Despite the great weather of late, I plan on acquiring some gear for winter riding between now and well...winter. Hoping to find stuff on sale, if it's in stock. Thought it would be interested to konw what others out there are looking to improve in terms of their gear...

I'm planning on the following as definately/maybe purchases:

- ski goggles that fit well under my bike helmet and are less likely to fog than my current ones
- the warmest gloves I can find that still allow for some dexterity (for multiple hand positions on drop bars, and using brifters)
- 45 degree north boots (name?) if I can find them at a good price (forgot the exact company/name...)
- a second balaclava (I like the one I have, but want one that is a bit warmer...and a second as a back-up)
- chemical hand warmers for my feet (heard they last longer)
- another insulated, spill-proof mug (have one, would like 2 for long rides)

For my area I have found late winter/early spring is the best time to get winter stuff for the next year. It is usually on clearance, is actually available and I still remember what I needed and why. By now there is nothing left for me too look at in the stores except for a few very specialized places and there it is not on sale. It is also hard to get stuff in the summer because you cant really try it out until winter and by then if it doesnt work out it is generally too late to return it. That being said, I would love to get a new pair of googles but I keep balking at the price.

I've been rebuilding my stash of winter gear this summer. Over the various moves to places without snow, a lot of my winter gear disappeared. After a winter in Wisconsin, I got some idea of what would work and what wouldn't. This summer, I've collected:
- New studded tires - these were among the things that disappeared, and I made due without them last winter
- Obnoxious bright green wind resistant/waterproof soft shell
- Merino wool sweaters of various weights (sourced from online used clothing stores)
- Medium weight wool socks (the expedition weight socks were overkill for fall and spring)
- LED safety triangle. Not winter-specific, but will be nice for commuting in the dark.

Still on my list:
- Pogies or Bar Mitts, though I might just DIY again
- Wool hat (also might DIY - I can't knit, but I'm good at sewing things from old socks!)
- Possibly, new rain pants.

I keep a clothing log of the different stuff I wear at different temperatures. Over the years I've made adjustments, find out what works and what doesn't'. The winter forum here on BF has a lot of info on it. Practically everything I've learned, I've learned here on BF. Learning what other people wear. I'm always doing searches on a certain item to see who has it cheaper. I've saved a lot of $$ doing that. I'm starting my eighth winter with pretty much the same clothing I started with. Buy good stuff and it will last a long time.

I like hitting the thrift stores for clothing bargains. My current winter mittens came from one. Sometimes you even come across a bike you can't live without

I might get this one if I happen to have spare toy fund after Black Friday.

Mongoose Dolomite 26" Men's Bike - Walmart.com

Fat tire, disc brakes.. all for <$400.

This actually happened to me a few years ago. The bike I was riding got stolen. I bumped into a circa 1990 Specialized Hard Rock in Value Village for $19. I figured I'd have to buy tubes and tires at the very least, but everything worked and only needed a little cleaning and lubing. My car ended up in the shop for four weeks soon after I got the bike.

I need to find much better alternatives for hands and feet. I have plenty of wool socks, but they alone didn't do the trick last winter, nor did my gloves with liners. I also want to buy a silk base layer, as I found I'm not crazy about a polyester first layer, even though I can handle bike shorts. I also might consider a wind-resistant balaclava.

Nice find on the $19 Hard Rock! Went to the thrift store today, nothing but ladies' and kids bikes. Once I found a cherry condition Motobecane Grand Jubille for $50 which I own to this day.

On to the Winter riding topic. Mittens are where its at, gloves in my experience never kept out the cold beyond the first mile or so. A good beanie that fits under your helmet is a must. Still haven't found the ideal socks.