These seem to be on overkill for someone who just starts riding in winter. Let me explain. Extreme 294 are meant for really tough conditions. There are plenty of milder conditions when you already need studded tires. You put on tires such as Extremes when everything is stacked against you. Someone experienced in winter riding will eventually need the Extremes, but before your skin thickens this much you need to get an experience riding under conditions calling for milder tires. If money is not a factor, sure, but some milder tires should be a higher priority.
Everything (bike-related) that I own is overkill. Do I need a Karate Monkey just to ride the roads in winter? Do I need Mavic Ksyrium SLs and Conti GP4ks on my road bike? Do I need X-9 shifters and derailleurs?
Hey, I just saw the tires on sale and bought them. They were the cheapest studded tires I found on the Internet.
The more rolling resistance, the better. I'm just looking to maintain a level of fitness until the warm weather returns. In the summer, my typical road ride is 75 miles. With the cold, I don't want to be out for that period of time. If I can get a fitness benefit out of my 20-mile winter rides, then great!