I have a different approach. I just go into a bike store (usually YJ)
and buy a studded tire. I don't remember what brand. I just ride on it
and it works for a long time. I make a modest investment and then
forget about it and just ride my bike.
I'm on my the second year of my third studded tire for more than a
decade of use. The first tire failed after 5 or so years --- the studs
had worn down. Maybe it didn't have carbide studs and, if so, maybe one
with carbide would have lasted longer. I don't care: five years of use
is plenty long. I had to replace the second tire because of
user-error: I didn't bother to correctly adjust my brake pads (because
I was just riding my bike) and they eventually wore down the sidewall.
When we were in the midst of soggie-gate, I kept coming back to the
perspective that winter riding is really no big deal. Once you've
figured out how to do it (like keep your hands and toes warm, not slip
on ice, etc), you can just ride safely and comfortably. Loads of people
figure out how to do many things at least as extreme --- racing in large
packs on tight courses, riding off-road on technical trails, etc.
And studs are part of what I've figured out for winter riding. They
work and you don't have to make a fuss about it if you're not into
techie stuff. Just buy one (I have success with only front studs) and
ride on it.
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