After years of winter riding sans studded tires I finally threw in the towel, threw down the cash and bought some Nokians. I had always been able to ride pretty much through the winter but inevitably would have a good slip and fall and take a break for a week or two until the weather changed. Since the Nokian studs- (knocking on wood) no more falls and that makes the struggle of riding at a slower pace all the more worthwhile.

This year I outfitted an old Specialized MTB with my Nokian's and it is now my "winter bike". On a day like today, warm temps, no ice on the road, no snow and off I went on my usual commuter and wow! how fabulous it was! Basically, studded tires are the hairshirt of the Order of the Bike Fanatics.