Thanks, The Columba certainly needs to go into the list of possibles. Although I would prefer non-slick tires.
How do you know it has slick tires? How do you know the other one has a 1" headset?
I think I would prefer no suspension for the reason you cite.
Based on your descriptions I think I still prefer the mountain bike style over a hybrid or cross.
Thanks for the tip on the tire liners. I'll check those out.
Is it correct that I can add some kind of mud or rain guard to just about any bike? I think that is another upgrade I would like to do.
I just saw an old ad for a used Montigue 26" 24 speed folder that looks like the paratrooper model but is colored for $275. I didn't think I could get one of those in the $200 range.