Riding in the snow

[velo]

I've been trying to get out when temps are warmer, but we have a lot of snow and ice. I've been out with my cross bike and it seems to do the job in snowy conditions. I am reluctant to take it out when conditions are icy, though. It's kept me indoors more than I'd like this winter.

I have read a lot here about people who talk about their "fat" bikes. To me, a fat bike is something like the Surly Pugsley? I'm not willing to add this to the stable because it's a freak snowy/icy winter. After this year, we may get a decade of very little snow coming up where I'd never have reason to ride this bike. In fact, it's been years since I've ridden in conditions such that we have now. Just wondering if, when people are talking about riding their "fat" bikes, they actually have a fat bike or if they are just riding mountain bikes and it's a misnomer. A mountain bike... THAT, I have. Is it enough for the icy conditions or do I really need an actual FAT bike. Too old to break any bones and this winter is just.not.ending.