Mountain Bike as an approach tool?

I thought I'd throw this post out there to see if anyone has experience with using a mountain bike for ski approaches.

Skiing the last few spring/summer seasons, I've noticed that there are a lot of times when car access is uncertain to an area, either because of a gated road closure or snow banks that linger on roads, necessitating long approach hikes through the bare-to-snow zone. It seems like a mountain bike could come in handy in many of these situations, in order to move one and their ski gear in more easily than on foot. I'm wondering how efficient it would be in practice, though.

So, does anyone do this regularly? If so, what's the best type of bike - a lightweight rigid one or one with suspension? Is it possible to pick out one for relatively low $$$ that performs well on both gravel/rock road surfaces and the snow? Can you get over the snow okay with a low tire pressure, or maybe install studs, or is this more trouble than its worth?

Thanks!

So, does anyone do this regularly?  If so, what's the best type of bike - a lightweight rigid one or one with suspension?  Is it possible to pick out one for relatively low $$$ that performs well on both gravel/rock road surfaces and the snow?  Can you get over the snow okay with a low tire pressure, or maybe install studs, or is this more trouble than its worth?

Lots of people have used mountain bikes this way. Since you're riding on a road, pretty much any old bike will do. I've never tried to pedal on snow. I think it would be a waste of energy, most of the time. Either push the bike (if it's just a small snow patch) or leave the bike and ski (if the snow is continuous).

I have used bikes to complete loop tours along the North Cascades highway. I had a bike stolen this way. Sad but true. I stashed the bike in the woods next to the road--not at a trailhead--and somebody found it and took it. I have no idea what made them look there. I carry a long cable and lock for this sort of thing now.

Thanks - that makes sense. I guess it shouldn't be surprising that others have already thought of this - bc skiers seem to be a resourceful lot. I can sympathize with having a bike stolen, but probably the last place you'd expect it to happen!

I agree, any bike would do the trick for the kinds of roads that one would typically want to access...even a road bike if the gearing was reasonable. If the snow was very firm, then you could use studded tires to make good time over that surface, but most of the time the snow on the roads that are not yet open in the spring tends to be soft and unridable. Growing up mountain biking in New England, I used to have a blast ripping over the frozen snow on the local trails, but if it was soft, it was unridable once over a few inches. I have had numerous bike portages over soft snow patches this summer trying to mountain bike on high trails.

I always wanted to do that, and this past May, in the Sierra, I finally did:
www.tetongravity.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1835828&postcount=4

The two ironies were . . .
1. We should have used bikes the previous day:
www.tetongravity.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1835825&postcount=3
. . . but didn't think it through sufficiently before hand, although then again, some Google Earth research also would have revealed an alternative road that would have positioned us much better.

2. We brought bikes along with us not intending to use them for the approach, but rather because my brother has gotten way into biking b/c of his rehab from a knee injury last year, and insisted that biking would be fun *after* skiing each day back in town.

Anyway, we were on a mix of good dirt road and generally good hiking trails. I borrowed my brother's old hardtail mountain bike, and he was on a Trek Portland, which is kind of urban-oriented cyclocross bike and pretty much perfect for a ski-approach bike.
Also important is how to carry your gear. If you anticipate any tight trees on the trail sides, bring a pack large enough to stow your ski boots inside (unless somehow comes out with a Dynafit-compatible bike pedal?), then lash your skis A-frame.
Alternatively, packs carry way worse when biking, so consider a trailer, paniers, or just lashing the skis to the bike. Trying this out beforehand is highly recommende!

Yes bikes for access are great and especially with trailers.
I bought my trailer at a  thrift store for $10. I still use it to haul my  nieces and nephews, It's original intended purpose. We do have problems with roads being clear behind closed gates. Ive also used them for vehicle recovery when skiing out at a point different than the tour entry. Sorry No dynafit pedals yet . MAybe some shimano cleats scewed on to underside of scarpas? www.turns-all-year.com/skiing_snowboardi...dex.php?topic=4693.0
MAy 10 2006  Foss peak tatoosh trip