I bought a Conti TopContact Winter expecting what you heard in their response, regarding performance. My intention is to use it when there is plenty of bare pavement and just some ice patches. I'll report once I get some practical experience, but snow and ice are here slow in coming
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Sounds like these contis would be a great choice for those of us who are outside the snow belt, and therefore spend 90% of the winter on clear roads, but still get enough snow and ice to warrant some sore of winter tire, if we want to keep riding. I'll be very interested in 2_i's review.