I've decided to continue riding during the winter months if I can brave the conditions and mitigate the risks involved with sharing snowy, icy, and wet roads with cagers.

Granted most of my 19 mile commute will be on bike paths, however the condition of the path is highly variable, with many shaded areas that will freeze over. I also need to ride on streets for less than one mile with about 500 yards of that going against traffic, with little to no shoulder (read; plowed piles of snow and rutted ice). I live in the Denver metro area.

I ride a 2016 Trek 520 (non-disc) and am having a hard time determining which type and size of tire to switch to from my stock Bontrager hardcase AW1 which I like, but think inappropriate since they are basically slicks.

So far a studded tire seems to be the way to go, but I am looking for advice from the hive who have experienced winter conditions such as mine. Can I get by without studs or with my current tire?

Also, pretty sure sizing of 700x35 would be be the largest that would fit my frame with fenders, not sure if smaller or larger sizes would be the best choice either.


edit: yes I know it's about time I posted something....