One of my big goals this year is to bike commute as much as possible over the winter. I went out for a bunch of cold weather rides last winter and enjoyed them immensely.
I'm trying to decide the best option for a winter beater... to use a bike I already own or to purchase a new (to me) bike.
At my disposal are:
-a 2010 Jamis Ventura Comp (my main bike)
-a 2007 Schwinn "Mountain" bike [weighing in at about 65 pounds]
-a mid-90's steel frame shock-less mountain bike [weighs in around 30ish pounds] that is nominally my fiancee's. (It was a gift from friends, but I have her permission to use it.)
(Both the Schwinn and steel frame would need new pedals and saddle. Also, none of these have disc brakes.)
My commute is from Regent Square to Mt Washington, possibly using the incline during really bad weather.
I've read and heard a bunch of conflicting information. So, I'm asking for opinions on the best approach.
Things I _think_ I've figured out:
- I would (assuming it's safe) prefer clipless pedals. (I have a really hard time using with toe clips... something about them turns me into a huge klutz.)
- I definitely need gears, at least this year.
- I'd like the option of taking studded tires. (Which the schwinn and steel frame should be able to do.)
- It sounds like disc brakes would be good, given that I'll be going up and down mt washington.
- Something that could double as a light trail bike (say, tooling around frick park) would be great.
Any advice would be greatly, greatly appreciated.