Originally Posted by
PdalPowr
Right now I have an inexpensive Norco hybrid but am going to upgrade.
I prefer to buy or build a winter bike I won't mind banging up a little.
I know me,when it gets too cold I won't be so patient when
locking up or maintaining a bike. My Norco seems to get dinged very easily.
I will get a used mountain bike or a fatty and go from there.
I find that many winter days are fine for riding on any kind of bike. For example, the last couple weeks have been below 10F degrees, but when it's that cold there's obviously no rain and not even much snow. As long as I'm dressed warmly, cycling is a joy--no more wear and tear on the bike than there would be on a sunny day in June. You really only need a special bike for winter if you want to (or have to) ride on even the sloppy days.