My Breezer finally arrived, so I can show pictures! Hooray!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9209903...7594186894365/

There are also a couple of shots of my two old Schwinns, which a friend is helping me get back into shape.

I've been reading about winter commuting, and I hear a lot about having a "Winter Beater." I live in Alaska, so the winters are pretty rough, but I'd like to use my bike as far into the year as I can, all year if I can. (Up until now, my only available transportation has been my own two feet and any friends I can beg rides off of occasionally. So a bike is a big step up. ) But my lovely Breezer was a) very expensive, and b) a gift from my dad, so if winter commuting on it is likely to ruin it, I'd a lot rather fix up a beater. Opinions?

I was thinking maybe I could make that green Schwinn in the pictures into a winter beater. Opinions on that, too?

Anyway, hello to all. I've been reading for a couple of months, but I've been holding off on posting at all until I got my bike.