Winter Cycling - Poor mans winter clothing?

I just picked up a winter bike and now I need to start thinking about clothing. I was looking through the winter clothing guide but don't have money for anything expensive. I would like to stick to xmarts and thrift stores. I have a fleece lined hoodie from target and a wool sweater from the thrift store, I'm going to pick up wool gloves and socks tomorrow and some sort of head band from target or walmart of something, and I have regular xmart long johns. All I have for shoes is vans slip ons. What else should I look for? I plan on riding all through the chicago winter.

I just picked up a winter bike and now I need to start thinking about clothing. I was looking through the winter clothing guide but don't have money for anything expensive. I would like to stick to xmarts and thrift stores. I have a fleece lined hoodie from target and a wool sweater from the thrift store, I'm going to pick up wool gloves and socks tomorrow and some sort of head band from target or walmart of something, and I have regular xmart long johns. All I have for shoes is vans slip ons. What else should I look for? I plan on riding all through the chicago winter.

A face mask or balaclava should be on your list since it can be windy as well as cold there in Chicago. If you already have eyewear (sunglasses for daytime and clear safety glasses) you'll want to use them, too. If you don't already have a balaclava or face mask, you may be able to pick up a 6-in-1 polar fleece which can be configured as a balaclava on sale, cheap. I found them on sale at the local Ace hardware in the nearby town for $9.99. Make sure your bike has lights, too. You have so much less daylight during winter. You can use a good LED flashlight. Sounds like you've got a pretty comprehensive list and have things thought out. You don't have to spend a fortune to buy bike specific clothing. Like many other sports, when you start buying gear that's specially marketed to a group that is perceived as having a lot of disposable income, prices can go through the roof. Is your bike all set up or are you in the process of getting it ready? Good luck; stay warm and safe.

A face mask or balaclava should be on your list since it can be windy as well as cold there in Chicago. If you already have eyewear (sunglasses for daytime and clear safety glasses) you'll want to use them, too. If you don't already have a balaclava or face mask, you may be able to pick up a 6-in-1 polar fleece which can be configured as a balaclava on sale, cheap. I found them on sale at the local Ace hardware in the nearby town for $9.99. Make sure your bike has lights, too. You have so much less daylight during winter. You can use a good LED flashlight. Sounds like you've got a pretty comprehensive list and have things thought out. You don't have to spend a fortune to buy bike specific clothing. Like many other sports, when you start buying gear that's specially marketed to a group that is perceived as having a lot of disposable income, prices can go through the roof. Is your bike all set up or are you in the process of getting it ready? Good luck; stay warm and safe.

I have some old safety glasses that I use sometimes, but I'll probably get some new ones because the ones I have are bifocal. Do they get foggy? I have some anti-fog rain-x stuff that I thought about using on them. I was wondering about a facemask, I'll look into the one you have. I have a pretty bright led light that I got from home depot for $30 and made a bracket to bold it to my stem. I'll pick up ones of those blinky red lights too, I forgot about visibilty, I was too focused on staying warm. I saw that some people were wearing nylon and wool together. Should I pick up some nylon stuff? My mine concern was weather or not a pair of long johns or two with jeans over them will be warm enough. Right now I'm maining just getting cold on my ears, hands and feet with what I have.

I have some old safety glasses that I use sometimes, but I'll probably get some new ones because the ones I have are bifocal. Do they get foggy? I have some anti-fog rain-x stuff that I thought about using on them. I was wondering about a facemask, I'll look into the one you have. I have a pretty bright led light that I got from home depot for $30 and made a bracket to bold it to my stem. I'll pick up ones of those blinky red lights too, I forgot about visibilty, I was too focused on staying warm. I saw that some people were wearing nylon and wool together. Should I pick up some nylon stuff? My mine concern was weather or not a pair of long johns or two with jeans over them will be warm enough. Right now I'm maining just getting cold on my ears, hands and feet with what I have.

I wear a nylon wind breaker as my outer layer. It's not biking-specific, just an inexpensive nylon shell that I picked up several years ago. I generally wear boots and my feet don't get too cold. Wool socks definitely help. If I'm not wearing the balaclava, I do wear a wool headband over my ears. It's windy in the valley that I live in and it adds to the bite of cold. We had a very early cold snap in early October and I found what bothered me most was my hands. I ended up buying some ATV pogies (handlebar mitts) made by KwickTech on sale from Amazon for $17.99, with free shipping. It was the best winter buy I made. I love my pogies since they enable me to keep my hands warm while only wearing one pair of gloves. I hadn't heard of pogies until reading this forum. I'm glad people recommended them. If you find you can't keep your hands warm, you might consider getting a pair of pogies. You glasses may fog. I haven't had fogging issues yet, but some people do. I don't know if rain-x will help or not, maybe some others will give advice on preventing glasses from fogging. I think you'll do well with your gear. You've got the basics covered, keeping your core, hands, feet and ears warm. Good luck. Post again once you begin riding your winter bike and let everyone know how your winter commuting is going.

I just picked up a winter bike and now I need to start thinking about clothing. I was looking through the winter clothing guide but don't have money for anything expensive. I would like to stick to xmarts and thrift stores. I have a fleece lined hoodie from target and a wool sweater from the thrift store, I'm going to pick up wool gloves and socks tomorrow and some sort of head band from target or walmart of something, and I have regular xmart long johns. All I have for shoes is vans slip ons. What else should I look for? I plan on riding all through the chicago winter.


I'm on my first winter as a cyclist too, I have done winters using public transportation on foot before. Sometimes you would stand there 45 mins or more in the cold windy snow waiting for the bus. I always layered, 2 sets of long johns (k-mart) Top and bottoms, thick jeans, weather proof shoes, muti layers of socks, skull caps, one thin and tight around the head, one bigger, a hood (Sweat shirt and coat as two layers), and I would layer gloves too. A ski mask on a bike is a good idea, maybe two since your in the windy city. These things have helped me stay warm in very cold weather.

Sounds like your on the right track with your clothing. Remember - LAYERS. They can be added or removed as needed. As for your glasses fogging; if you find that it's a problem try some cheap ski goggles like these from REI (http://www.rei.com/product/776800). They should fit right over your glasses (assuming you wear prescriptions based on your previous comment about bifocals.) And nwmtnbkr is right - get some lights. You can have too few, but you can never have too many.

Sounds like your on the right track with your clothing. Remember - LAYERS. They can be added or removed as needed. As for your glasses fogging; if you find that it's a problem try some cheap ski goggles like these from REI (http://www.rei.com/product/776800). They should fit right over your glasses (assuming you wear prescriptions based on your previous comment about bifocals.) And nwmtnbkr is right - get some lights. You can have too few, but you can never have too many.



Yeah make sure your bike looks like this guys house!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTbpuQzMnxA

^^^+1

Must agree that layers are paramount to staying warm. Also be sure you have gloves or some sort of hand-warming solution. Nothing kills my winter ride more than frozen digits.

I just picked up a winter bike and now I need to start thinking about clothing. I was looking through the winter clothing guide but don't have money for anything expensive. I would like to stick to xmarts and thrift stores. I have a fleece lined hoodie from target and a wool sweater from the thrift store, I'm going to pick up wool gloves and socks tomorrow and some sort of head band from target or walmart of something, and I have regular xmart long johns. All I have for shoes is vans slip ons. What else should I look for? I plan on riding all through the chicago winter.
Mainly you need better shoes or boots, and you should go with the best pair that you can afford. Two ideas are light hiking boots and all-terrain running shoes. My sister bought winter hiking boots at Land's End for about $50 that she claims are better than $300 boots she has owned in the past.

You might also want a rain jacket. I have one from K-mart (about $20) that is waterproof but not breathable. I would never wear it in warm weather, but it works well on those winter days between 32 and 40 degrees when it is snowing, sleeting and raining on the same ride. I wear the rain jacket with only a wicking Tshirt ($7) and a light poly fleece ($12) or a cashmere or merino wool sweater ($4 at resale shop).

Instead of a head band, get a blaze orange stocking cap from a hunting store. Poly with thinsulate fibers is very nice. I would not get wool gloves as my only pair. Try either ski gloves or the big wool mittens with some additional insulation (like thinsulate) and windproofing. (Yes, you can ride a bike with mittens on.)

Happy riding!
Other than that, it sounds like you're in pretty good shape for winter clothing. If you get cold, just ride harder. But stay dry, and keep the hands, feet and head warm.

Must agree that layers are paramount to staying warm. Also be sure you have gloves or some sort of hand-warming solution. Nothing kills my winter ride more than frozen digits.

Awesome, thanks for your help everyone. My bike is almost ready too, I bought it already converted to fixed gear because that's what I want to ride for the winter and I have parts laying around to convert it back to geared for the summer if I do a tour. I think all I'll need is some full fenders and I'm getting some studded tires tomorrow.

I'm on my first winter as a cyclist too, I have done winters using public transportation on foot before. Sometimes you would stand there 45 mins or more in the cold windy snow waiting for the bus. I always layered, 2 sets of long johns (k-mart) Top and bottoms, thick jeans, weather proof shoes, muti layers of socks, skull caps, one thin and tight around the head, one bigger, a hood (Sweat shirt and coat as two layers), and I would layer gloves too. A ski mask on a bike is a good idea, maybe two since your in the windy city. These things have helped me stay warm in very cold weather.
You will need MUCH less clothing when riding a bike than you ever needed while waiting on a bus. Besides ice fishing, no human activity is as chilling as waiting for public transit. I wear about half as much clothing as you do, or less.

Must agree that layers are paramount to staying warm. Also be sure you have gloves or some sort of hand-warming solution. Nothing kills my winter ride more than frozen digits.
Hmm, I'm over layers. I've been wearing layers for 40 years and I'm tired of it. With all the advances in technology, I will never again wear more than 2-3 layers, no matter how cold it is.

You will need MUCH less clothing when riding a bike than you ever needed while waiting on a bus. Besides ice fishing, no human activity is as chilling as waiting for public transit. I wear about half as much clothing as you do, or less.


True I was thinking the same thing while I typed the post! Like the analogy (Ice Fishing lol)!

If you can't afford it , then you can't have it.. But, sometimes if you don't buy effective gear, in the end it will cost you more.. it will cost you more because it does not work..
Possibly buying effective base layers will ultimately save you cash, because heavy winter cycling jackets is far more expensive than effective layering..
A windstoper jacket and effective base layers and layering methods might ultimately save you cash.. ?

Hmm, I'm over layers. I've been wearing layers for 40 years and I'm tired of it. With all the advances in technology, I will never again wear more than 2-3 layers, no matter how cold it is.



Do you have any ideas for the broke people????

Do you have any ideas for the broke people????
Yeah, the cheap stuff that you buy today is better than the expensive clothing that rich oil riggers wore on the North Slope in the 1970s. And that was better than what polar explorers and mountaineers wore in the 1950s. I have a winter coat that I bought at Kmart for about $40. It's an outer shell of windproof microfiber with a lining of some kind of Polar fleece--very high tech 4 or 5 years ago and very cheap now. That thing keeps me warm when I'm walking down to 20 deg, and down to about 10 deg when I'm riding--with nothing but a T-shirt underneath. It's also comfy unzipped at 45 deg. Amazing!

Yeah, the cheap stuff that you buy today is better than the expensive clothing that rich oil riggers wore on the North Slope in the 1970s. And that was better than what polar explorers and mountaineers wore in the 1950s. I have a winter coat that I bought at Kmart for about $40. It's an outer shell of windproof microfiber with a lining of some kind of Polar fleece--very high tech 4 or 5 years ago and very cheap now. That thing keeps me warm when I'm walking down to 20 deg, and down to about 10 deg when I'm riding--with nothing but a T-shirt underneath. It's also comfy unzipped at 45 deg. Amazing!


Thanks, Is there a name on the coat so I might be able to go to K-Mart and check for something like it? Thanks again!

My favorite cheap jackets are Helly Tech shells. I got mine for $50 a few years ago. Here's one for $60 (http://www.moabsports.com/item.asp?pid=52319&Product=Helly%20Hansen%20Alarm%20Jacket&gdftrk=gdfV267_a_7c110_a_7c170_a_7c52319#thumb)

Tshirt underneath good down to around 45 degrees F. Longsleeve tee to 35. Tee + 9oz hoody good to 25.
(http://www.moabsports.com/item.asp?pid=52319&Product=Helly%20Hansen%20Alarm%20Jacket&gdftrk=gdfV267_a_7c110_a_7c170_a_7c52319#thumb)

The reason I use layers is so I can peel off selected layers of clothing when the conditions change. Often times I'll leave at 15F and by the time I'm 10 minutes into my ride, I'll need to lose a layer or two, and I can always add layers back for the reverse commute.

If I didn't use layers, I'd have to have at least 3 different jackets of varying liner thicknesses. That would be lame.

Cheap? Yeah, just pick up some long sleeved shirts at target or something for about $8 (usually cotton or cotton/poly blend..mine are "jerzees" or something) and you're proably good to go!

I rode in 35F this monring with 2 LS t-shirts (both cotton), a thin polartec vest (any cheap vest will work...thin, not the puffy kind), a pair of wrangler twill carpenter pants (love these and they're cheap), tennis shoes and pant strap, and a thin skull cap under my helmet. I also use cheap safety glasses found in the hardware store $5 to keep crap out of my eyes.

I didn't break a sweat (the key) and still unzipped the top of the vest after the first 10 miles.

The absolute best thing about wearing regular clothes is that you don't have to jump into a telephone booth to peel off your spiderman costume. Plus, I have been asked many times about how I can wear regular clothes by coworkers...which seems to intrigue them. One guy started riding because if it.

Cheers!

The best, cheapest thing I found for my feet last winter were a pair of low-top snow sneakers from Lands End. I got them on sale for $20. I bought them a couple of sizes too big so that I could fit more than one pair of socks and also to let my toes have room to wiggle around.

Do you have any ideas for the broke people????

Don't spend money twice:thumb: Yes, bicycle specific clothing can be expensive but it lasts forever. I have equipment that is going on 15 seasons and is still going strong. The stuff you buy at HellMart isn't going to last that long. Buy a few articles of bicycle specific clothing at a time...jackets and tights are the best places to start...and you'll have a hell of a wardrobe in no time. Buy on sale when you can:thumb: Performance house brand stuff is a very good value and lasts just as well as the much more expensive stuff.

In terms of use, think of clothing as solving several specific problems that may be at cross purposes. You want clothing that is warm when you start but not too warm when you've been riding for a while. You want clothing that moves moisture but you don't want the wind evaportating it too quickly. You want clothing that can be adjusted to dump heat but keep heat in when you need it.

For starting your ride, you want to a little cold for the first few minutes. Start too warm and you'll be sweating in no time. For the most part this means avoid thick fleece jackets. They provide way too much insulation. Two lighter (noncotton) layers will do the same job and allow you to remove one if you need. Try to find shirts with zippers at the neck so that you can vent them (that's why bicycle specific clothing works well).

Wind is probably your biggest foe. It evaporates moisture which takes heat with it. Often I find that a wind blocking layer, does as much as an insulating layer.

Most of this applies to the chest. I find that I need little in the way of covering on my legs since they are generating lots of heat.

Turf King Warmgrip Thermal Gripping Gloves $4.99. Only good for about a half hour in steady rain, but good to go other than that.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4151028109_edd12cd5a9.jpg

Layers. Wool. Windbreaker. Mittens (not gloves). Wool hat/earband. Scarf.

I wear a pair of cycling tights but the rest of my winter wardrobe isn't cycling specific. Target has decent base layers for cheap. In colder weather (20's down to -20) I'll wear some wind pants over my tights. I may wear another layer underneath them as well. For my torso, I have a nice skiing base layer along with some others, an Old Navy fleece pullover and a wind resistant shell I found at a thrift store.

On my feet I have wool socks and an oversized pair of skate shoes. I will put booties over them (I guess their cycling specific too). On my head I wear a balaclava and when it's below 0 F I'll wear ski goggles.

I do not recommend cotton anything if it's very cold at all. Here in lovely MN, the average temp for my morning commute in January will be in the single digits.

Winter is the time I find it most difficult to wear "Normal" clothes as most of my normal clothes are cotton blends.

I almost forgot. The wool socks are "Merino" wool from Costco. I think they were on sale last year @ 3 pair for $10 or something like that. My wife and I got a bunch. I wear them year round to work. Merino wool is soft, - not scratchy.

Wool is a great winter material. Sometimes you can get good deals on wool stuff at military surplus stores or used clothing places. A local place that used to sell a bunch of wool items at least is Ragstock. Don't know what the equivalent would be in other areas.

I stopped layering as well (up top). Go to xmart and get a cheap nylon outer, fleece lined jacket that zips high on the neck and looks warm. Elastic wrists are a good feature as well. If it is extremely cold out, wear a sweatshirt underneath. If it is really cold out, wear a long-sleeve shirt of some kind underneath. If is is just-plain-cold out, wear a t-shirt underneath.

For the bottom, get some cheap polypro thermals and whatever pants work well for you. Thick wools socks, winter shoes, and ski gloves that go up the wrist.

Military surplus stores sometimes have polypro and wool stuff.

the hotels I stayed at this fall provided courtesy shower caps - which of course I brought home. They fit quite nicely over my helmet even with the visor. they are clear and my reflective tape appears through it fairly well!

A face mask or balaclava should be on your list since it can be windy as well as cold there in Chicago. If you already have eyewear (sunglasses for daytime and clear safety glasses) you'll want to use them, too. If you don't already have a balaclava or face mask, you may be able to pick up a 6-in-1 polar fleece which can be configured as a balaclava on sale, cheap. I found them on sale at the local Ace hardware in the nearby town for $9.99. Make sure your bike has lights, too. You have so much less daylight during winter. You can use a good LED flashlight. Sounds like you've got a pretty comprehensive list and have things thought out. You don't have to spend a fortune to buy bike specific clothing. Like many other sports, when you start buying gear that's specially marketed to a group that is perceived as having a lot of disposable income, prices can go through the roof. Is your bike all set up or are you in the process of getting it ready? Good luck; stay warm and safe.

This would be my first priority: Lights, then balaclava. The rest of your clothing/equipment needs can be added one piece at a time. I never got beyond a pair of thermofleece gloves that belonged to one of my kids (which they lost or abandoned for some reason.). I also picked up a few hand-me-down sweaters, one of them lambswool. I found a hi-viz cycling windbreaker at Sport Authority at few years ago for $5. Still using it.

As others have said, layers are the key. It's been a few years since I let cost be a factor, but before that there were a lot of years where it was the most important factor. The thrift stores, Goodwill, Salvation Army, army/navy, etc. are your friends, as well as X-mart

Base layer: Try to avoid cotton if at all possible. Polyester shirts are cheap and easy to find, both long and short sleeve. For the legs you may have to settle for cotton long-johns (tho poly/wool longies are not that expensive from places like Performance), but if you have the legs for them, nylons work too. For undies, you are pretty much stuck with cotton unless you want to spend the money for poly or wool. Poly undies can be found at Target, fer shure.

Mid Layer: Wool sweaters are a dime a dozen at the thrift stores...Merino wool is best. Assuming you are not riding in yoru work pants, a pair of military utility pants work for the legs, found at most army/navy stores.

Outer layer: Any crappy old jacket that is fairly wind and water resistant will work for your torso. You can always cut slits into the arm pits and use the front zippers for ventilation. Avoid button down jackets and those with a lot of insulation - that's what the other layers are for. A wool scarf is easier to find in a thrift store than a balaclava. Nylon rain or running pants can work for your legs, if needed. Also, spend a few bucks on a reflective vest.

Socks: Wool, army/navy stores are a great source.

Shoes: decent hiking/work boots that are insulated have gotten much cheaper at X-mart over the years. Military combat boots work great too. Get a size that allows you to layer up your socks.

Head: Wool caps are easy to find in thrift stores and the army/navy stores. If you wear a helmet, Performance usually has fleece skull caps pretty cheap.

Gloves: decent ski/snowboarding gloves are pretty cheap at X-mart these days too.

Glasses: safety/shooting glasses are also pretty cheap at X-Mart

I rode yesterday in 30 degree weather for 11 miles, home from the Joliet metra station. It wasn't bad at all. I was wearing some lycra gloves that I got at walmart for $10, a thermal, a $2 wool sweater from the thrift store, a coat, a scarf, a stocking cap, long johns, jeans, and wool socks. I definitely need fenders and better shoes though because I could feel puddles in my shoes while I was riding. I didn't feel like I needed studded tires because the roads were just salted and were just wet, but I would definitely have needed them for today.

I rode all last winter without spending much of anything. A $5 nylon windbreaker I've had for ten years over a polyester sweater (or an ordinary long-sleeved shirt) over a cotton t-shirt, and jeans over cotton long underwear. Breaks all the normal rules, but my lower half never had any complaints (except one day I forgot the long underwear).

Windbreaker kept the wind and snow out, but didn't add any insulation so I didn't overheat (much). Whatever gloves it takes to keep the hands warm, I was never out for more than an hour, and I cut the tops off of socks to cover the gap between my gloves and sleeves. This year I have lycra arm warmers, I'll probably ditch the sweater.

I wore normal SPD commuting shoes. I'm partial to the SPD part but without covers or special insoles or socks my feet were cold. Dont' take my advice there.

A decent balaclava, totally worth the $20, wouldn't go without it.

$20 yellow-tinted saftely glasses: indispensable. Keep the snow and wind out of my eyes, the tint gives great contrast to the snow, and they block out all the UV so I don't squint during the day.

Only thing I need to change is the shoes.

I run something similar to Yellowbeard, all acquired at thrift stores: Columbia Windbreaker, old wool sweater, old biking jersey to wick sweat. Works great. I'd get generic long johns for really cold weather, and I did spend a few bucks on a new pair of splashpants for something else, so I use those now too.

All this maybe ran me 50$

I've got it all sorted out except my feet. Riding my road bike after work at night and weekends. Wear wool socks in my mesh/solid SPD bike shoes with PI AM-FIB (?) booties. After 3 hours or so of sub-30 degrees, my feet are too cold to be comfortable, though I keep going. Haven't tried boots. Wonder how they'd work with my toe clips and straps, and if they'd permit a decent pedal stroke since the ankle would be somewhat bound. What can you tell me?

I commuted with boots every day this week. Keeps the toes toasty and don't seem to affect my pedal stroke. Also came in handy when I buried the bike in a drift caused by the 5+ inches of snow we just got :-).

I commuted with boots every day this week. Keeps the toes toasty and don't seem to affect my pedal stroke. Also came in handy when I buried the bike in a drift caused by the 5+ inches of snow we just got :-).



+1.... I wear steel toed boots in the winter, leather. They keep the feet dry and warm. I too have noticed no difference in my cadence, which was surprising to me. I layer, screw what you look like you are warm! That is key. I layer everything gloves, undergarments, pants, shirts, sweat shirts ect. Layer and you will be fine.

I do this out of both money-saving desire and (even stronger) - a desire to be able to wear at least some of the same clothes during work. I have tons of cycling jerseys that I don't seem to ever wear.

Usually I wear a cotton t-shirt or poly LS baselayer, another LS shirt (usually regularl cotton one), a polartec vest (which works great), a pair of target cheap poly athletic pants (with an ankle strap), those little athletic wrist bands to protect my gloves/sleeves from sliding up and getting cold, a skull cap/balaclava, helmet, and regular tennis shoes.

My big priority is the ability to mostly wear this same outfit and look almost normal when i get to work. Sometimes if I have meetings I'll throw on a pair of dockers I keep at work, but that's about it.

I do this out of both money-saving desire and (even stronger) - a desire to be able to wear at least some of the same clothes during work. I have tons of cycling jerseys that I don't seem to ever wear.

Usually I wear a cotton t-shirt or poly LS baselayer, another LS shirt (usually regularl cotton one), a polartec vest (which works great), a pair of target cheap poly athletic pants (with an ankle strap), those little athletic wrist bands to protect my gloves/sleeves from sliding up and getting cold, a skull cap/balaclava, helmet, and regular tennis shoes.

My big priority is the ability to mostly wear this same outfit and look almost normal when i get to work. Sometimes if I have meetings I'll throw on a pair of dockers I keep at work, but that's about it.

I wear my work cloths underneath...but then again my work is casual.

I rode all last winter without spending much of anything. A $5 nylon windbreaker I've had for ten years over a polyester sweater (or an ordinary long-sleeved shirt) over a cotton t-shirt, and jeans over cotton long underwear. Breaks all the normal rules, but my lower half never had any complaints (except one day I forgot the long underwear).

Windbreaker kept the wind and snow out, but didn't add any insulation so I didn't overheat (much). Whatever gloves it takes to keep the hands warm, I was never out for more than an hour, and I cut the tops off of socks to cover the gap between my gloves and sleeves. This year I have lycra arm warmers, I'll probably ditch the sweater.

I wore normal SPD commuting shoes. I'm partial to the SPD part but without covers or special insoles or socks my feet were cold. Dont' take my advice there.

A decent balaclava, totally worth the $20, wouldn't go without it.

$20 yellow-tinted saftely glasses: indispensable. Keep the snow and wind out of my eyes, the tint gives great contrast to the snow, and they block out all the UV so I don't squint during the day.

Only thing I need to change is the shoes.

This sounds about right. Only thing is that you can now get some pretty reasonable polyester long underwear at most X-mart stores (particularly Target). I would also substitute Dockers rather than denim. And yes... a $20 balaclava is totally worth it.

Everyone seems to be recommending the balaclava, so I'll probably pick one up. I used a wool sweater that was too small for me to make arm warmers to cover my wrists :)

balaclavas are fine but there are so many different types. think; thin and all kinds of different openings cut into them. good luck making your own personal choice. my 1st choice is for eyes and mouth openings but I haven't found more than one like that.

any specific recommendations for inexpensive glove solutions for below 20 degree weather? I currently have a pair of leather thinsulate gloves w/ outdoor research synthetic liners (or 100% silk liners)...and my fingers go numb after about 40 mins in 20 or below weather.

I like ski gloves,

any specific recommendations for inexpensive glove solutions for below 20 degree weather? I currently have a pair of leather thinsulate gloves w/ outdoor research synthetic liners (or 100% silk liners)...and my fingers go numb after about 40 mins in 20 or below weather.

Get a pair of inexpensive mittens to fit over a pair of gloves. Cut a slit on the palm side of the mittens along where your index finger would be (a little shorter than the full length of your finger). The mittens will add lots of warmth and the slit allows you to poke your finger through to shift or brake.

Check out an army surplus store if there is one nearby. Some specific items I have found: A balaclava as mentioned above; lower-end ski goggles for under ten dollars, better-quality ones for about $30; heavy wool paratrooper pants with plastic wind screens in the thighs--get them big and you might be able to wear them over regular pants; leather mitten shells into which you can pack several layers of fabric liners.

For feet, I have gotten by with insulated waterproof hiking boots from Payless Shoesource for around $25. With several layers of socks, they have gotten me down to -20F, although just barely.

You can purchase or make a tube of fabric to pull around your neck to seal up that source of venting, and then remove it if you get too warm. If the fabric is stretchy, you can pull it up over your face, or maybe your head.

If your jacket sleeves are not long enough, you could have some wrist exposure when you reach for the handlebars. Some old socks with the toes cut off could be used to cover your wrists.

A little scrap of fleece from the fabric store could be put inside the helmet to block the vents if it's really cold.

I myself have never been cold riding a bicycle in the winter, but I have started to overheat from dressing too warmly. Part of the fun of winter riding is hearing others comment on how I must be just freezing out there. It doesn't seem to register with people that they would be cold if they went outside in the winter in their underwear, but they never do, they wear appropriate clothing. Similarly, I never am cold because I wear appropriate clothing.