape, 1.5mm lower height

Pack Size/Price:  100/$40

Available direct from Terrene and Terrene dealer bike shops.

Triple Traction Ultra Traction

Tungsten Carbide Stud Kit

Image Credit: Terrene Tires

Construction:  Aluminum base, carbide tip, 3-pointed crown shape

Pack Size/Price:  100/$80

Available direct from Terrene and Terrene dealer bike shops.

Terrene Stud Insertion Tool

Image Credit: Terrene Tires

 Cooperatively developed with Bikestud.com.

Available direct from Terrene and Terrene dealer bike shops for $10.

Studs for tires without stud pockets

Gripstuds

#1000 Tire Stud

Image Credit: Grip Studs

Construction:  Wide–auger/screw-in base, tungsten carbide core 

Pack Size/Price:
100 studs with manual install tool/$111.85
150 studs with manual install tool/$159.85
Bulk pack of 100 studs/$99.95
Bulk pack of 150 studs/$147.95
#4000 Power Install Tool/$9.95
#5000 Manual Driver Handle Only (requires #4000 Power Install Tool)/$1.95

Available direct from Grip Studs.