Best tires for riding in snow on Surly Long Haul Trucker

[PeanutButterShammyCream]

Let's say you were touring in Montana in October, and you were expecting to hit some snow on the road. what kind of tires would be the best for a surly LHT?

[RussSeaton]

Schwalbe Marathon Winter carbide studded tires.  I have the 700C 35mm tires on my commuting bike in the winter.  They are great on snow and ice.  But the snow cannot be much more than about 6 inches high or so.  Any higher and its just too hard to ride through deep snow.  Too much resistance, too hard to turn the pedals.  You just stop in deep snow.  Studs are fine on dry roads too.  But you would wear out the carbide studs pretty quickly if you rode on dry roads too much.

For your example, you need to carry two sets of tires.  One regular touring tire for dry roads.  And one studded tire for when you hit snow or ice.  Bit of work to change tires on and off during a tour.  But its the only way for your example.

http://www.starbike.com/en/schwalbe-marathon-winter/

The Schwalbe Marathon Winter studded tire comes in 35 and 42mm widths.  The 35 is fine and good.  But if the 42 will fit your Surly, then go that route.  Wider is better with snow and ice.