Originally Posted by superslomo

This would be a new bike to get myself something nicer than what I currently have, not just to get another bike for comparatively practical purposes. The only practical element is that I'd have my current bike to put/keep fenders on, throw a rack onto it, and keep cross or studded tires on as needed, as it'll fit them. The new bike would be on the lighter side, if possible. I'm not taking a step backwards through history to go 3x8, maybe it's vanity or whatever, but it just seems like the direction I don't want to go in... I want to get the last best triple I can lay my hands on if I'm going to do this, otherwise I can just get a compact like everyone seems to tell me is so much more sensible.