Originally Posted by
Theycallmegio
I think the trickiest part is figuring out how to dress!
+1
I have been a year-round commuter for decades, but only a snow rider since buying studded snow tires three winters ago.
Get a cheap 26" MTB (no need for suspension, although some say it helps with icy ruts.) Get a pair of studded tires; I bought Suomi/Nokian W106's. Pay attention to the recommended inflation for Dry/Ice/snow.
All the advice about wicking layers, etc.
Learn to under-dress. If you can stand to be a little chilly for 10-15 minutes, you will be the right kind of warm for the rest of the ride without overheating.
I carry an extra layer jersey, and an extra layer of pants (only needed once), and an extra layer of gloves (thin gloves to go inside my winter gloves).
Winter and snow riding is easier than people think. You will learn how to dress for different temps and conditions, and you will learn where your limits are. Mine is 10F and 3 inches of new snow (over that, my commute takes too long).
You will feel a real sense of accomplishment and your mental health will be better.
Be sue to check out the Winter Biking Forum for tips, but remember they're not necessarily commuters.