There are many theories, and it depends a bit on whether you want to cycle
all winter or only most of it.
The best all-weather is studded tires. Peter White has a good description of the pros and cons of various Nokians. In terms of studs, I would suggest:
- Avoid Innovas at any cost: slippery rubber and non-lasting studs;
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I'll chime in here, I ove my Nokians, but I don't ride them every day of the winter, and they aren't real effective on like lake ice, I tried crossing a lake last year and went down. But other conditions, they are worth the Ka-Ching!
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Last Winters, I had:
- My touring bike used year round for long distances and for pulling the kids; usually not in the worst conditions: Top Touring 700x32 front; Vittoria Cyclocross 700x37 rear (more thread helps me climb when I pull the kids);
- My commuter bike has been with Specialised Cyclocross knobbies 700x37 for 3-4 winters. In December 2003, I installed 1 Nokian Hakkapeliitta and 1 Innova.