Last two winters I commuted with a Redline Monocog 29er. Used the Nokian W240 sudded tire in 40x700. The rim brakes are useless if the rim get snow on them. When the brakes are applied, the snow turn to ice and gives no braking action. Went with discs and they are unaffected. Fenders would be nice, especially in spring when the snow is turning to slop. My current ride is a Surly Karate Monkey with the same tires. Last Friday was 3F for the ride home and my rear shifter was freezing up. May convert to single speed once the cold sets in. 35x17 works well for everything around here. Don't need to go fast in frigid weather. A little bit of snow provides a lot of increased resistance. We get booming winds here, gusts to 39mph for my ride home, 35x17 good compromise here.