Been riding my snow bike - old Klein with studded Nokians, gears, etc - all the last week because studded tires won't fit on the IRO and I feel the need to coast when the going gets sketchy. So far haven't had the brakes freeze but my drivetrain is getting mucked with snow and slush. Yesterday conditions were so bad on the hill going up to work that I took the sidewalk because it was better plowed. I looked over on the other side of the street and saw a bike messenger on fixed-gear going down the sidewalk on the other side. Looked like he was having a hard time of it as he was taking it slow on his way down.

I have a lot of bike choices when it comes to riding and fixed or freewheel and tire choice is the most important to me. Snow isn't the issue around here, it's ice and built-up slush that have caused my crashes. Without some kind of grip from the tires your braking choice is irrelevant, you are going to either skid or crash when you can least afford it.

I used to live in Boston and commuting year-round here in Boulder is a lot easier.