We get less snow than Toronto does, for sure. But to me snow really isn't that big of a deal in Chicago. For the most part the major streets are pretty clear and if not you can usually ride in the tracks of cars. When it is really bad no one can go very fast so you don't get hassled as much by drivers (who think you're crazy anyways). To me the things to really worry about are ice, metal grates/gaps, and slush in that order. Also I normally don't wear eye protection, but in the winter I always do (goggles are a great idea)

A lot of people argue that skinny tires in snow are better because they cut into the
snow and contact the ground. I'm looking forward to testing this with my cross bike which has knobby 30's vs my pista which has slick 23's.

www.bikewinter.org

jeff