Thanks for your input guys, its much appreciated. Its tricky because nights like tonight riding back from campus/work when things are mostly plowed I really appreciate the speed afforded by my regular tires. I don't know how studs will play out when its actually plowed and I'm riding pavement. Being able to ride the greenway regardless of whether its plowed or salted would be a huge perk, though--or just not having to carefully plan my ride to be busy rodes that I assume will be plowed. That sucks because I'm definitely riding with a lot of traffic, and if I do hit that stray patch of ice and go down cars are usually pretty close to me.

All of those considerations leave me thinking that while the Nokain w106 might be serviceable if they fit on my bike, I'd really like to score a 29er. I'll ask really nice for christmas and hope the Dawes Bullseye is something my parents are ok with splurging on. Disc brakes seem like a god send in the winter, and I gather I could throw big studded tires on and roll through anything. I'd also like to be able to ride regardless of the forecast--I feel like with my Maddy if I know its clean and plowed I'm good. With a 29er I could see snow falling and shrug it off, which is amazing for someone who doesn't own a car and loathes the bus.