Damn! I haven't moved to SLC yet. As for riding around in SLC, I think it's eminently doable if the weather works out. SLC also happens to have a pretty decent public transit system that can help you extend your excursions around the city.
That said... if you're in SLC for the winter, I think the best thing to do would be to head over to one of the local snow skiing areas and strap on a pair.
Enjoy your trip to SLC or Dallas (though Dallas would definitely be warmer)... and if the trip somehow takes you to Chicago let me know (though there will be no riding in Chicago... too much snow for small tires).
--sam