I figured I'd try a set of retreads. They're almost 1/2 the price of comparable new tires, and they look pretty good. I thought some folks here might be interested, so I'll post updates from time to time regarding wear, ride, balance issues, catastrophic failures...

Here's the product: Treadwright Guard Dog M/T, load range E. New tread applied over matched Toyo carcasses (I think you can actually request the sidewall/carcass you want). I also got the optional "Kedge Grip", which is crushed up glass and walnut shells in the compound. The walnut shell supposedly falls out, creating little sipes for traction, and the glass stays in longer for better grip on ice, etc.