> Ignore this comment. Why because you don't agree with it? > Is it overkill not to burn through a set of rims each winter? I dunno how you are doing this. A

> Ignore this comment. Why because you don't agree with it? > Is it overkill not to burn through a set of rims each winter? I dunno how you are doing this. A set of brake pads last quite a while usually. I have rims from the 1990s I am still using. > Is it overkill to have decreased stopping distance in the rain? Your stopping distance is more about how much grip you got on the road from the tyres. You can easily lock the wheel with a rim brake, especially if you have a good set of dual pivot or V-brakes. For commuting you don't need anything flashy or complicated (because it will be a magnet for thieves). I literally get a basic but decent bike. If the parts are basic and ubiquitous you can go to any bike shop and get it repaired or by the parts yourself. If you have fancy equipment, then it more difficult to buy a replacement. When I was commuting on the bike still, I used an old 90s mountain bike with V-brakes and I converted it to Single Speed (the gears were knackered) and stuck some touring tyres on there. However I was cycling in Manchester which is mostly flat. It really depends where you are.