I live in Iowa too and also have a hybrid for a winter bike. Have been doing it for the last 6 winters. It's definitely doable. I do use the bus system as a backup, but I still managed about 15 commuting days a month last year.

I would recommend that you use common sense though. Don't do anything you don't feel comfortable with... but build confidence.

As for components, I would tend towards simplicity and durability. I would prefer to ditch the FD since it seems to be a worse ice magnet than even the RD. Free up ice with WD-40.





http://dsmcommutercorner.wordpress.c...t-winter-snow/