I have always wanted studded tires, but didn't want to pay $100 for them. REI just had a sale, where the Nokian Hakkapeliitta W240 was only $45 each, and the W160 was only $30 each. That W160 would be perfect for Quebec. I'm gonna give these a try. A patch of black ice can do enough body damage to keep me off the bike for weeks. I bike just isn't like a car.

You can't wear out studs in a good studded tire. Only the cheaper tires with steel studs will wear out (Schwalbe quit using steel several years ago, and now use carbide). Great info on studded tires: Studded Bicycle Tires