I am already thinking about how to continue commuting to some degree in winter. I live in the northeast snow-belt where we typically get 100+ inches of snow per season and lots of salt is used on the roads. I have a steel frame touring bike that I bought new this past spring. I have been commuting ~4 days per week and my commute is 11.5 miles each way. I am trying to decide between:

(1) Buying a pair of Nokian studded tires for my current bike. I think that 700x35 studded tires will fit under my fenders. The cost of this will be ~$130.00.

(2) Buying an old mountain bike and getting 26" studded tires for it. Cost will be also ~$130.00 for tires plus cost of used bike, plus cost of fenders, plus cost of rack (unless I luck out and find a "commuterized" mountain bike)

There are two questions I have:

(1) Does anyone have experience with winter commuting on fat 26" tires versus skinnier 700c tires? Which is better?

(2) Will salt destroy my steel frame? Would an aluminum frame be a better winter commuter? I have spent around $1000 on setting my current bike up the way I like it and do not want it destroyed in one year.

Also, cost is a constraint. My ideal winter bike would have an internal gear hub, chain case, and disc brakes, but that just isn't going to happen. My spouse has become, shall we say, "sensitive" to my bike related purchases.