I put up a similar post in today's ride report, but wanted to add pictures:

This bike is still mid transition from the state it was in when an awesome co-worker gave it to me. I put my new studs on last week, but was then disappointed to not need them... until a very frosty ride today!

The real fun was the ride home, though. Roads were thawed, and I was feeling confident on the studded knobbies, so dove off the pavement and bombed down the lawn (1/3 mile with 250 ft drop; rocks, roots, tall grass...) I've done this before on my MTB, but never with this bike. I couldn't believe how well it handled! I hopped off the road several more times on the way home - even rode through a flooded culvert. Now I just need the snow to come down a little lower...