I agree with all the points made about studs. Riding with a little care they can get you over all types of icy and snowy conditions. I rode with them for a few days and then foolishly took them off thinking it had been warm enough to clear the trail. After a fall on the ice, the studs went back on and I haven't had a problem since. The studs are slower, but given the extra work it takes to make them spin I'm not sure you're not getting just as good a workout.