Yeah started first season of winter ridin' and the last month has been a total mix of everything you listed off above. The snow had basically disappeared and left compacted snow/ice all over. Challenging to ride over at times. Was dark this am and rounded a curve slowing down pulled too hard on the front brake and woosh! No studs no stand up!
Was able to recover quickly and w/o any bruises but its time to try these studs out everyones talkin' about. It seems not worth waiting for a complete snowpack. Just get the studs on NOW!

OC