Winter biking in city

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I've got two bikes and was wondering which one would be better for cycling in the winter. Last winter i had my old heavy mountain bike and it worked fine. Being in Toronto, we get small amounts of snow and i travel on busy streets where the pavement is usually ice free. I had purchased a much lighter aluminum frame mountain bike this summer and was wondering which bike would be better suited to the winter road conditions.
-jason

Originally posted by jenricae
I've got two bikes and was wondering which one would be better for cycling in the winter. Last winter i had my old heavy mountain bike and it worked fine. Being in Toronto, we get small amounts of snow and i travel on busy streets where the pavement is usually ice free. I had purchased a much lighter aluminum frame mountain bike this summer and was wondering which bike would be better suited to the winter road conditions.
-jason

I don't think that the weight of the bicycle makes that much difference. Effective braking and general traciton, that is based on tires and riding techniques, makes the most difference.
I find that avoiding or preparing for icy patches is very important.
David Ornee, Western Springs, IL (near Chicago)

The one you're more comfortable riding on. :)

I don't think the type of bike matters... but technique sure does.

I just had my bike go out from under me on frost... so BEWARE ... it's just as slippery as ice or snow.

I agree with whats already been said...

But use the old mountain bike.

You said it was comfortable, it would have low enough gearing and can take nice wide and soft grippy tyres. put some nice big fenders/mudguards on it and save the nicer bike for summer use.

Old mountain bikes make great winter hacks..

Paul.

I'd stick with the mountain bike -- the bigger tires mean if you have to dodge the ice you can deal better with the pavement variables you might hit. I'd imagine some sizable potholes appear after a few of those storms.

I'd stick with the mountain bike -- the bigger tires mean if you have to dodge the ice you can deal better with the pavement variables you might hit. I'd imagine some sizable potholes appear after a few of those storms.