Originally Posted by
SnowJob
For your sweet fixie, I would recommend a studded tire in the front and a 'cross tire in the back. One of my bikes is set up that way and it rolls through or over pretty much anything and can speed along.
In my experience, one studded tire is all you need. If you're going through a lot of snow and need some extra traction for the back, then spring for the knobby cx tire (i.e. Maxxis Mudwrestler). If you don't think you'll need a ton of traction, then the Panaracers will be just fine (and will also be useful when the snow and ice is gone).
I have the exact opposite experience. Rear tire cannot navigate over rutted ice while front can, resulting in back end basically shooting/launching out from under you resulting in yellow/green grapefruit-sized bruises and time off from riding. Like putting snow tires on the front of a RWD car and worn out all-seasons in the back. If it is out of your budget for two, go with a front, otherwise run both. Less time on the ground or busted up at home is worth it IMHO.