danielgaz

New to the winter game, but have been commuting spring to fall for the past two years on a singlespeed bike. Found a decent used MTB on CL, but wanted to see what those that have gone before me think:



Looks like there will be room for a rear fender and snow tires, with the possibility of a downtube fender as a result of the front shocks.

Is this a good one to pursue? I am getting a good price, but have no idea about these bikes, other than Sears sells them now, but didn't when this one came out in 2001 or so.

hairytoes

Looks a decent enough bike. Can't see why it wouldn't be fine.

fasthair

Looks OK to me. I don't know brands but it doesn't look all beat up to me. Main thing is to make sure it fits you and that it's not a piece of junk. If there is a way at all I would figure out a way to mount a front fender. I rode my first commute in the snow this morning. It was a wet heavy snow that made for a good work out but with out the fenders to help keep me dry it would have been a much worse. I had to get creative with my mounting my front fender because it wasn't designed for them either. Highly recommend the studded snow tires too.

Have fun!

fasthair

danielgaz

Thanks. Hopefully I can get it shipped...otherwise it's a 2+ hour drive both ways. @fasthair, what kind of shoes do you use? I have some SPD MTB pedals, and don't have winter cycling shoes. Any suggestions?

fasthair

I have a pair of Shimano MW81 that my LBS recommended and I couldn't be happier with them. My feet and hands have always been a weakness with me and cold. These shoes keep my feet nice and warm, almost hot at times, and dry. Get them in a size or two bigger than you normally wear so you can layer socks as you need as the temps require. If I get too hot I just reach down and open the ankle covers up. As far as the rest of my outfit just read the stickies and you will get ideas of what you need. I "think" I've got a good handle on it now. I will say you don't need to buy cyclist specific clothes per-say. Clothing that works for running in the cold weather works real well for bicycling too. The trick is layers of the right kind and right amount. It's kind of trail and error until you find what works for you. I went to Target and bought their Champion brand which works great and priced very reasonable.

fasthair

Edit: Good luck finding a good price on those shoes. I've looked around the 'net a little and there really just aren't any deals. I paid full boat retail from my LBS and really haven't seen them any cheaper on the 'net. Support the local independent guy.

Arrowana

Looks decent, I've heard a few good things about older Iron Horse bikes, and looks like it has Shimano STX for the components, which is what came on my GT. It should work as well as any other derailleur bike in the winter.

electrik

You can use zip ties to attach the front fender to the suspension fork. In particular purchase the zip ties which have an eyelet on the fastening end. IF you can find rubberized p-clamps in the proper diameter those will also work.

Downtube fnder = you still dirty.

danielgaz

The bike was given away before I had a chance to buy it. Argh!