Got a Trek hard tail. Model 4300. Available in two colors, Putrid Orange/Silver, or Tacky Silver/Black Chrome. Mine is the silver/black model. I figure I'll be looking at the trail ahead, not the bike, and if I never wash it, it'll soon be a nice earth tone.
Yes on the knobbys, you'll sometimes wish for studs or chains, too. The mosquitoes will be gone, so you won't have to try to outrun them. Speed is not your friend when riding on ice!