What fixed fork MTB / hybrid / commute to buy?

Spikedhope

I'm looking for advice on what MTB / hybrid / commuter bike to buy.
I live in Sweden and I currently use an old Gary Fisher Utopia bike for my winter training. But, the bike is a little long in the tooth and I fancy something new. But, as I only ride on the road, suspension is of no use to me. I also want to sick with 26" wheels not 700c.
I've looked at Kona Dew and Scott Sub 20...but would like to hear from other BR readers whats good and bad.
Plus, disc brakes....never used them...but, they could be good in the winter when I ride in the snow and ice. Hydraulic or not hydraulic?

bomberesque

I would suggest a 26" touring or Audax bike. Surly LongHaul Trucker or similar

I use a Cotic Road rat for commuting and touring (actually taking it to Sweden next week!) I run mine with 700c wheels, but it is designed to be run with 26" ones if you want. I have discs on it and they're great, especially when the conditions get bad. I've got Avid BB7 cable discs on and they are the nuts, plus you can run them from drop bar brake levers, something there's no current solution for with Hydros; either get "linear, V pull" levers and use them with normal BB7s or standard canti/caliper pull levers and get BB7Rs which are built to be compatible with the shorter pull of normal drop levers. Plus cable pulls are easier to maintain than hydros (not that hydros are difficult, just you need some special kit to bleed them)

ride_whenever

I disagree with bomber... (sorry)

hydros are far easier to maintain than cables, and a hell of a lot better. FYI spiked, they work brilliantly in the snow, in fact they work as well in the snow as in the dry or the wet, but you have less tyre grip!!!! Although you don't get the cool shower of ice you can get with wet, iced rim brakes!!!!

I'd build up a flat bar urban mtb then stick studded tyres on for the snow.

ride_whenever

also carbon fibre mtb rigids.

Spikedhope

Hummmm....I like the look of the Cotic Roadrat, shame they don't offer it as a complete package...with gears!

Captain Turok

Thumbs up for the Scott SUB here. I used to have the 26" wheeled 20 and loved it!

Few extra bits and it went down to 20lb, with a pair of 26"x1" tyres at 100psi it used to feel quick. I was also able to fit 1.95 off road tyres and it felt very capable!