Tomorrow in Chicago we may get up to 6". I haven't put my studs on yet. Studs are important for ice, but there won't be ice tomorrow. Can I ride my regular (skinny) tres on my Surly Cross Check tomorrow?

Only you can answer that question - it is your butt out there.

If you only have slicks... good luck.

You are right - studs don't help in deep snow. But in our northern cities the snow gets plowed and salted usually pretty quickly, which leaves a lot of hard pack, ruts and patches that can get icy pretty quickly over the course of a day. So you'll need them really soon. If you have cross tires with some knobs on the cross check those might work ok in the snow (but 6 inches is really tough no matter what) If you have slicks I might suggest the bus. Or take 30 minutes and throw them on, you did say you have them and haven't mounted them yet right? If they have more tread than what you are currently running then mount 'em up and get out there tomorrow.

Honestly, I agree with eletrik, it's your ass out there, you need know your limits or you will soon find them. Only you can make that call.

The studs will slow you down but a hard fall may slow you down for a while... I made the wrong choice on NewYears day and still feeling it, good luck with your ride.

Thanks, you've talked me out of non-studded riding today.

Get the air out.

You are going to have to put them on eventually, why not now?

profjmb, I'm based in Chicago too - I threw the studs on last night and am glad I did. I commute from Rogers Park to Evanston, on the very northernmost end of Clark, which is poorly plowed (not to mention those gaping potholes) - lots of hard-packed snow. It was still touch and go, but I'm pretty sure the studs saved my ass more than once.