Originally Posted by modernjess

I'd skip the pam. I ride a steel frame all winter and it's plenty salty around here it's not a huge concern, your parts though can take a beating. Treat the frame by washing it and apply a layer or two of car wax on the frame. It help shed and repel grime a bit and makes it easier to wash off during the season.

As far as studded tires go, I high recommend the Nokian W106 35mm. For me, they are the sole reason I find winter commuting possible. There is a lot of advice about studs on this and the winter forum and it has a lot to do with your location and the prevailing conditions as to weather they are right. Some people can do quite well without them, but I can't. Most of what I deal with is ice and hardpack which is where the studs shine. Crashing in the cold is the worst, They save my ass every day.

Remember though studs do not help in much if at all in fresh or deep snow. But for me that is rare, we do get a lot of snow but it gets plowed off really quickly around here. Leaving hardpack and black ice and lotsa sketchy stuff that regular tires have trouble with.

I ride a single speed which is ideal from a maintenance standpoint, although its not for everyone.

I'd say treat the frame with wax, get some skinny studs, lube your parts really well, try to keep the bike clean (it's hard) during the winter, and replace your chain at the end of the winter.