Well, I learned a lot from the Go in Snow thread, and after another family meeting, we have decided next fall I should build a Steamroller dedicated to the worst snow and ice days.
I have complete faith in my ability to commute on a Steamroller with a 72" gear and mega-studded Nokians.
I think I could pull tow trucks out of ditches with a Steamroller.

I have a budget, and I've decided on most of the components except the crankset and the wheels.
I know I have six months to figure this out, but those who know me also know I take a long time thinking these things through.

For the crankset, the Sugino 75 crank with a 48 tooth Sugino chain ring seems like an obvious choice.
I'd just like to hear any other opinions, especially regarding chain rings.
Businesscycles strongly recommends the Blackspire chain rings, and they cost less.
I mean, they all look round and they have the same number of pointy things on them.
Does how much they cost really make a difference in performance, like in roundness or lightness or strength?

Regarding the wheels, Quality Bike Parts makes a reasonable wheelset with Surly hubs for about $300.
However, the thought of building my own wheels appeals to me.
Could I build as good a wheel and save myself some money, or, would I hate myself half way through it and regret not letting the pros do it for me?

Finally, what minimum set of bike-specific tools would I need to assemble my Steamroller from parts?
I have a fairly complete set of regular tools.

I probably should have made this three threads instead of one.

wait.. do you really have family meetings to discuss your next winter surly? or.. is it more like you're blabbing about bikes at the dinner table.. and words of encouragement like "sounds great dad.." are heard only 'cause they have no idea what youre talking about..

i for one remember the pista ordeal.. i love youre posts.. but i dont know if i can take a 6 month steamroller ordeal..

youre a tech guy.. in the helicopter world.. doesnt it sometimes come up when some dudes comparing something and you think.. "dude.. it really doesnt matter that much.." well.. thats the answer on the chainring.. and the wheels.. you can build.. anybody can build a wheel.. sadly.. theres people who dont even ride bikes building wheels in taiwan.. but once youre done.. you'll want it trued by a pro.. if you build and tru your wheels. then youre a champ.. but they might be kinda wobbly.. but building a wheel is like buildinng a computer.. as long as you have all the right parts.. they just snap together...

You may want to consider the Crosscheck over the Steamroller since it has rack braze ons. Handy for commuting and hauling and completely fixable with the horizontal dropouts. I wouldn't look at the Pista as suggested above because of the minimal tire clearence.

Regarding the rings, Blackspire will be fine but I use the ultra low-budget universal ring from danscomp.com and they last a long time and only run $15. Or a stainless Surly if you can get one.

As far as wheels go, I like to build my own, but the Quality wheels are built in-house and they do a good job so if you aren't confident in taking on the job yourself it's a fine option.

Special tools: only one I can think of is one to install the headset. This can be made from a large deck bolt, washers and nuts. Or, take it to a shop and have the head tube face and the BB threads chased and pay them a few bucks to install it. You'll also need a bottom bracket tool if you don't have one.

Build your own wheels... and from the sounds of things, start NOW!

You might also want to check out an IRO Rob Roy, they look to be pretty stout bikes and it looks like the whole thing(with components and wheelset from IRO, which are all sealed bearing) would run you ~ $600. Rack and fender mounts, clearance for 35c tires, 32c with fenders, heat treated tubing, and that great IRO customer service and warranty.

https://www.irocycle.com/fixedgearand...inc/id111.html