I went studded about 10 years ago. What a difference! They have their disadvantages but IMO those are outweighed by the major benefit: not falling. Here in Chicago the only thing that stops me from commuting is a big snow dump right at the morning rush hour... that hasn't happened (on my work days) since February 2015.

I also got a set for my mountain bike. Frozen lakes are a blast! (I wait until I see ice fishermen and snowmobiles.)
Steve