Hapsmo911

I don't actually "care". I might have cared, if there were pics of some good stuff to nag the wife about getting, but there wasn't. So I decided to let the OP know theres tons of info about this kinda thing in the winter forum. He might find better info there.

AdamDZ

This year I opted for a fleece neck gaiter and a matching cap rather than balaclava for cold weather. It seems more comfortable to me, and adjustable. Down to mid 30s I wear a cap and earmuffs (my ears are sensitive to cold wind), Low 30s to few degrees below freezing I wear a thin balaclava under the cap. Lower 20s, used to be a thick balaclava but now it's the gaiter and a cap.

On the bottom, Pearl Izumi Amfib bibs below 40F with shorts over them or fleece-lined work or hiking pants over the bibs below 32F. I like the bibs since they protect your back nicely in cold weather. I'm thinking about getting fleece-lined work overalls.

In the middle two thin Merino wool base layers, merino wool sweater and variety of Columbia or Nautica hiking/outdoor jackets depending on the temperature, nothing really bike specific.

gerv 

Just how cold does it get in MN that it shrinks frames?

Sixty Fiver

It doesn't get cold enough or hot enough to affect frame materials like steel and aluminium... can't say what would happen if you rode your carbon fiber bike at -40 C but am guessing it would be fine too.