I commute from Lincoln square, Chicago down to the Qest Loop. Last year I used a Cannondale ST600 with 32mm Kwests. For rain it was fine, and it really didn't snow (I moved to Chi in February). Since then, I've built a drop bar Marin Bear Valley. I'm planning on fenders and studs on the mountain bike do a dedicated ice an snow bike, might make it a fixed. This will be a shared foul weather bike for my fiancé, there is enough seat tube that we can lower the seat to fit her 5'4" hight.
Then when she needs it I can be back on the Cannondale.
The clothing I have sorted, ski goggles, winter motorcycle gloves, usually I over dress if anything.