Tire snafu...

[sunset1123]

So here's the deal. Ordered a bunch of stuff from a reputable online store, including some studded snow tires. Order arrives via UPS, and inside I find all my stuff, including a pair of tires, but... not the ones I ordered. Now, I was after some 700x35 Nokians for winter fireroad use, bike-to-ski, etc... what I got were Conti Nordic Spikes in a very small looking, but very prickly 700x42. So the question is this: do I treat this as an upgrade or a big mistake? I quite like the look of these Contis... they look singletrackable, but has anyone actually ridden them?

[caseygreene]

I'm currently running the Conti Spike Claw (26x2.1 240 studs) for ski approach stuff and they've been great. Seems to be a similar tread/stud pattern as the Nordic Spikes.

Only downside is I don't think Conti(hardened steel) uses as high quality studs as Nokian(carbide). I havent worn through a pair yet so i cant comment on how this affects the life of the tire/studs.

[sunset1123]

Thanks for the beta. I think I will ride them and see. Conti does make good tires, and it says "Made in Finland" on the casing... wonder if they come from the same factory as the Nokians then? The carbide vs hardened steel thing does worry me a bit, but I have two wheelsets, so these can easily come off the bike when they are not needed.

I'll be sure to post a ride report/review somewhere on the net too when I get out on them.