My ride is 10 miles which can range from 32 minutes to 45 when the cold, wind, red lights defeat me. Normal trip is 35 minutes. Mostly flat by my New England standards. Keep it in the big chain ring but use the full 20+ tooth spectrum during the ride. I should restate, when I get stuck at a red light I drop it to the small ring and once moving at a good spin move back to the 53.

I have a pull over nylon shell that works for now except: It's arm length is too short so my wrists get a bit of frost bite and, as a nylon shell, zero breathing and when it comes off I have a tropical forest on my hands. So far, it works and it was FREE! I will continue but xmas is coming and I was thinking about the GUNK jacket at EMS. Gunk

But why? For now mine will be ok but I figure things might get below 22F and I want to be ready.

As for the booties, I was thinking of cutting some old cotton socks and pulling them over my shoes and seeing if that does it. Figure I would rather use what I own. Keep the info/opinions coming. I am anxious to learn more.