Essential winter clothing?

Perhaps it may be worth just getting the socks and overshoes for this winter, see how you get on.

Then you can decided on getting a winter boots in the summer sales in preparation for the next winters, if you didn't find the combination enough to stay warm.

Nail on the head. I live in overshoes on my road bike so am more than comfortable with using them off-road for now. I'm not exactly gonna be carrying a bike up rocky trails...

I totally get the whole cost per wear/investment thing of winter boots, but I've managed to make my current pairs of overshoes last a few years and I don't have £100+ to chuck around at the mo.

These were the best investment I made last winter - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-Pairs-Merino-Wool-Ulvang-Hiking-Walking-Socks-only-7-99-free-post-to-UK-/251527539832?pt=UK_Sporting_Goods_Sports_Clothing_LE&var=&hash=item3a9035ac78

They look very similar to the some Defeet Merino socks I own (which are very good – very thin but still warm).

They're super warm, I wear them on and off the bike now. Silk socks underneath for the reeaallly cold days

Silk socks underneath for the reeaallly kinky days

Alright, whatever mate...

How bright is the yellow fluo Gabba 2, not actually seen one in real life.

Nah, those days call for latex socks over the top...

Nodder bright.

Blue one it is then....

Seriously, just get proper Winter boots: the difference is er... Summer and Winter.

Your Summer shoes will last longer, you won't waste money on half-arsed measures like taping up vents and waterproof (ie sweat trap) socks.

Overshoes are made from the same material (neoprene) as wetsuits: and how do wetsuits work...

magnets?

That as well.

Blue one is pretty bright too, looks nice though

i received my velotoze. for £15 delivered I'm pretty happy. They worked perfectly in the rain today and they're basically swimming caps for your shoes. I'm not sure they'll last and they're very gimpy but for dry feet it must be worth it. put them on underneath oversocks and no one need know you're wearing them :), they genuinely might be the first full waterproof overshoe I've ever found.

note: I did not buy them in red

^ They are something special. Is it me or do people on here seriously feel the cold? If you're mostly in London, I'm surprised at the level of consideration needed. It's been pretty mild so far and hardly rained. Granted my commute is only 8 miles each way and a lot of you may face longer, but still.

Those cheapy socks from eBay look good though, will go for some of those.

Some people run colder than other, this is all.

Did you purchase through their website?

yes, took about 10 days to arrive from the US

Currently using a Montane Sabretooth softshell for casual riding duties. It is genuinely excellent. Really decent fit, decent water resistance, proved yesterday it will survive a 30 minute shower without leaking. The best bit is it's breathable so you really don't sweat too much. Also the hood is great. Wired peak and when you turn your head the hood moves with it so peripheral vision is normal.
I nearly forked out for an Arc' teryx gamma MX hoody but this seems to do the same job for £80 less.

Blue Gabba arrived today, bit gutted now as I found my Tenn winter jacket at the weekend and it's perfect with a base layer. Wondering if I really needed the Gabba?

Today I wore merino socks, merino long Johns, merino base layer, merino gloves and merino hat, couldn't find my merino buff this morning, I was reasonably toasty despite having to stand around outside all day up north.

So can now see what all the fuss was about the Gabba. SS baselayer and Gabba was toasty warm this last night and this morning. Nice bit of kit.

Are there any winter cycling products which can be worn in addition to standard issue jeans, can be took off at the destination point without too much hassle (without dropping my pants preferably) and keep my knees warm?
I cycle to work in my normal trousers and can't change clothes there. And it's cold around here.