Brigadier

I just picked up a 2005 Kona Jake the Snake for commuting/general riding to supplement a Bianchi Brava. I can't decide now whether to keep my Marin Larkspur for winter riding, or try to make due on the JTS. I've got fenders and studded tires to transfer over to it if I opt to sell the Larkspur.

Has anyone ridden in the winters on a cross/touring style bike? I'm beginning to think for those exceptionally icy/snowy days, the upright position of the Larkspur might be more beneficial. On the other hand, I would prefer not to drop another $65 for fenders and tires if I already have the equipment. Hanging up the bike for the winter is not an option by the way

mjw16

I ride my Cross Check year 'round-no problem.

pinkrobe

Ride the JTS. The bike is designed to be a balanced handler in mud, sand, wet grass - a little snow and ice should be no problem. With studded tires, it will feel like you're on dry pavement.

Jarery

I ride my JTS all winter, but we dont get snow

CBBaron

I ride a fixie touring bike year round. Studded tires are on it during the winter. With studded tires its quite stable with light snow on the roads. Once the snow starts getting > 4" (10 cm) on the roads it can get pretty dicey. Fresh snow is no problem but rutted snow or car snot can be a real challenge. In Cleveland we get plenty of snow (> 100" last year) but the road crews do a good job of keeping the roads clear so it is seldom a problem. If you are already riding studded cross tires I doubt you will see much difference in snow handling. The biggest concern I would have is destroying expensive new components with the winter salt.
Craig

Brigadier

Fortunately, either due to the mild winter or the fact Madison sits between two lakes, they have kept salt usage to a minimum. They are actually pretty good about getting the roads clear so as long as cars don't drive on it so much they create ice slicks, it is usually down the pavement. Better yet, they also plow the bike paths

amward

I bought a Kona Jake at the end of January to use primarily for commuting, and some occasional paved/unpaved trail riding. I am keeping my older mountain bike around, and planning to equip it for riding in the worst of the winter (some studded tires, dump the FD, ...).

I've only had the Jake out since I got it though (including a day when they closed the schools due to weather). I'm even quite happy with the stock tires on the Jake for the snow, although I've not had it on anything super icy yet.

CBBaron

You've got it pretty lucky. Here they put down salt heavy enough you can shovel it, OK not quite that bad, but the roads are all white. Due to the proximatity of Lake Erie we gets lots of small snow falls (in addition to some real heavy ones) so they use salt often. Plus with one of the largest salt mines in the midwest right in Cleveland salt is cheap.
Craig

DogBoy

I have a JTS that I ride in the winter but I confess to using an upright hybrid for icy days. I have the hybrid set-up with the studs. I did ride the JTS with studs for a while but didn't like the pannier setup when its wet/cold. Dry and cold I still use it, but wet/cold I use the hybrid for the ease of the milk-crate.

I wish that the east side of Madison was light on salt...the roads I ride to work are white....and not from snow. I also enjoy the nice salty taste I get in my mouth when cars pass me and blow up the salt-dust.

BradC

How do you like the JTS vs. the Larkspur? I know they are two different animals, but when getting my only bike this year I almost bought the Marin but found a great deal on the Jake...just curious on my desicion.

GGDub

I've been using one now for three winters. I'm on 700x30c hutchison knobbies (so I can fit fenders) and it works great. I commute down a steep trail that is currently covered in about 20cm of variably packed snow and I have zero problems (although by the bottom my arms are screaming for a break). Drop bars are actually really good in slick/choppy conditions. Its really easy to keep the bike straight when you're on the hoods.

Brigadier

I can't say much about the Jake yet because I haven't had time to really try it out, but the Larkspur has been great for the past year and a half. Performancewise, it was among the fastest hybrids. I still wouldn't take it out on group rides unless seeing people dust me was on the agenda.

For its price, it is definitely a great deal. I picked up mine for $300 two summers ago and have put about 3300 miles on it since then. As for the Kona - I'll let you know after a week of riding.

CastIron

Given the amount of drive train wear and tear from this winter, I'll be keeping my new 'cross bike as a fair weather commuter. The hardtail is going to need a serious overhaul. I can only imagine the destruction on Veloce 10 speed I would've suffered. Moral of the story: If you commute year round and can run two rigs: DO.