Goingmissing, You will need to measure the distance between the sidewall of the tires and the frame to find out how much clearance you have then pick a tire that will still give you clearance. For more information about studded tires than anybody wants to know look here: http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/studdedtires.asp
Peter White is a great source for studded tires and higher end lighting systems, but his ordering system is unique.

Yea, I know what I will need to do, I just can't get that measurement until I get the bike, unless I'm missing something on the geometry here: http://www.motobecane.com/cross/fcxp.html#geo

Don't disregard reflective clothing, I have a descente cycling jacket with reflective fabric on the back and arms, and it is highly visible pretty much always. If you have any specific questions feel free to PM me, I'd be happy to help

Don't get me wrong, I am not disregarding the reflective clothing. It's just when it comes down to it, I am not trusting it. Which just means I'm making sure I have ample lighting as well.

fair enough

Yes, I know about sheldon's advice. I also know that he was writing for the benefit of those who thought that because they had a rear reflector, they didn't need lights. Dumb. But a hi-vis vest - I'm glad you're planning to get one - is visible from many angles and from big distances, and of course you should have lights as well. If you saw me approaching in the dark - or at dawn and dusk - you'd think you were being chased down by a freaking Christmas tree.

And I wasn't trying to persuade you not to wear a helmet. I don't wear one myself, but the arguments are pretty finely balanced and it is up to you. My main point was that it is cars and trucks that kill cyclists, and making sure they can see you is the most important thing of all.

My experience is that if you have good ankle bands and a good vest that it is extremely visible, even more than a good light So don't disregard this aspect.

do you have an option to combine cycling with public transportation? that's probably what I would do for such a long distance. that's a really long commute, and that's going to take up a lot of your time, which is a valuable resource when you are in college....

Hi c3hamby,

I can take public transit, but it doesn't go directly there, and I end up having a 3 hour bus ride. I'd much rather the 1:20 - 2hr bike ride.

And I don't think it takes up a lot of my time. Let's say it takes 2 hours each way. Well it will be early morning, time I would just be sleeping anyways, and after dinner. Most of my work is done during the day at school, and I use the time at night to relax. I think a nice 35km ride would be relaxing. And I'm not having to spend any of my time at a gym etc.


The way I look at it, the question is what do I value more, money or time?

In my case, i could buy a vehicle, put up the $600/mo insurance, parking fees, gas, oil changes etc. And I would get there in about 40 minutes. And still be out of shape.

Or I could go the bicycle route, take twice as long, but save the money. Your actually the first I've talked to who thought it was really long, but you might just be hung up on time.