I'd like to expand my reply and address the specific jacket you provided a link to. I think the fleece windbreaker would not be ideal as an outer garment. Best to let the top layer be a shell so you can unzip to vent heat more effectively. Temperature control is what's important, and the ability to adjust your level of ventilation - from fully zipped to partially zipped, to unzipped like a cape (and hood on/hood off) is where it's at. See my early note about reflective vests inhibiting venting.

I wear a non-insulated Gor-tex hooded overcoat:

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63187...pmd_google_pla

It takes about 30 seconds to throw it on. Just add ski gloves. With a normal office suit underneath, you are good to temperatures well below freezing. Below that, add overshoes and overpants and be happy down to 0 F.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63189...7-bundle&dds=y

As I said earlier, Copenhaganize.com pretty much has it nailed on winter cycling - "enthusiasts" overcomplicate it. I would add that sports and recreation bikes are set up for a forward-leaning position and have narrow seats, whereas European utility bikes favor a more upright position.

This is verering toward the "Just Ride" thread of last month. I don't have any beef with Peterson one way or the other. Sporting bikes assume cycling-specific clothing with padding and a special cut. It's similar to the way aerobatic airplanes lack seat cushions, because the pilot will always be wearing a parachute. As far as I can tell, the trend toward bikes that require large concessions in clothing is what the Grant Peterson controversy is about. I've ridden a road bike in suit and tie, and it's about as inappropriate as wearing Lycra on my bike would be. There's a continuum between full upright European commuting bikes and all-out racing bikes, and I don't know, a priori, where the bike-specific stuff becomes better. All the riding I do is transportation, so that's where my experience is. I've never been a sport or recreation rider, so there is a lot I may not know about your situation.

I have no problem with cotton for normal commuting in winter, but avoid it in extreme conditions, like skiing at -30F.

Your big issues are keeping extremities warm and not overdressing. Dress so you will be cold at the onset, unzip en route to regulate your temperature, and it doesn't matter much what you wear. (possible motto: it's not so much what you wear, but how you wear it)

Paul