Well if you have Public transit to use when Riding is harsh, maybe Not.
i have a pair of 26" Nokian studded tires , now in their 20th season..
The Tungsten steel alloy studs are not tall and there are just 2 rows of them
on the tread contact patch edges, but when the Road Ices Up
they are more secure than trying to walk on the stuff.
So buying a pair that you can put on your wheels overnight ,
when the forecast is for Icy Roads , I'd say, is a Good investment.
Because they last so long , in places where you dont have freeze ups for 90 days
and are out there riding on them consistently.
Columbia River cuts thru the Cascades, on shore winds
keep the cold air on the east side usually ,
but can change, then when the Gorge winds from the east
are blowing that cold air mass out to the Coast
things get slick., and Icy.. and springs that flow across the roads
freeze up even if it is not snowing.
Last edited by fietsbob; 11-12-12 at 02:30 PM.