Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro 29x2.25
The Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro 29x2.25 earns a top spot for its proven, aggressive studded tread and robust casing that combine excellent icy traction with the durability demanded on rough gravel. It stands out against the 700c gravel models here by offering true plus-volume 29er width for riders who prioritize flotation and puncture resistance on mixed icy terrain, albeit at a premium price compared with some gravel-specific options. For riders who want the widest contact patch and the most established winter studded technology, it delivers a technically mature — if slightly costlier — solution.
Maximum studs
Wide tread bite
Maximum studs
Wide tread bite
Review Summary
"Long-term users praise the Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro 29x2.25 for exceptional ice traction and durable carbide studs, noting it holds up well over many winter miles; common complaints are its weight, rolling resistance, and noise on hard surfaces. Overall it's considered the go-to studded MTB tire when safety on ice is the priority."
Clings like a gecko
Tungsten-carbide studs embedded in a soft, winter-specific compound for exceptional ice traction.
Clings like a gecko
Tungsten-carbide studs embedded in a soft, winter-specific compound for exceptional ice traction.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro 29x2.25 earns a top spot for its proven, aggressive studded tread and robust casing that combine excellent icy traction with the durability demanded on rough gravel. It stands out against the 700c gravel models here by offering true plus-volume 29er width for riders who prioritize flotation and puncture resistance on mixed icy terrain, albeit at a premium price compared with some gravel-specific options. For riders who want the widest contact patch and the most established winter studded technology, it delivers a technically mature — if slightly costlier — solution.
Maximum studs
Wide tread bite
Clings like a gecko
Tungsten-carbide studs embedded in a soft, winter-specific compound for exceptional ice traction.
Wide 29x2.25 profile gives plus-volume flotation on snow and increased stability on mixed gravel.
Maximum studs
Wide tread bite
Clings like a gecko
Tungsten-carbide studs embedded in a soft, winter-specific compound for exceptional ice traction.
Wide 29x2.25 profile gives plus-volume flotation on snow and increased stability on mixed gravel.
$220-320 CAD
45NRTH Gravdal 700x38
The 45NRTH Gravdal 700x38 is positioned as a gravel-first studded tire that balances stud placement, supple casing and a 38mm plus-ish volume to deliver lower rolling resistance on packed winter gravel than thicker MTB-style studs. Compared with the Schwalbe and Continental wider options it tends to be more budget- and ride-efficiency oriented, offering a competitive technical trade-off: very good icy grip with a more road-friendly feel and often lighter weight. Its advantage for many riders is a targeted gravel geometry and value-for-performance for long winter rides where speed on hardpack matters.
Slim plus-volume
Low rolling drag
Slim plus-volume
Low rolling drag
Review Summary
"Riders consistently report the 45NRTH Gravdal 700x38 delivers excellent grip on icy and mixed winter roads with a surprisingly fast, predictable ride for a studded gravel tyre; negatives include mounting stiffness, stud wear for aggressive use, and some road noise. It's widely recommended for winter gravel and commuting when traction matters most."
Skates like Zamboni
Purpose-built 700x38 gravel casing with a tread pattern optimized for packed snow, slush and icy gravel.
Skates like Zamboni
Purpose-built 700x38 gravel casing with a tread pattern optimized for packed snow, slush and icy gravel.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The 45NRTH Gravdal 700x38 is positioned as a gravel-first studded tire that balances stud placement, supple casing and a 38mm plus-ish volume to deliver lower rolling resistance on packed winter gravel than thicker MTB-style studs. Compared with the Schwalbe and Continental wider options it tends to be more budget- and ride-efficiency oriented, offering a competitive technical trade-off: very good icy grip with a more road-friendly feel and often lighter weight. Its advantage for many riders is a targeted gravel geometry and value-for-performance for long winter rides where speed on hardpack matters.
Slim plus-volume
Low rolling drag
Skates like Zamboni
Purpose-built 700x38 gravel casing with a tread pattern optimized for packed snow, slush and icy gravel.
Stud layout tuned for predictable cornering and braking on hard-packed winter surfaces.
Slim plus-volume
Low rolling drag
Skates like Zamboni
Purpose-built 700x38 gravel casing with a tread pattern optimized for packed snow, slush and icy gravel.
Stud layout tuned for predictable cornering and braking on hard-packed winter surfaces.
$170-230 CAD
Suomi Tyres WXC300 700x40
Suomi Tyres WXC300 700x40 brings a Scandinavian winter pedigree to the plus-volume gravel category with a dense stud pattern and a 40mm casing optimized for icy gravel stability and confident cornering. It compares favorably to other 700c options by blending high stud density and winter-focused rubber at a price point that is often more accessible than top-tier premium models, making it a smart technical and financial choice for riders wanting strong cold-weather grip without the highest-end premium markups. Its niche is riders seeking Finnish winter tire engineering in a true plus-volume gravel width.
Handmade studs
Stable plus-volume
Handmade studs
Stable plus-volume
Review Summary
"The Suomi Tyres WXC300 700x40 is praised by many for outstanding ice traction and a confidence-inspiring ride, with users appreciating the stud pattern and casing; downsides reported include heavier weight, limited availability, and occasional reports of mounting difficulty. Enthusiasts who need serious winter performance tend to rate it highly despite niche availability."
Finnish ice ninja
Designed by a Nordic winter tyre maker for aggressive icy performance and reliable stud retention.
Finnish ice ninja
Designed by a Nordic winter tyre maker for aggressive icy performance and reliable stud retention.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Suomi Tyres WXC300 700x40 brings a Scandinavian winter pedigree to the plus-volume gravel category with a dense stud pattern and a 40mm casing optimized for icy gravel stability and confident cornering. It compares favorably to other 700c options by blending high stud density and winter-focused rubber at a price point that is often more accessible than top-tier premium models, making it a smart technical and financial choice for riders wanting strong cold-weather grip without the highest-end premium markups. Its niche is riders seeking Finnish winter tire engineering in a true plus-volume gravel width.
Handmade studs
Stable plus-volume
Finnish ice ninja
Designed by a Nordic winter tyre maker for aggressive icy performance and reliable stud retention.
Wide 700x40 volume balances flotation on snow with firm contact for stable gravel handling.
Handmade studs
Stable plus-volume
Finnish ice ninja
Designed by a Nordic winter tyre maker for aggressive icy performance and reliable stud retention.
Wide 700x40 volume balances flotation on snow with firm contact for stable gravel handling.
$180-260 CAD
Continental Contact Spike 240 700x42
The Continental Contact Spike 240 700x42 targets riders who want a very wide footprint and a high stud density for maximum stability on icy gravel; its 42mm volume provides exceptional float and confidence in deep snow or slushy conditions. Compared with narrower 700c options like the 45NRTH Xerxes and Gravdal, it sacrifices a bit of rolling speed for unmatched contact area and likely broader European distribution and mid-range pricing as a financial advantage. For anyone prioritizing a wide, stable platform on ice with good availability, it is a compelling technical and value choice.
240 tiny spikes
Touring tough
240 tiny spikes
Touring tough
Review Summary
"Reviewers find the Continental Contact Spike 240 700x42 a reliable, well-built city/gravel studded tire that offers strong grip on ice and good puncture protection, while critics point to its added weight and somewhat firmer ride compared with racing-oriented options. It's often chosen for commuting and touring in icy conditions for its durability and established brand support."
Commute-proof cape
Named for its stud count, the tyre features a dense arrangement of carbide studs for grip on ice.
Commute-proof cape
Named for its stud count, the tyre features a dense arrangement of carbide studs for grip on ice.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
The Continental Contact Spike 240 700x42 targets riders who want a very wide footprint and a high stud density for maximum stability on icy gravel; its 42mm volume provides exceptional float and confidence in deep snow or slushy conditions. Compared with narrower 700c options like the 45NRTH Xerxes and Gravdal, it sacrifices a bit of rolling speed for unmatched contact area and likely broader European distribution and mid-range pricing as a financial advantage. For anyone prioritizing a wide, stable platform on ice with good availability, it is a compelling technical and value choice.
240 tiny spikes
Touring tough
Commute-proof cape
Named for its stud count, the tyre features a dense arrangement of carbide studs for grip on ice.
700x42 touring profile provides comfort and stability while carrying loads on winter rides.
240 tiny spikes
Touring tough
Commute-proof cape
Named for its stud count, the tyre features a dense arrangement of carbide studs for grip on ice.
700x42 touring profile provides comfort and stability while carrying loads on winter rides.
$120-180 CAD
45NRTH Xerxes 700x30
The 45NRTH Xerxes 700x30 is the fleetest option here, offering narrower, fast-rolling studs and a lightweight casing optimized for packed ice and high-speed winter gravel riding. While it is not a true plus-volume tire like the 40–42mm models listed, its lower rolling resistance and typically lower price make it attractive for riders who prioritize speed on hard-packed icy roads rather than maximum flotation in deep snow. It complements the wider-plus options in this list by serving a different use case: fast winter training or races where flotation is secondary to speed and weight.
Race-ready studs
Fast on hardpack
Race-ready studs
Fast on hardpack
Review Summary
"The 45NRTH Xerxes 700x30 is commonly praised for delivering excellent ice traction in a narrower, faster package suited to gravel and cyclocross, with users noting responsive handling and good overall durability; some users report that studs can wear faster under very rough or abrasive surfaces. It's a favorite for riders wanting studded performance without the bulk of wider tires."
Slicing ice
Slim 700x30 profile for lower rolling resistance while retaining studded traction on icy roads.
Slicing ice
Slim 700x30 profile for lower rolling resistance while retaining studded traction on icy roads.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The 45NRTH Xerxes 700x30 is the fleetest option here, offering narrower, fast-rolling studs and a lightweight casing optimized for packed ice and high-speed winter gravel riding. While it is not a true plus-volume tire like the 40–42mm models listed, its lower rolling resistance and typically lower price make it attractive for riders who prioritize speed on hard-packed icy roads rather than maximum flotation in deep snow. It complements the wider-plus options in this list by serving a different use case: fast winter training or races where flotation is secondary to speed and weight.
Race-ready studs
Fast on hardpack
Slicing ice
Slim 700x30 profile for lower rolling resistance while retaining studded traction on icy roads.
Directional tread and high stud placement density prioritize confident braking and cornering on ice.
Race-ready studs
Fast on hardpack
Slicing ice
Slim 700x30 profile for lower rolling resistance while retaining studded traction on icy roads.
Directional tread and high stud placement density prioritize confident braking and cornering on ice.
$160-220 CAD