"two things...a beater bike for sloppy days (and for commutes)...and a bucket of soap and water and a large sponge and a hose. just don't spray directly onto your bearings...i learned the hard way that ""sealed bearings"" aren't entirely sealed. ;)

don"

"Better to keep the salt and grit off your bike in the first place. An ounce of prevention, and all that...

For keeping spray off you, your bike, and anyone in your wake, full fenders are far superior to the clip-on type, but most modern frames don't have sufficient clearance for them. With a little work and some ingenuity, you can ""split"" full fenders to fit on any bike even if your tires clear your fork or seatstay bridge by only a gnat's hair.

After that, 5 minutes with a damp rag is all it takes to keep your bike clean and corrosive-free. I've got a steel bike with over 30 winters on it, and I'm shootin' for 30 more. More likely the bike will outlast my legs!"

A coat of Simonize, or other auto wax, will serve to protect frame, rims, spokes, handlebars, stems, seat posts, etc. One good coating a winter should do the trick.You have to wash the bike off after every sloppy weather trip - especially the moving parts - chain, gears, chain wheels, brake pads and assembly, etc.