For me, I’ll be using my 90s steel MTB.
I’ve already coated the inside of the frame with anti rust, got a rust resistant chain, and have studded tires at the ready. The studded tires will only go on if there’s persistent icy conditions.
Packed marine grease into my hubs, bb ends, and headset bearings.
On my todo list, I’ll be installing pogies/bar mitts, which have proven to be way better than any glove solution I tried last winter.
I also want to buy/make a mudflap to expend the front fender. This should prevent a considerable amount of grit, salt, melted snow from reaching my shoes, chain, crankset, etc.
As soon as salt goes down, my bike will get more cleaning around critical parts, and a frame wipe down after every ride.
I do have a winter cycling jacket and fleecy cycling pants, but feeling the cold on my body was never an issue last winter. A fleecy buff and helmet liner that gets over my ears are a must, and i may invest in a few extra pairs.
I ride a Breezer Uptown 8, which has fenders, a full chain case, and a Shimano Nexus 8 hub. For winter riding, I put on winter tires. That’s about all the preparation it takes. I’ve had an Uptown for about 6 years, and had to lubricate the chain approximately 4-5 times.
I used to ride a bike with the usual derailleur-based 21 gears, but never again! Changing the rear tire is a pain and a half due to the chain case, but it’s a twice a year thing, compared to cleaning and lubing and exposed chain every few days, and then replacing the chain, cassette and rings every year or two anyway.
Why aren’t chain cases a thing in the U.S.?
Because they are seen as feminine and weak. Machismo requires shunning fenders and chain cases - serious riders can’t afford the weight and are too strong and powerful to be concerned with water, muck, and bike component longevity!
I’m being kind of sarcastic, but really that’s what it boils down to. Sort of the same reason you don’t see station wagons anymore, but truck cabs have expanded to the point that truck beds are minuscule and are pretty much decorative and can’t carry anything. Real Men don’t drive station wagons or minivans, that’s emasculating!
It’s been interesting watching the swing in attitude from ebikes being seen as only for wimps, to now they are powerful tools to assert dominance on the bike path. I would imagine we will see a similar swing with some of the old-school bike tech. (Ryan van Duzer is making internal hubs cool again, at least to a subset of adventure riders. Or people who want to be perceived as adventure riders…)