Thanks for the bikeisland tip, I will check them out.

I'll definitely measure for studded tires once I get the bike, I found Nasbar has a pair at 700x35, which seems big but the bike comes with 700x32 standard, so I bet they would fit.

I'm really happy to hear your BD Motobecane has held up so well, it's always a worry when getting deals like this I think. Now I'm more confident in the choice.