Transitioning to winter cycling
This is my 2nd year commuting to work by bike and I love it. Unfortunately I am having a hard time calling it quits for the year because of the onset of winter. I currently ride a Fuji Touring and the bike has done very well for me. My commute is about 20 miles roundtrip. The avg temperature in the winter is 25F and usually we get 4-6 inch snowfalls that melt within a day or two. Lots of sand, leaves, and sticks along the road. My questions are:
1. When do you know to start transitioning to your winter bike? (I would hate to find out the hard way by wiping out)
2. Would anyone stick with the Touring bike? If so, how would you equip it? If not what type of mt bike should I get? (I am roadie and know nothing about mt bikes)