It gets around 4°-10° for about a week every winter, at least since I started around 8 winters ago. Sometimes more, but we don't have to deal with ice or snow very often. Maybe once or twice, some years not at all.

I use a balaclava.

I have several sets of gloves that I use depending on just how cold. You can actually layer gloves just like other clothes. I use some woven cloth gloves for liners, which my wife buys at Joanne's craft store for about a dollar each (no idea what craft that's for). I'll put some slightly too large Pearl Izumi over those and that's good at least into the 30's, or heavier generic winter gloves for colder temperatures.

I picked up a poly stretch tube from Nashbar years ago. It goes around my neck, stretches up the back of my head under my helmet when it gets a little colder, and comes up over my chin and mouth when it's colder than that. It generally takes me down to about 10*F. Then I start moving to a balaclava, usually a fleece scarf wrapped various ways, then finally at about -10*F I add a neoprene face mask. I've switched to full sealed goggles by then too, because at -10*F and lower you have to have NO exposed skin or you get frost nip.

Does the chicken keep him warm?

I keep my head warm by always wearing a helmet, and a headband or balaclava under it as needed. I think of the headband as being like a vest for my head and use a balaclava when it's colder. I got this balaclava as a gift last year, and like the way it's so easy to pull the part that covers my face down when it gets warmer.

http://www.greekmythology.com/images...medusa_109.jpg

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As far as keeping the worms warm, I am usually fine down to about 35°F. I have worn knitted hats below the helmet in the past, but I now find that a snowboard helmet is great for protecting from both cold and rain, but they can get HOT. Best for only the very cold days.

I have the predecessor to the Transit jacket and I like it because of the excellent flow-through ventilation it provides, when needed, with the large back vent and pit zips. With an Under Armour coldwear compression base layer and a short-sleeve jersey, it will handle into the 40's for me. With different layers, it'll work into the low 30's, upper 20's.

For gloves, I have pair from Performance Bike that I think are called Zonda, IIRC. They're okay for 40's or low 50's. I have a set of Novara lobster gloves form REI for colder temperatures.

A skull cap works if it covers the ears well, but a balaclava works great.

I use a headband from the mid-50s down to about 20. Just something to cover the ears.

Below 20 I use my balaclava. Above 20 and the balaclava is way too hot.

has anyone made a joke yet about how he said worm instead of warm

I assumed that's what he meant; isn't this thread about Global Worming**********

Your head is a fairly effective radiator but it's relatively small surface means it does not contribute to as much heat loss as many think... even in our colder climate a lightweight toque is more than adequate.

Covering my face and ears is much more important.

as a born & raised central new yorker, i can get behind this. especially the ears.

I just bought a ski helmet for the purpose. I haven't had occasion to try it yet. It's really a snowboarding helmet.

If your core is warm the rest of you should stay warm, even if your head is uncovered.

Interesting factoid is that if the rest of you is warmed up and your head is the only thing exposed to cold, you don't shiver.

Wind chill is an entirely different thing, your ears and nose have poorer circulation and should be covered as these are the first things to freeze and fall off. :)

I have a snowboarding helmet for winter cycling, it has integrated ear covers and is actually too hot to wear with a toque... I save it for really cold days.

For me, it's only the ears. A helmet is a hunk of insulating foam wrapped around the head and does a fine job of keeping it warm. I find a skullcap too warm. But one of the headbands that covers the ears is just the ticket below 35degrees. I haven't ridden below 20 degrees but I've never felt the need for face protection.