I have been riding either a MTB with studded tires (Nokians) or a single speed with 700x20/23 (front/rear) slick tires- had to pick between floating around with good traction on ice, or getting through the powder and skidding on ice. I have been down three times this winter, twice on the skinnies, and once on the bigger tires.
I got these as a "best of both worlds" thing - just got them, and have ridden them enough to seat the studs already, and have tried them in a mix of oatmeal, ice, and powder. They are a little slower than road tires, but faster than the big ones, and seem to be a very good compromise for winter use. They get through the powder and to the pavement, have reasonable grip on icy stuff, and are not too bad in the mush. I think Nokian has mad a very good tire for my usage. If they last as well as the bigger studded tires, they will be a great value too. Plus, they fit in my single speed frame!!
