Originally Posted by MichaelW
Al rim wheels are so cheap, there is no excuse for riding steel. My old mid-range sports bike had steel, I still ride it occasionally but its nowhere near as safe. Even really low-end junk MTB come with Al rims.
Yep, very likely true
This bike is one I came across for next-to-free ($5 at a stoop sale) but I think I may give it away and replace it with something slightly more modern (but still disposable) for the winter... I just can't justify exposing my "good" bike to the elements all winter!
Anyway, thanks everyone for your help! I'm still new enough at this to have very little experience in bad weather... thanks for setting me straight!