qcpmsame 

I've been reading Cycling Plus, a UK bicycling magazine. In almost every advertisement for a bicycle shop there are "Winter Models" listed. With their high amount of rainfall, pretty much daily, it seems (step in here Stapfam.) they have at least the eyelets on the drops, for fenders and usually a 25 or 28 width tire. Lower level components (to some, to me they are everyday) that you don't have to stress about getting gritty or muddy, and rudimentary fenders.

For all the dreaming about an ultra bicycle as N+1, this type of bicycle makes more sense for my needs. I am used to and love aluminum frames, they won't rust, just a light oxidation layer if the paint is scraped off. I am seriously thinking about finding a nice aluminum frame that will take 28 width tires, has fender eyelets and in fair shape. Add a Sora or Tiagra level grouppo, some 32h wheels and a pair of Blummels fenders with appropriate front and rear lighting and I am good to go in the wet.

Bill