i ride in mud often.being from texas,comparing riding in mud to driving in snow probably will not work.i use trail blasters.they say 2.1 but they are not that wide(more like1.95).they do well in sticky mud(all these are for my style riding),loose mud,hardpack,rocks,roots and many other challenges.sand is the only problem i have and thats a matter of balance vs speed.slow down a little bit or better yet look further ahead so you can react sooner.uphill use a little larger gear than usual so you will have more traction.as far as dirty bike parts im wonderin why wash it(ha ha).it depends how much maintenence you want to do.clean it asap or replace it down the road.mud takes a little getting used to but just relax and go with it.whether we get 6"or 60" when we ride in mud it is different than dry conditions.most riding success comes from technique and practice.use your head and relax a bit and you will come to look forward to riding in mud.keep on bikin