does such a thing exist? I'm looking for < $500 US with clearance/frame mounts for fenders, studded tires (26x2+ or 700-38+) and fenders and a rack mount. Gearing isn't that crucial since there are few hills. I only plan to ride this as an ice-bike on roads that are semi-cleared. I've started looking but all I find are $700 bikes (CD Bad boy etc.) or kids bikes. Where did all the cheap adult bikes go? (they all seem to have a fork suspension, which I hate.

Giant Cypress SX (below) last years model should be $500 or less. Seems like Perf had them for $449. Specialized Cirrus models go below $500. Raliegh, Kona, Trek 7X00 series, Jamis Coda, (Felt too I think) all have bikes that will work. I wouldn't call them trash though. They're great for what you want to do, and usually have pretty good components on them due to the savings of not having to add an expensive front shock fork.

I've put 1000 miles on my Giant and it's as if I just bought it.

I guess "cheap" is a relative term. My $540 (Canadian) Marin Larkspur is the priciest bike I've ever purchased. I'm pretty happy with it. I bought it with the intention of commuting 3 seasons on paved roads and bike paths. I wanted something more upright/durable than a road bike but lighter/faster than a heavy mountain bike. It seems to be a pretty good compromise. I have since decided to try to make it through the winter as well.

The bike came with 700x35 road slick tires (I currently have Innova studded tires on it I think they are 38s). I installed full Planet Bike Freddy Fenders as well with no clearance problems. I also mounted a rear rack. The bike as eyelets for front racks as well.

It's an aluminum frame, chromoly rigid fork setup (I also didn't want suspension due to weight, limited budget etc.)

Another bike that I didn't see till after I bought mine but would have checked out (similar price) is the Trek 7300fx (another hybrid).

If you are going th thrash it on ice anyway why not get a used bike and convert it to SS/fixed?
$ free $

I guess I should have qualified "cheap." The last 2 bikes I've purchased were a 2k road racing bike and a 1700 tri-specific bike. 500 is "cheap" relative to that. I've also don't intend to literally trash the bike, but I'm not looking for expensive component groups either. I will definately check out that Giant. I don't know where I'd find a Marin. I'd look at a ss bike also since my commute is flat, but think I'd want a fixed rather than coaster. Anyway, thanks for the suggestions. At least now I have a place to begin.

There are many, but most have front suspension. If you are going to make an ice bike and ride it on frozen ice you will be a lot more comfortable with suspension if the ice is bumpy and frozen hard. It can be much bumpier than off road riding.

Is there something about front suspension you don't like? I use my 1994 ( Was $429 ) Giant Yukon with front suspension for the ice. If you don't mind front suspension there are a lot of bikes in this range. Lots of them, Most factory production bike brands have a few.

Since this will be an on-road during bad conditions bike, I didn't think the suspension was needed. I had a bike with a suspension fork and hated it on-road. Climbing was a P.I.T.A. since everything went to the shock. I would say weight, but by the time I add studded tires, a rack, 30 lbs of junk and 3 lbs of lights weight savings is pretty pointless. Anyway, I had a bad experience with suspension so I don't want another suspended bike.

You should be able to get a 2004 model for @ $300: Kona Smoke:

https://www.konaworld.com/shopping_ca...5&parentid=182

Fisher has the Zebrano at $419 which looks like a solid bike.
https://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/bik...t&bike=Zebrano

Here's a Marin Muirwoods that looks pretty good at 399:
https://willybikes.com/site/itemdetai...g=1&sort=Price

If you find the right bike shop, They might swap a solid fork for your front suspension. If they have a potential customer for the fork,it might even be a savings. Maybe...

Go used. You'll get a better bike that you won't be so protective of, and you'll have more fun and less worry.

I'm not a fan of suspension for non-rad riding. It's difficult to find mtn. bikes without suspension these days. Another reason to get a slightly older bike--there used to be more choice in normal-forked bikes.

Not really, most 'core' frame makers don't build up bikes.
We're talkin BIKES not 'packages'.
Put whatever fork you want on.

2 extremes..(both steel) mtb.

I got something close to the Ritch. Just need the freerider. https://www.243racing.com/page155.htm

I'm not so hot on non-suspension Alu mtb.

Oh ya cheap...Alu, maybe an older Kona mtb. Put on a suspension seat.

Yeah, go used. I'm building a winter bike out of my OLD Huffy Rock Mountain (or whatever it was called). Needs a new crank, as the left pedal arm is broken off (cheap Huffy carp), but nashbar has a new truvativ crank on sale for $35 and some new platforms for $13. I don't really care what happens to it, as it has been unusable for the last 4 or 5 years anyway. But yeah, get a used bike so when you crash on the ice and the frame bends around a park bench, you won't be out hundreds of dollars.

I'm all for the no suspension idea. Unless someone can make a cheap $150 suspension bike with a lockout, I'll keep riding this Huffy beater in the winter until the frame breaks

I think used as well. An old road bike turned into a singlespeed/fixed (I like fixed on the road) will have plenty of fat tire and fender clearence, and with one gear there's very little that can break or need adjustment.