I started a thread in the commuting forum but was told to come here. Anyways, I would like to start commuting this winter and was wondering what you guys think of this bike and if It's up to the task of MN winter cycling.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/g29ss.htm

I also have a old steel Schwinn road bike that I can build up but I'm not sure if rim brakes will be good for winter cycling. Any advices and tips will be much appreciated, thanks in advance!