You guys already got a pretty good load of snow already, no?

Here in Lincoln Nebraska, we've only got about 3 inches and some ice, but I've decided that with careful riding, studded tires are not really necessary. Once the roads are plowed, the snowy surface isn't really hard enough for the studs to work, and its not *terribly* slick. I didn't get a chance to get studded tires before the winter hit, but now after having a few hours in the muck, I don't see them as a necessity.

That said, I'd choose the bike that has the most comfortable handling. Be prepared to put a foot down on no notice and not rack yourself! A smaller stand-over height can be a good thing on slick roads! And, knobbie tires are great, if you have some to use. IMO, bike handling skills are *far* more important than anything else, though.

I'd say give it a shot with what you got, and be careful