Commuting this time of year can definitely be a challenge.  One of the biggest questions we get here at the bike shop is about studded tires.  Do they work? Are they worth it? The ride in this morning was a bit of an adventure.  If the triple shot latte didn't wake me up this morning the ride in on my slick skinny tires certainly did.  On days like this my white knuckles can glow through my winter gloves.  But still, I have not made the switch to studded tires. I really cannot say why I have not switched but I am pretty cavalier when it come to riding in nasty weather.  I did a brief survey of the folks here at the shop to get their perspective. Here is what they have to say: 

 AG:  Troy, Are you using studs on your tires right now?

TK: No, I have 26" Mtb tires on without studs. Seems to be fine.  My wife is using studded tires on her bike.  She has them on both front and rear and swears by them.  No slip ups.

AG: Reed, Are you using studded tires right now.

RS: I am definitely using them.  If you can get the 700x45's with studs on your bike they are awesome, they are absolutely the way to go.  If you commute everyday you would be wise to put them on.  On the ice they grab well and in the deeper snow they will grip on to the hard subsurface.

AG:  Abe, you are not using studs on your bike.  Why not and who do you think should be riding them?

AJ: I am using Continental Contacts 700x35.  It is pretty much a slick commuter tire.  The past few winters have been very mild and there were not enough days with ice to make me want to put on studs.  I am fairly comfortable riding on the ice and taking my chances.  That being said I did lay the bike down today on my way in to the shop, but that was the first time in a long time. 

AG: So who do you think needs the studded tires?

AJ: The person who commutes to work on a regular basis should get studs, or some one who is newer to riding or less willing to take chances.  The studded tire give you so much more grip and security.

AG: Chad, you have a studded tire on the front and a fat knobby tire on the back.  What is your rationale?

CD:  My theory is that you can mange a bit of rear wheel slide, but if your front wheel slips you are going down. The fat tire on the back gives me a bit of float when I ride through the deeper snow.