no motor?

I've got a choice between a pair of Continental Town and Countries or a pair of discontinued Kendas that look something like the small block 8 now that it's time to replace the 26x1.5 slicks I've had on since it warmed up in the spring. They're both 26x1.95 with about the same amount of tread on them, and I'd like to hear how good the Town and Countries are in the snow. I'll be commuting and exercising outside when the traction looks decent (yes, I know studded tires are the real answer here) and using the trainer when it's not, and would prefer the quieter sound of the Continentals when I'm using the trainer if they aren't too bad in the snow. Most of my riding is on pavement, and the rest is usually a brief section of grass or hardpacked dirt.

exile

I haven't tried the town and countries, but talking with a guy at a bike shop he warned me against certain tread patterns in snow. Basically he stated that knobs spaced closely together allow the snow to become packed in; whereas if they were farther apart the snow gets shed. It sounded reasonable to me. He also said that studded tires are great on ice though for my area wouldn't make any difference because the roads are regulary plowed and salted. Just my two cents.

Grillparzer

I've ridden the Town and Country's extensively in wet weather but not in snow. They don't hold traction at all well on smooth, wet concrete, making a slow turn on a garage floor for example is where they dumped me sideways. That though, was the only problem I ever had with them. They did very well going down steep hills on wet grass, steep trails with sand and gravel, and I never even slid on wet leaves so they might work well on snow and ice if you're careful.

HaveBlue08079

From experience, they suck in the snow. They compact the snow and float terribly. They're okay in the rain as long as you're not turning hard and fast.
You might look at the Conti Travel Contact. They're smooth down the center with lugs on the side. You might be able to air them down for snow so the lugs bite more.

dynaryder

My Safari came with T&C's stock;they did decent in the snow,but I ditched them after flat number five(2 front,3rear). Serfas Drifters have almost the same tread,have optional reflective sidewalls,and do have puncture protection.

Personally,I prefer Specialized Crossroads to T&C's for snow. They did a touch better,still handle well in the dry,zero flats,and again have optional reflective sidewalls.

chipcom 

I've used both the T&Cs and Drifters...they are good for wet, even ice if you drop the pressure, but they are about worthless in more than a light dusting of snow.