I liked this bike because of the lock out feature on the rear shock and the front fork, for a winter commuter shocks are not really great, in my experience. I live in Edmonton and it gets pretty cold, my ride this morning was around -15 Celsius (5 fahrenheit) and the ride home was about -10 Celsius (14 fahrenheit), sadly that is a warm day lately. I am guessing Chicago weather is harder on a bike, I think you guys have more slush and salt than we do. In a warmer area I would have a front shock, just because I am used to it. I haven't been on a road bike in 20 years (I think I was 15) so I am biased towards a mountain bike.
My Trek's drivetrain looks quite abused, I don't know how much you can avoid wear and tear.
You are nuts for wanting to ride your bike in the snow, even if you don't spend the money. In a good way of course.