As Spring in UK struggles I'm starting to think about getting a winter bike - ideas?

[Cyclingfun]

I have a Surly Cross Check (2011 - Robin's Egg Blue). It's technically a cyclocross bike, but I have SKS Longboard fenders (mudguards), a Brooks B17 saddle, Carradice Barley saddlebag for all my "stuff". It's steel and has a nice ride. Not too heavy. Left the steer tube uncut, so the handlebars (drop) are about the same height as the saddle. Original tires were knobby, but the shop I bought them from specializes in "commuter" type setups, so they put Panaracer Pasela Tourguards on. I has bar end shifters (shimano) which can be easily set to do either indexed shifting or friction shifting. I was concerned about whether I would get used to the bar ends and now I love them.

Thanks very much for your reply and helpful information about the Surly Cross Check... I'll check that out too, though am a bit doubtful about lifting the weight of a steel bike into the boot of my car - my hybrid does all sorts of grim things to my neck/back etc. if I try to get that in Thanks also for including the photo - It certainly looks a very practical equipage, the saddlebag is smart and I love the Robin's Egg Blue!