I subscribe to the Ron Popeil method for winter tires, (remember the infomercial for the counter top oven?) Set it & Forget It! I put the Nokian 106's on in the begining of December and take them off mid to late April. I even got a second/ cheaper wheel set for winter to make it super easy. I had my fair share of falls and close calls, so now I just put the studded tires on and after a week I don't really notice them anymore. The studs allow me to ride in traffic when conditions are slippery (ice, snow etc.) and feel like I have control. Also decents and climbs are not comprimised due to weather. Th eNokian's are pricey but so far have held up very well. I woul dhighly reccomend them if you conmmute invovels snow & ice.