Originally Posted by
mikhalit
For the European (North Atlantic) winters with temperatures around 0C i much prefer having tires that are 35+ mm with some good thread AND one extra front wheel with a studded tire permanently sitting there. That way my laziness still allows me to change the wheel every time i am suspicious about black ice since it takes me less than a minute to replace it.
This is definitely a recommended strategy.
Keep in mind that studded tires still have limitations on ice and keep your speed down. One advantage of running with a non-studded rear is that you'll be able to spin the rear in icy conditions - which will be a big heads up to be careful! A studded tire in front will still let you brake effectively and prevent you from slidi g out. I never ride clipped in in the winter myself - platform pedals and Sorel boots.