Originally Posted by
DataJunkie
You were using a dual suspension mtb.
Perhaps a rigid frame would work better.
Around here I rarely notice cross bikes in winter. They seem to mostly be MTB with or without studs when the weather gets bad.
I have a CF racing bike and an aluminum roadie fixie. I just do not see the need for a crossbike at the moment. A MTB seems a bit more versatile in winter.
Something like a Surly 1X1 frame with a lower gear and no shocks.
Denver is vastly different from NH. In New Hampshire and the rest of the Northeast cyclocross is a much bigger sport than it is here. Folks there are more likely to have 'cross bikes. In Denver the typical stable includes a road bike and mountain bike, so it would make sense to use the MTB for winter commuting and not buy an extra bike!
I think the question begs nit-picking. For most commutes the difference between a 'cross bike and a mountain bike in the winter is small. There are plenty of people, however, the virtually live on their bikes. It's an interesting selection of bikes they ride: commonly Surly LHTs and CCs, Kogswells, Trek 520s, Xtracycles, etc...
But, the rest of us, while we commute MOST days, still own a car (even if it's a beater that barely gets used) and we pedal what we've got, which tends to be either a roadie or an MTB.