I've been riding year round in Ithaca for the past 3 years. I like the set up I've been using which is an Aluminum MTB with V-brakes and studded tires. It does take a beating though. I swap out all cables and brake pads in the spring and put on a new chain. I've needed other parts, but probably not much more often than due to routine wear. To keep my bike as gunk free as I can, I fill a pump action 2 gal garden sprayer with warm water and wash off the salt and sand regularly. To keep warm and dry, I use gore tex pants, ski goggles, platform pedals and Sorrel boots, fenders a face mask and something I got from a ski mobile shop - I don't know what they are called, but they velcro over my handlebars and I can fit a gloved hand into them and they keep my hands warm even in frigid temps. They're great. I'm sure I look goofy (they're day glow orange), but at least I can ride year round!

You may see me on the streets of Cayuga Hts!