Winter gear question
 

I am looking for advice on 3 specific items. Weight is not a factor - I ride steel dropbar bikes that probably weigh in about 32-35lb loaded up w water, bags, tools, phone, etc. I care a about aero with winter west winds, so more form fitting is better than less.

1) Windbreaker or rain pants or similar. I want something that will keep my legs happy all the way down to my ankles down to about 20deg F, for about 35 miles / 2 hrs, tapered legs if possible.

2) An extremely rugged thermal windbreak I can wear over trail shoes (think Salomon Speedcross or similar, when it's above freezing. I just do snow boots/shoes below freezing). I don't do clipless - I ride platforms with pins and have no plans to switch over. Same time/temp/distance requirements as no. 1

3) Mitten recommendations. I want my fingers together, again windbreak plus thermal is what I'm after. Leather works, synthetic works. If hardware store insulated mittens will work, cool. Looks are not a factor, strictly thermal function.

If you have recommendations, please provide links. Getting geared up for winter, and replacing a few things that were suboptimal from last winter.

1) Rain/windbreaker pants can range all the way from $20 to more than anybody wants to spend! Showers Pass makes good cycling-specific waterproof/breathable stuff, which means it's a bit more aero than e.g. hunting gear. On the cheaper end, I've used straight waterproof pants (specifically, Helly Hansen Voss pants); they are not breathable, which results in some leg sweat.

Another company out of Portland makes some affordable rain pants with good reviews, though I cannot remember their name (maybe someone can chime in). UK sites often have deals on rain pants, as UK winters are cool, dark, and rainy.

3) Hand wear is hard to recommend - different people have different comfort levels. Deerskin mittens from the hardware/hunting store might get the job done; a thin glove liner (think silk) can expand the temperature range downward. Insulated mitts with Goretex (usually for ski/snowboard) are great - waterproof and again breathable, letting out hand sweat - and lots of companies make them, but I'm partial to Dakine.

Check out the Winter subforum for more discussion. The season is just getting started over there!

Just get bar mitts

Check the Winter Cycling forum: https://www.bikeforums.net/winter-cycling/

Your problem is you want the tightest materials, nothing loose.

Sheepskin leather mittens with waterproof long-wrist mitts over the top (I have half arm ones).
Rollneck thermal under sweater - I usually have to get women's ones as it's hard to find them here for men. But I love them.
Thermal long John's with slim pants over the top.
No laces, here we call them Chelsea boots.
Waterproof stuff is windproof, for aerodynamics the trick is to wear them tight, but just loose enough to allow inner clothing to keep hot air trapped in.