I recently landed in a small town that gets a decent amount of snow in the winter, and commute on my bike with thin road tires. I’m thinking I want a fat bike with some nice thick tires to deal with the snow days, but local used options are limited and new bikes are fairly pricey. I have a bit more options in the used departed if I can go with more standard mountain bike. Are regular mountain bikes a viable option for commuting in snow? We had a very weak winter this last year with 7 inches all season but from some locals I’ve spoken too they said it can get up to 6 or 7 inches a month and only main thoroughfars are plowed, if amount of snow makes a difference in what sort of bike would be most suitable.
Appreciate any advice from those of you who ride in the snow regularly.
Mountain bike, studded tires, fat tire bike. I live in Albany, NY and we get a fair amount of snow. I generally do not ride my bike during the months of January and February. December and March gets snow too, but it usually isn’t as bad during those months. Even after the roads get plowed, you will have to contend with ice, and a reduced shoulder, which makes riding in the winter inherently very risky. You will also have to contend with the cold, wet, and windchill, which are no joke. Be sure to invest in waterproof and insulated gear. I decided broken limbs, discomfort, and the wear and tear caused by the elements wasn’t worth it. I ride the bus during those months. Stay safe.