I've never gotten studded, but enjoy the challenge with my mtb tires at low pressures, and unless the snow is particularly deep or greasy ish, it works ok (rarely fall) touch wood touch wood!!!
And yup, use the 1992 Shimano spd's, partly cuz they release so easily now!
remember that Paul Simon song, Slip sliding away....
Awesome mitts! If I lived up north I might try the Conti winter (non-studded) tires. Apparently they have microcell compound like car winter tires; that stuff is claimed to work pretty well.