Maybe a Surly Pugsley would be the bike for you. They do come in a variety of configurations. It doesn't snow enough consistantly here in TN for me to invest in one, but if I still lived in Chicago...

That being said I have a Univega 3x7 mtb picked up @ a thriftstore for 10.00 that's been converted into a bad-weather winter commuter. I'll need the gearage as there are a couple of 18%ers on my homeward leg.

Michigan/Chicago would be ideal for a ss/fg fatty bike like a Pugsley. Nokias and a Pugsley. Bad*** combination.

Opps, didn't notice you lived in Maine. A little more hilly terrain, but still ideal weather potential for the Nokia/Pugsley combo.