I feel conflicted about this. I'd like to say I cherish my bike, but I do beat it up pretty badly. I give it good care and maintenance though, so I guess that counts.

Buying a winter beater is a philosophy that I've never understood. I bought my Surly Krampus last November, just in time to start using it during the winter months. The first thing I did was totally tear down the new bike and spray rust inhibitor on the inside of the frame. Winter weather (especially this last winter) does require more cleaning and replacement parts, but I would never want to settle for a beater when I can enjoy riding my favourite bike around.