I bought a Specialized Sirrus Alloy Disc for $560 3 years ago. Since then I have added a rear rack, panniers, and fenders. I do my own preventative maintenance. And apart from flats (mostly glass, one screw) the bike has never impeded my year-round daily commute. My commute is hilly and wet, but very rarely below freezing. I've had one heart-racing morning on an icy hill, but I feel that any cycle is uncontrollable on ice; much safer to just walk the bike, but I was anxious to be at work on time.