Schwalbe Winter 28 x 1.2 Studded Tire with Kevlar K-Guard & Reflex Safety
$54.00 USD
Snow-packed streets and hidden black ice become manageable with the Schwalbe Winter studded 28″ x 1.20 tire, delivering secure grip and precise steering. Kevlar K-Guard construction, a 50 TPI casing and reflex sidewall offer puncture resistance, predictable handling at 50–95 PSI, and improved visibility.
Description
A quiet morning ride can turn risky when thin ice hides beneath a fresh dusting of snow. This Schwalbe Winter studded clincher keeps you moving with confidence on low-traction surfaces while preserving road-bike handling.
The Winter Active Twin K-Guard combines studded rubber studs with a Kevlar-reinforced K-Guard layer to reduce punctures without sacrificing cornering feel. The 50 TPI casing balances comfort and durability so the tire soaks road irregularities while remaining responsive. Reflex sidewalls increase your visibility to traffic in early-morning or late-afternoon light. At 805 grams and a 1.20″ width, this 28″ (622 mm) tire keeps rolling mass predictable for stable steering on winter routes.
- – 28″ x 1.20 (622 mm) clincher size — fits standard 28″ road wheels and maintains nimble handling
- – Winter Active Twin K-Guard with Kevlar layer — added puncture protection for salted, slushy roads
- – Studded rubber tread — traction on snow and ice for confident starts and controlled braking
- – Reflex sidewall — passive visibility for low-light safety
- – 50 TPI casing — compromise of suppleness and durability for winter riding conditions
- – 50–95 PSI recommended pressure — tune pressure for load, traction and comfort
- – Wire bead (clincher) construction — reliable seating on common clincher rims
- – 805 g rolling weight — predictable inertia useful for road-bike geometry and handling
Practical specs you can use: 28″ x 1.20 size (622 mm diameter) for road-bike wheels, clincher style with wire bead, 50 TPI, tire weight ~805 g, and a recommended inflation range of 50–95 PSI. The tire ships as a single unit and carries Schwalbe’s limited warranty. Model: Winter Active Twin K-Guard. Part number: 11100600.01. Country of manufacture: Taiwan.
Choose this tire when winter conditions demand studded traction without abandoning the ride quality of a road tire. It’s aimed at commuters and seasonally riding road cyclists who need dependable grip, puncture resistance, and visibility through cold months.
Diesel Dennis –
I frequently use my bike to commute in Minneapolis and never thought it would be possible to during the winter (especially with a road bike). These tires make it 100% possible. So far, I’ve used these tires when it’s gotten down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, with very little deflation. I’ve also ridden my bike when road conditions were quite icy and or covered in hardened slush or snow. In all situations, the tires have performed very well. The back tire may momentarily lose traction if riding through “slush” but quickly regains its grip. After two weeks I have not fell or even felt close to falling. The studded tires work very well in conjunction with the aggressive tread. I appreciate the reflective strip lining the tire too. I will update my review at the end of the winter, but so far I recommend these tires.
Peter –
I’m no bike expert but I can change a flat so I have it a go putting these on my bike myself. Rubber (or whatever the material actually is) is much stiffer than a regular tire and was somewhat deformed from storage. It was really hard getting this onto my tire rim. I’m sure my inexperience contributed to this. I finally “warmed up” the tire by leaving it my bathroom with the heater on so it was about 80 degrees F. Then it went on but was still a struggle. I purchased two. One was more difficult than the other.
They definitely give me more confidence in the snow and ice. I feel safer breaking in difficult conditions. They definitely slow me down some but I’m glad to be able to still bike in conditions I used to use my car for.
I also appreciate the full circle reflective marking on the tires due to early dark in winter time.
E. –
These tires are much heavier than ‘summer’ tires, as I knew they would be. The studs work great on ice. No problems with studs falling out. Must use good tire mounting technique or they won’t go on. They extended my skinny tire bike commute season :)
Rate features: Thickness – yep, they are thick; Value for the money – very good; Warmth – takes a lot of energy to move them, so I stay warm!
Diesel Dennis –
I don’t know that I have even one real complaint about these studs. I see that a few of the studs have come off in a few places, but that seems likely, considering how they get beat on by the ice, pavement, and my sick calves.
They seems like the tire and stud quality are quite matched with the quality of a decent studded car tire.
Sue Jones –
These are great commuting tires. If you are expecting them to hold on sharp corners on black ice you’ll be disappointed (and your hips might take a rocking). For straight ahead riding on packed snow and ice…perfect
Nicholas Multari –
These are great commuting tires. If you are expecting them to hold on sharp corners on black ice you’ll be disappointed (and your hips might take a rocking). For straight ahead riding on packed snow and ice…perfect
Sue Jones –
タイヤがかなりねじれていたため、取り付けには非常に労力がかかりました。正しく保管されていなかったと思います。配送箱は大丈夫だったので。
Adam –
I don’t know that I have even one real complaint about these studs. I see that a few of the studs have come off in a few places, but that seems likely, considering how they get beat on by the ice, pavement, and my sick calves.
They seems like the tire and stud quality are quite matched with the quality of a decent studded car tire.
Amazon Customer –
This tire is amazing. It rips on any kind of ice and snow!! Great value.
Ama Zoner –
I am using it this winter in Montreal on my fixie fyxation, it’s good!
Though I’d say more nails better it is
Maximus G. St John –
These tires get phenomenal traction on ice. You can brake and turn no problem. They do add a lot of rolling resistance, but given the choice between going slower and crashing on ice, I’ll pick these tires every time.
I got them at the end of season, so I only rode 200 miles on them, but during that time, I got zero flats and none of the spikes fell off.
They are a little hard to get on the rims. I found the Spreedier Tire Lever to be super helpful. The other key to getting them on is to use your fingers to go around the entire rim, pressing the bead in, before getting that last part on
Amazon Customer –
Bon pneu fonctionne bien
CE Petersen –
These are pretty awesome! I haven’t had a chance to ride these in fresh fallen snow yet, but I’m sure they will perform well. Here in Denver, it gets warm enough to melt during the day, then freezes solid at night. On my 8 mile commute, I hit a few different types of terrain. So I encounter glare black ice, frozen icy slushy stretches, and loose snow. These handle it all. I am able to maintain control and haven’t fallen yet. They roll pretty good on the dry too. They were a little expensive, but I think they are worth the money..
Adam –
I’m no bike expert but I can change a flat so I have it a go putting these on my bike myself. Rubber (or whatever the material actually is) is much stiffer than a regular tire and was somewhat deformed from storage. It was really hard getting this onto my tire rim. I’m sure my inexperience contributed to this. I finally “warmed up” the tire by leaving it my bathroom with the heater on so it was about 80 degrees F. Then it went on but was still a struggle. I purchased two. One was more difficult than the other.
They definitely give me more confidence in the snow and ice. I feel safer breaking in difficult conditions. They definitely slow me down some but I’m glad to be able to still bike in conditions I used to use my car for.
I also appreciate the full circle reflective marking on the tires due to early dark in winter time.
Newboots –
A decent studded tire at the price. I was able to fit them on to a titanium road bike. The actual size is 29.5 mm, which can make “the difference” on tighter frames. Of course, studded tires come with a higher rolling resistance, so I have to be prepared to “work a little harder”
CE Petersen –
I don’t know that I have even one real complaint about these studs. I see that a few of the studs have come off in a few places, but that seems likely, considering how they get beat on by the ice, pavement, and my sick calves.
They seems like the tire and stud quality are quite matched with the quality of a decent studded car tire.
Nathan Spike –
I am a year round 5 day a week bike commuter in a region that gets 2-3 feet of now a year. I commute regardless of the conditions. Snow and ice have been a bane of my commutes for years until I got these tires.
I purchased a pair and was sold from the first ride. My area got 3 inches of snow overnight with no sign of a snow truck. The packed, rutted snow that turns normal bike tires into ice skates became ridable. “You’re crazy” shouted a pedestrian before I descended a 1/3 mile %14 grade hill that was nothing but packed rutted snow with hidden potholes.
The first snow ride of the season is always difficult because you are getting your snow legs under your. This one was the gauntlet. Half way down I lost my confidence and wanted to stop. I put my foot down and started to slide. Decided to keep riding because the tires had better grip than my shoes despite the far smaller contact patch.
I ran these around 60-80psi with lower pressure when I was riding in snow and higher when riding on clear pavement. These do wear a bit quick on the rear. At 240lbs bike+rider I expect 1000-1500 miles(EDIT: 500 miles) on a rear tire which is about 2 seasons. Front tire should last several times longer due to weight distribution. They make quite the racket when there is no snow, and are a bit slower than normal tires. If you don’t hear the racket the tires are working.
These were an absolute bear to install compared to other wire bead tires. Folding the tire made for easy shipping, but cost significant time, several pinched tubes, and a bit of blood to mount. If you have the time and a spare wheel mount the tire as best you can without a tube. Wait a day then remount with a tube. I recommend the seller ship the tire unfolded like other wire bead tires I have bought from amazon. Time, frustration, and blood have a value.
These are a bit pricey, but worth it. If you can only afford 1 tire, put it on the front.
EDIT: At the end of the season(3-17-26) the rear is about %80 worn. Snow tire are soft. The rear tire did not shed any studs even when I locked the rear up. I got about 500 miles on the rear with %65 of the miles on clear road. The tires gave me about 10 commutes I would have driven in for. These more than paid for themselves compared to the $25/day parking cost. If your have the mechanical aptitude run the rear on a spare wheel and swap based on the forecast.
Newboots –
Vous pouvez facilement voir la différence entre mes pneus (très étroit avec environ 80 clous par roue) et ceux de ma blonde avec ses 240 clous par pneus!
Sur la glace on doit garder un petit angle afin d’avoir une meilleure traction. Une fois adopté tout est bon et pas d’aquaplaning avec ces pneus étroits!
Nicholas Multari –
I am an all year bike commuter in the cold Midwest. These give great traction even on glare ice. They are a bit unbalanced; no hands free riding with these.
Nicholas Multari –
タイヤがかなりねじれていたため、取り付けには非常に労力がかかりました。正しく保管されていなかったと思います。配送箱は大丈夫だったので。
Phil L. –
I am using it this winter in Montreal on my fixie fyxation, it’s good!
Though I’d say more nails better it is
E. –
I am a year round 5 day a week bike commuter in a region that gets 2-3 feet of now a year. I commute regardless of the conditions. Snow and ice have been a bane of my commutes for years until I got these tires.
I purchased a pair and was sold from the first ride. My area got 3 inches of snow overnight with no sign of a snow truck. The packed, rutted snow that turns normal bike tires into ice skates became ridable. “You’re crazy” shouted a pedestrian before I descended a 1/3 mile %14 grade hill that was nothing but packed rutted snow with hidden potholes.
The first snow ride of the season is always difficult because you are getting your snow legs under your. This one was the gauntlet. Half way down I lost my confidence and wanted to stop. I put my foot down and started to slide. Decided to keep riding because the tires had better grip than my shoes despite the far smaller contact patch.
I ran these around 60-80psi with lower pressure when I was riding in snow and higher when riding on clear pavement. These do wear a bit quick on the rear. At 240lbs bike+rider I expect 1000-1500 miles on a rear tire which is about 2 seasons. Front tire should last several times longer due to weight distribution. They make quite the racket when there is no snow, and are a bit slower than normal tires. If you don’t hear the racket the tires are working.
These were an absolute bear to install compared to other wire bead tires. Folding the tire made for easy shipping, but cost significant time, several pinched tubes, and a bit of blood to mount. If you have the time and a spare wheel mount the tire as best you can without a tube. Wait a day then remount with a tube. I recommend the seller ship the tire unfolded like other wire bead tires I have bought from amazon. Time, frustration, and blood have a value.
These are a bit pricey, but worth it. If you can only afford 1 tire, put it on the front.
CE Petersen –
This version of tire is listed as “tubeless” and the photo shows this. However I was sent the kind that requires a tube. So far it is holding up with my previously used tube inside. Was really difficult getting one of the tires to stretch over the rim (dislocated my thumb in the process), but the other tire was very easy to install, so the size doesn’t seem consistent. Will have to see how it goes when winter weather becomes more prevalent (ordered after the first blizzard made biking difficult, particularly over ice… but now it’s been 40s and rainy)
Phil L. –
Bon pneu fonctionne bien
Diesel Dennis –
I’m no bike expert but I can change a flat so I have it a go putting these on my bike myself. Rubber (or whatever the material actually is) is much stiffer than a regular tire and was somewhat deformed from storage. It was really hard getting this onto my tire rim. I’m sure my inexperience contributed to this. I finally “warmed up” the tire by leaving it my bathroom with the heater on so it was about 80 degrees F. Then it went on but was still a struggle. I purchased two. One was more difficult than the other.
They definitely give me more confidence in the snow and ice. I feel safer breaking in difficult conditions. They definitely slow me down some but I’m glad to be able to still bike in conditions I used to use my car for.
I also appreciate the full circle reflective marking on the tires due to early dark in winter time.
Peter –
I frequently use my bike to commute in Minneapolis and never thought it would be possible to during the winter (especially with a road bike). These tires make it 100% possible. So far, I’ve used these tires when it’s gotten down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, with very little deflation. I’ve also ridden my bike when road conditions were quite icy and or covered in hardened slush or snow. In all situations, the tires have performed very well. The back tire may momentarily lose traction if riding through “slush” but quickly regains its grip. After two weeks I have not fell or even felt close to falling. The studded tires work very well in conjunction with the aggressive tread. I appreciate the reflective strip lining the tire too. I will update my review at the end of the winter, but so far I recommend these tires.
Peter –
Very nice tires for winter. I’m a long time commuter cyclist, in suburbs of Boston. I never biked in ice/snow before. This tire allows me to do that quite well. On standard pavement, it feels halfway between riding on gravel and normal pavement, using standard tires. With about 5cm of fresh fluffy snow, there is no problem at all. I couldn’t lean and turn without slipping a little, but standard turns are fine. It gives quite good control authority even on ice or hard packed snow, although wheels will slip from side to side as you bike. I never felt like I was about to lose control. But be careful, ride slow, on trails/side streets, with a good helmet and lights, until you get the feel of it. Highly recommended.
Newboots –
タイヤがかなりねじれていたため、取り付けには非常に労力がかかりました。正しく保管されていなかったと思います。配送箱は大丈夫だったので。
C-4 –
These tires are much heavier than ‘summer’ tires, as I knew they would be. The studs work great on ice. No problems with studs falling out. Must use good tire mounting technique or they won’t go on. They extended my skinny tire bike commute season :)
Rate features: Thickness – yep, they are thick; Value for the money – very good; Warmth – takes a lot of energy to move them, so I stay warm!
Amazon Customer –
Vous pouvez facilement voir la différence entre mes pneus (très étroit avec environ 80 clous par roue) et ceux de ma blonde avec ses 240 clous par pneus!
Sur la glace on doit garder un petit angle afin d’avoir une meilleure traction. Une fois adopté tout est bon et pas d’aquaplaning avec ces pneus étroits!
Newboots –
Vous pouvez facilement voir la différence entre mes pneus (très étroit avec environ 80 clous par roue) et ceux de ma blonde avec ses 240 clous par pneus!
Sur la glace on doit garder un petit angle afin d’avoir une meilleure traction. Une fois adopté tout est bon et pas d’aquaplaning avec ces pneus étroits!
C-4 –
Very nice tires for winter. I’m a long time commuter cyclist, in suburbs of Boston. I never biked in ice/snow before. This tire allows me to do that quite well. On standard pavement, it feels halfway between riding on gravel and normal pavement, using standard tires. With about 5cm of fresh fluffy snow, there is no problem at all. I couldn’t lean and turn without slipping a little, but standard turns are fine. It gives quite good control authority even on ice or hard packed snow, although wheels will slip from side to side as you bike. I never felt like I was about to lose control. But be careful, ride slow, on trails/side streets, with a good helmet and lights, until you get the feel of it. Highly recommended.
Chris P. –
I purchased a pair of these for winter commuting on days when there is a lot of ice. For this they are great. I do not recommend them for non-ice conditions because they significantly increase rolling resistance. Riding with them feels a bit like riding with two flat tires, and I’d estimate that it takes 20 – 30% more power to maintain the same speed you would with non-studded tires.
Phil L. –
Great tires, several years later.
Have gone through 3-4 Winters with these, daily cyclist 15km each way, even in winter. Survived a record setting snowball season in Toronto while managing everything asked of these tires.
No signs of quitting yet, feels like several years of service life still ready to go. Not a single stud lost on a pair of these.
If anything they are a slower ride, but that’s an expected tradeoff for a good set of winters.
Adam –
Very nice tires for winter. I’m a long time commuter cyclist, in suburbs of Boston. I never biked in ice/snow before. This tire allows me to do that quite well. On standard pavement, it feels halfway between riding on gravel and normal pavement, using standard tires. With about 5cm of fresh fluffy snow, there is no problem at all. I couldn’t lean and turn without slipping a little, but standard turns are fine. It gives quite good control authority even on ice or hard packed snow, although wheels will slip from side to side as you bike. I never felt like I was about to lose control. But be careful, ride slow, on trails/side streets, with a good helmet and lights, until you get the feel of it. Highly recommended.
Peter –
I am a year round 5 day a week bike commuter in a region that gets 2-3 feet of now a year. I commute regardless of the conditions. Snow and ice have been a bane of my commutes for years until I got these tires.
I purchased a pair and was sold from the first ride. My area got 3 inches of snow overnight with no sign of a snow truck. The packed, rutted snow that turns normal bike tires into ice skates became ridable. “You’re crazy” shouted a pedestrian before I descended a 1/3 mile %14 grade hill that was nothing but packed rutted snow with hidden potholes.
The first snow ride of the season is always difficult because you are getting your snow legs under your. This one was the gauntlet. Half way down I lost my confidence and wanted to stop. I put my foot down and started to slide. Decided to keep riding because the tires had better grip than my shoes despite the far smaller contact patch.
I ran these around 60-80psi with lower pressure when I was riding in snow and higher when riding on clear pavement. These do wear a bit quick on the rear. At 240lbs bike+rider I expect 1000-1500 miles(EDIT: 500 miles) on a rear tire which is about 2 seasons. Front tire should last several times longer due to weight distribution. They make quite the racket when there is no snow, and are a bit slower than normal tires. If you don’t hear the racket the tires are working.
These were an absolute bear to install compared to other wire bead tires. Folding the tire made for easy shipping, but cost significant time, several pinched tubes, and a bit of blood to mount. If you have the time and a spare wheel mount the tire as best you can without a tube. Wait a day then remount with a tube. I recommend the seller ship the tire unfolded like other wire bead tires I have bought from amazon. Time, frustration, and blood have a value.
These are a bit pricey, but worth it. If you can only afford 1 tire, put it on the front.
EDIT: At the end of the season(3-17-26) the rear is about %80 worn. Snow tire are soft. The rear tire did not shed any studs even when I locked the rear up. I got about 500 miles on the rear with %65 of the miles on clear road. The tires gave me about 10 commutes I would have driven in for. These more than paid for themselves compared to the $25/day parking cost. If your have the mechanical aptitude run the rear on a spare wheel and swap based on the forecast.
Diesel Dennis –
These tires are much heavier than ‘summer’ tires, as I knew they would be. The studs work great on ice. No problems with studs falling out. Must use good tire mounting technique or they won’t go on. They extended my skinny tire bike commute season :)
Rate features: Thickness – yep, they are thick; Value for the money – very good; Warmth – takes a lot of energy to move them, so I stay warm!
Claude Boisvert –
These are great commuting tires. If you are expecting them to hold on sharp corners on black ice you’ll be disappointed (and your hips might take a rocking). For straight ahead riding on packed snow and ice…perfect
x –
タイヤがかなりねじれていたため、取り付けには非常に労力がかかりました。正しく保管されていなかったと思います。配送箱は大丈夫だったので。
Nicholas Multari –
I don’t know that I have even one real complaint about these studs. I see that a few of the studs have come off in a few places, but that seems likely, considering how they get beat on by the ice, pavement, and my sick calves.
They seems like the tire and stud quality are quite matched with the quality of a decent studded car tire.
Maximus G. St John –
These tires get phenomenal traction on ice. You can brake and turn no problem. They do add a lot of rolling resistance, but given the choice between going slower and crashing on ice, I’ll pick these tires every time.
I got them at the end of season, so I only rode 200 miles on them, but during that time, I got zero flats and none of the spikes fell off.
They are a little hard to get on the rims. I found the Spreedier Tire Lever to be super helpful. The other key to getting them on is to use your fingers to go around the entire rim, pressing the bead in, before getting that last part on
Nathan Spike –
I am an all year bike commuter in the cold Midwest. These give great traction even on glare ice. They are a bit unbalanced; no hands free riding with these.
Nathan Spike –
I am a year round 5 day a week bike commuter in a region that gets 2-3 feet of now a year. I commute regardless of the conditions. Snow and ice have been a bane of my commutes for years until I got these tires.
I purchased a pair and was sold from the first ride. My area got 3 inches of snow overnight with no sign of a snow truck. The packed, rutted snow that turns normal bike tires into ice skates became ridable. “You’re crazy” shouted a pedestrian before I descended a 1/3 mile %14 grade hill that was nothing but packed rutted snow with hidden potholes.
The first snow ride of the season is always difficult because you are getting your snow legs under your. This one was the gauntlet. Half way down I lost my confidence and wanted to stop. I put my foot down and started to slide. Decided to keep riding because the tires had better grip than my shoes despite the far smaller contact patch.
I ran these around 60-80psi with lower pressure when I was riding in snow and higher when riding on clear pavement. These do wear a bit quick on the rear. At 240lbs bike+rider I expect 1000-1500 miles(EDIT: 500 miles) on a rear tire which is about 2 seasons. Front tire should last several times longer due to weight distribution. They make quite the racket when there is no snow, and are a bit slower than normal tires. If you don’t hear the racket the tires are working.
These were an absolute bear to install compared to other wire bead tires. Folding the tire made for easy shipping, but cost significant time, several pinched tubes, and a bit of blood to mount. If you have the time and a spare wheel mount the tire as best you can without a tube. Wait a day then remount with a tube. I recommend the seller ship the tire unfolded like other wire bead tires I have bought from amazon. Time, frustration, and blood have a value.
These are a bit pricey, but worth it. If you can only afford 1 tire, put it on the front.
EDIT: At the end of the season(3-17-26) the rear is about %80 worn. Snow tire are soft. The rear tire did not shed any studs even when I locked the rear up. I got about 500 miles on the rear with %65 of the miles on clear road. The tires gave me about 10 commutes I would have driven in for. These more than paid for themselves compared to the $25/day parking cost. If your have the mechanical aptitude run the rear on a spare wheel and swap based on the forecast.
Chris P. –
These are pretty awesome! I haven’t had a chance to ride these in fresh fallen snow yet, but I’m sure they will perform well. Here in Denver, it gets warm enough to melt during the day, then freezes solid at night. On my 8 mile commute, I hit a few different types of terrain. So I encounter glare black ice, frozen icy slushy stretches, and loose snow. These handle it all. I am able to maintain control and haven’t fallen yet. They roll pretty good on the dry too. They were a little expensive, but I think they are worth the money..
C-4 –
Best value for a studded winter wheel. I have done well with just putting it on the front tire for added stability on ice and heavy slush. Very effective.
Chris P. –
I don’t know that I have even one real complaint about these studs. I see that a few of the studs have come off in a few places, but that seems likely, considering how they get beat on by the ice, pavement, and my sick calves.
They seems like the tire and stud quality are quite matched with the quality of a decent studded car tire.
Andric K McNabb –
I’m no bike expert but I can change a flat so I have it a go putting these on my bike myself. Rubber (or whatever the material actually is) is much stiffer than a regular tire and was somewhat deformed from storage. It was really hard getting this onto my tire rim. I’m sure my inexperience contributed to this. I finally “warmed up” the tire by leaving it my bathroom with the heater on so it was about 80 degrees F. Then it went on but was still a struggle. I purchased two. One was more difficult than the other.
They definitely give me more confidence in the snow and ice. I feel safer breaking in difficult conditions. They definitely slow me down some but I’m glad to be able to still bike in conditions I used to use my car for.
I also appreciate the full circle reflective marking on the tires due to early dark in winter time.