How would you guys rate the cross check as a winter training bike for purely the road? Im after a bike which will accept mudguards, hence my considering cross bikes.
a plus, just throw some slicks on there. the chainstays are short enough that you might have to carefully position your panniers to avoid heel strike, but it shouldn't be a major issue.
you can get racks that sit further back on the bike as well as bags that have cutouts for your heel if necessary. but in my experience it hasnt come to that.