Bike porn

what gets me is number four. The power isn't useful (by necessary you really mean useful), but certainly the consistency is. i find that my road brakes are not wonderful in the wet, especially if it's winter and i haven't touched them in a few miles. I also find that brakes pad are a disgusting pain in the ass when used in wet climates. almost like a dog.

So get a cross bike with road tyres. Proper road race bikes are good for going as fast as possible, but they are a pretty silly choice of ride otherwise.