It hasn't been that bad around Chicago the last few weeks, not since the weird weather around Christmas. It is just so difficult to motivate to clean the chain when it is cold out. In warmer months, I use a citrus degreaser followed by re-lubrication fairly frequently. I am not going to use any water based cleaners this time of year. I suppose I could just try to wipe and clean with oil during the winter?
Lately its been in the 20's farenheight for my commutes. A cheapo Giant with disc brakes and front (no lock out) suspension at the LBS is $480. The Specialized with disc brakes and a lock out front suspension is around $900. I am tempted to go cheap for the winter bike because of the abuse it will take. But life is too short to ride crappy bikes?
I might try to (pun intended) slide through the rest of this winter with my rim brake schwinn, and get the disc brake bike next fall.