i think having a winter wheelset is a better value than a winter bike. for me at least my winter setup isn't much different from my rainy setup, which is the same as my sunny setup, which is the same as my farmer's market setup. the only difference is that i run studded tires when there's a chance for ice or snow. studded tires are miserable to ride if you know you don't need them, but it's annoying having to change them when you get a nice day in the early spring followed by a snow storm, then another nice day. [/firstwordproblems]

using the "winter bike" excuse to justify adding another bike to the stable is entirely acceptable however.