[arcosine]

I was commuting the last two winters. I had no problem with cables, except for ice freezing them and salt rusting them, they don't shrink in the cold. Riding in 32F rain is about the same chill as as 5F, except at 5F it's hard to breath and one has to keep the face covered. Putting on skin lotion before heading out is a must, it keeps the face much warmer. The coldest I have ridden the 5 miles to work is -7F. Yes the salt will destroy the chain in one season, daily oiling with thick chain saw bar oil helps. I tried wax but it didn't help . I am thinking of putting a guard to keep the front tire from splashing the chain. This year so far I have been soft and driving the sc1. I stopped riding in the snow also, just not enough room for bike and cars and I hate getting splashed with slush. I have 27x 1 3/8 knobby tires. It helps to keep the bike out in the cold.