I had an OCR2 and it had trouble with 700x26 and fenders. You will want fenders once the snow flies. You can try clip-on fenders.

Keep up the good work. If you really want this, you will find a way. I can commute right up until the snow and ice takes over the roads. At that point, it's less about traction and studs and clothing choices, and more about less room on the roadway and impatient drivers. Once it melts away enough to give me 6" of shoulder I'll get back on the road.