Gear for Commuting to work in the winter?

[ObinrinDidun]

Hello everyone! I'm a new bike commuter to work. (I'm not riding every work day, but most.) I am sure that with time, I'll be riding almost each day. Although, I do not ride when it rains, snows, or weather is too frigid.

I live in NYC. My commute isn't bad at all... 3.5mi each way. I do have access to a shower at the job :D, and I'm trying to be a minimalist when packing to go to work nowadays.

What gear is ESSENTIAL during the winter for commute.

Here is my take on 'stuff', but don't kill me for it. I think that there are too many things for sale that are a waste of $$. What does everyone suggest?

Should I ride with my regular winter coat? Leather...
Should I ride with my regular work clothes? etc...


Any tips... I would greately appreciate.

[dipy911]

I do the same as summer except I also wear old jeans, a jacket and winter gloves. You might want sleeves that can be opened, because you will get hot riding a bicycle even in the winter.

[jur]

I would ask this over in the commuters forum.

[LittlePixel]

I second checking out the commuter threads as it's more likely covered there but my winter gear for London UK is thus:

Orange hi-vis breathable waterproof
Fleecey Sweatband under helmet keeps my ears warm
Layers! (t-shirt, shirt, gillet, coat). A big heavy coat is too hot in my experience - layers keep you warm (after the first couple of cold minutes) and you don't get too sweaty - esp if they are hi-wicking materials, but even plain vanilla cotton is ok.
I keep a lightweight pair of waterproof trousers in the bottom of my bag in case of a downpour; otherwise jeans are good. I've been known to wear ski-type long-john base layer underneath jeans and it does keep off the wind chill but feels a little restrictive and stuffy after a while.
Lights; refective velcro anklet thingies
Gloves - thick enough to be warm but not so thick (like ski gloves) that you have no idea if your hand is still ready to grip the brakes!