Now with the price of gas spiraling up and my love of riding also spiraling up, I am wondering if I should subject my newish Trek 1500 WSD to the wet Seattle weather, or if I should get a "beater".

The majority is the commute is on a paved trail. So mud shouldn't be too much of an issue.

My concerns are premature rusting and possible brake failures. I don't see myself on a comfort as I love to hunker over the tube on straights.

Thanks in advance.

Carole