What part of Michigan will you be in? the Weather can vary dramatically especially given the influence of the great lakes. I'm in SW lower MI and I can tell you that ice is seldom a problem, however rutted packed snow on roads can stick around for weeks on end. I'm not a committed winter commuter however I do ride if the roads are generally clear. I don't have studded tires, I am considering them for this year. If I get them I'll put them on a some what spare set of rims I have. And other than cleaning and lubing the chain more frequently, I don't see road salt as a huge problem. In my area major road ways are salted -- side roads are salted at intersections. This varies with time of year and budget constraints.
Last edited by D0ugB; 08-24-08 at 07:58 AM.
Reason: added info