Winter Cycling - Building a Winter commuter for Boston, MA

Long time cyclist relatively new to snow/ice cycling. I've commuted in cold weather but snow and ice always kept me off the bike, but that's lame. So I'm going to get a cheap but decent used bike and do a little work on it to make it suitable for winter commuting. One big question 700c or 26"? Just to be clear I'm not referring to a road bike I'm thinking hybrid or 29er with widish tires. Thanks!

My snow bike is a hybrid with disk brakes, fenders and 700x35c studded tires. Previously I had a rigid-forked MTB with disk brakes and 26" tires...and in hindsight I preferred it for commuting in the snow because I could use wider 26" studded tires. I looked at 29ers, but most of what I saw did not have braze-ons and eyelets for fenders, rack and such.

I looked at 29ers, but most of what I saw did not have braze-ons and eyelets for fenders, rack and such.

I think you need a Surly Karate Monkey.

I think you need a Surly Karate Monkey.

When I gave my old snow bike to my little brother, my plan was to build a KM from scratch to replace it...but then common-sense (cheapskatedness) took over and I simply modded a cheap hybrid - saving my money to put into my other bikes (including the big-dummy I am waiting for) that see a lot more use and much nicer riding conditions. ;)

How about the hub brake option to widen the frame possibilities - bike doesn't have to be disk-able. Some Hybrids must have room for wide tires w/700c?

They must add a pound or so each, but very durable. I'm thinking of adding Sturmey-Archer hub brakes with their 5spd hub w/drum on the rear to my currently SS commuter. I'm sick of cleaning pads and watching my rims wear down.

IRO Rob Roy, lots of room for wider tires and a quick, snappy bike. Plus it is much cheaper (at least around my neck of the woods) than a Karate Monkey.