Originally Posted by
jamimaria
So, finally the question...do you think that my Cannondale will make it through the winter and wait to buy the new bike? Should I say to hell with it and buy a new bike and ride it in the crappy conditions? Or should I buy a new bike, ride it on the nicer days and use my old, dying bike on the really crappy days?
What would you do or what do you currently do?
For you, one thing's clear (according to the shop)- your beater is on its last legs. So you're going to get a new bike, and if you keep commuting year-round, just making it through this winter isn't enough, because there will be another one next year.
You could probably be OK riding your nicer bike IF you clean it religiously. I'd wipe down the drive train after every wet ride and at least a few times a week, lube once a week, and probably a thorough clean every couple of weeks.
Alternatively, you could buy a $100 Craigslist beater once a year, transfer all of your commuting goodies (rack, fenders, lights, etc) to it, treat it like crap, and ride it till it dies.