I've ridden a tank-like SS roadie as my daily commuter for two winters now. I run 40:16 on 700x28 tires with full fenders, lights, dual-pivot sidepull brakes, drop bars and flat pedals. For the relatively flat Portland eastside the gearing is just fine at about 67 inches. The drops help cope with headwinds and the stout 32-spoke wheels allow some degree of urban assault riding. It's been pretty reliable and tough (too many bar-hopping crashes to remember) and maintenance consists of throwing some oil on the chain once in a while. Last spring I replaced the freewheel, chain and brake pads and it was ready for another year. I expect to ride the machine daily until it disintegrates under me or gets destroyed in a crash.

I'd love to have a featherweight SS roadie for riding in drier weather, but that's a whole nother project.