Originally Posted by FixinInTraffic
I've used speedmaxes, other knobbies, and plain 700x23c road tires. I don't think there's really any difference on slick hard stuff (short of studs), so I stick to 700x23 now. on softer stuff skinnies either cut through or if it's kind of hard they can be a pain intermittently breaking through. You've probably had this happen.
One advantage to thicker tires in snow, slush, etc., at least here in Boston where the roads are super potholey: when snow and slush cover up holes and bumps in the road, you're more likely to ride right over these obstacles; on skinny tires, this can lead to a lot of pinch flats, and changing a tire in the cold is not so much fun. I switched from 23s to 35s last winter and the difference was enormous - in fact, I left 'em on all year and haven't had a flat since (although lately I've been feeling the need for speed; I guess I'll just have to build up another rig so I can have a fast fixie and a slower but steadier fixie).