Do you have any recommendations about what to carry? I'm thinking down, since it packs small and it's light.

Become a snowbird. :thumb:

Just a warning to those that ride in weather that is not "Too" cold. I did a metric many years ago and it was around 50F for the whole ride. Not really cold enough to layer up and I had the Goretex on to keep me dry as it was raining. It rained for the whole ride. But then the gentle 20mph wind got stronger- and stronger and stronger till it was Very strong and horizontal rain. Temp did not drop but I lost body heat to the extent that I was just on the verge of Hypothermia. So rain- put on waterproofs. Wind and put on a Wind proof- Strong wind and lots of rain- Stay at home.

I'm in NE Ohio and ride year-round, as many others do. Our roads are perfectly rideable through the majority of the winter (unless we get a bad one), so dressing right is the key issue...and understanding that the salt, chemicals and crap that they use on the roads will require a lot of daily preventative maintenance...or replacement of drive train parts come spring.

Chilly already? We've rarely gotten below 50 yet...although I'm covering my legs with my Patrol pants again, a short-sleeve shirt and my reflective vest are all I am wearing on my 6am commute. Trust me, you can acclimate...start your ride a little cold and you'll be fine after a few miles.

The other key to winter riding in NE Ohio is HTFU (Harden The Frack Up) ;)

Kudos also from me to tsl for his perennial winter clothing post. The above-quoted post though prompted me to add to the discussion as a year round eyeglass-wearing cyclist in Boston. At below about 35 degrees F I start to wear goggles to protect my eyes from the wind, but fogging of the eyeglasses and goggles caused by moist exhaled air is another perennial winter problem addressed on a few Forums. Various anti-fogging potions, breathing techniques, vented goggles, double-lens goggles and even goggles with fans have been suggested.

My best and effective solution has been to wear simple safety glasses, cheap from Home Depot etc. over my eyeglasses, further suspended with a piece of Velcro sewn into my woolen skullcap. The safety glasses are large windscreens, widely open at the sides allowing excellent ventilation. The lenses are clear for dark riding, and the rigid earpieces allow me to wear my eyeglass rearview mirror. This has worked quite well for me down to below zero, admittedly though with some peripheral fogging and frosting after about 45 minutes at those temps below about 10 degrees

I'd stay away from down. When it's wet it's useless. I tend to carry an extra shell that is wind/water repellent/proof and a gore tex knit cap. Oh, and I NEVER go out in the winter without a fully charged cell phone.

I just carry an additional layer, across the board. And dry gloves.

Yeah, I finally put it into a plain text file for easy copy-and-paste. Each time it's posted, I fold back in some new stuff based on reactions and questions, then save it for next time. Actually, I should just post it as a static page on my web site, then just link to it.

As for glasses and goggles, this is where personal differences and personal preferences come in to play. I don't have any trouble at all, excepting a half-mile or so shortly after the start. After that, my eyes are fine--well, such as they are. So I've never had the personal need for goggles.

However, in my posts containing advice, I try to stick strictly to personal experience. Since I have no experience with goggles, I rely on those who do, like Jim.

Ok so less than 50 degrees seems cold. After all those 90 degree days-it sure felt cold! But ultimately I will just have to HTFU if I really want to ride.

That's certainly part of the process, although I prefer to call it acclimatization. As you become acclimated to the cold, it's easier to stay warm.

I've learned that to be warm in February, I have to be chilly in October and November. I don't exactly relish the thought--particularly with October only a couple of weeks away--but I've learned it's a necessary part of the process.

It does seem like we went straight from the height of summer heat straight to fall this year, no passing go, no 200 dollars. :(

Best thing you can do to acclimate yourself for the coming winter temps is to HTFU now by not overdressing when the temps are in the 50s and 40s - one exception being your knees, which you should keep covered when it's under 60 (some say 65-70 even).