Hi Jim,
Many thanks for the long & detailed reply and the links! The one from Peter White Cycles was especially great since I am really new to this issue.

My plan is to leave the studded tires on all winter as well, since winters here in Bremen are quite unpredictable. It's not like we have snow all winter long and when we do have some snow, it tends to leave to all sorts of road condition; the main one being either solid snow or frozen bits with tracks in it (almost brought me down last night).

We also have constantly broken glass on the cycling paths in the city center (mainly broken Becks bottles) which is why I would prefer a tire from Schwalbe. When I got my current bike, I had to replace both tires within the first week and I have never had any flat tires when using Schwalbe Marathon.

I am sure your son will enjoy Belrin; I have an aunt there who lives next to the Wannsee.

Thanks & regards,
Melanie