Originally Posted by dkrajisnik

1. Are derailers and an exposed chain really THAT bad in the rain? Bad enough to get a potentially less suitable or more expensive bike just for that reason? Is it just a matter of applying a little bit of lube or is it like some people say - the whole system will rust out in a matter of hours. In San Diego we don't get that much rain compared to other places, no snow and the roads are never covered with salt or anything like that. But it does rain sometimes and I would commute then as well.