Winter bike for the Arctic

[Tigerbiten]

I'd just check the journals at "Crazy Guy On A Bike".
There must be a record of winter trips on there.
Find some and see what type of bike is used on each trip.
You'll soon find what works that way.

Luck ........

 

[snorri]

It seems odd to ask for advice on buying a bike for use in adverse winter conditions on a UK based website, a country in which many inhabitants approach near hysteria at the sight of a frosted lawn on a chilly morning.

 

[DCLane]

I would go for an 80's mtb ie no suspension

I'd echo this or a 700c hybrid. It'll last two years; your wheels will probably give out first. Cantilever or disc brakes (not hydraulic due to their freezing point).

In terms of tyres Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro or Continental Nordic Spike - both have 240 spike options. Be aware that these'll be slower and heaving, but give you lots of traction. There's less 'spike' options available which provide a smoother ride but less traction in ice.

Alternatively, have a read of this; The Cyclist Who Went Out in the Cold by Tim Moore - he rode through Finland over compacted snow and ice on a 20" wheeled shopping bike. Or maybe not as his comments about riding over ice aren't publishable on here. Basically he went N to S when S to N would have been more sensible.

 

[flake99please]

I would go with a fat bike. Highly unlikely that you would need studded tyres with you have 100mm+ of contact area.

 

[Spiderweb]

Some of the budget offerings from PlanetX look great value at £699 and £899 & may fit your requirements;

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBOOBZ650SX/on-one-bootzipper-650b-sram-sx-mountain-bike

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXJFSX/planet-x-jack-flash-29er-sram-sx-mountain-bike

 

[Stephenite]

Rather than shelling out on something new have you looked on finn.no?

 

[Stephenite]

This looks ok. Found on finn.no. Seems well looked after.

https://www.finn.no/193053503

 

[Stephenite]

How far is your commute?