>>999962>I'm looking for a beater I can upgrade with a STI groupset and whatnot to act as a winter commuter.If you are going to buy STIs anyways, maybe consider doing a drop-bar conversion on a rigid MTB
Here's a bikeforums thread that might convince you.
rigid MTB is the cheapest option in the used market, and for winter/commuting fat tires are great
http://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/828426-show-your-vintage-mtb-drop-bar-conversions.html< Before