I might have a suggestion as to the gloves, lph. I have a pair of neoprene gloves called "glacier gloves", bought on XXL, that I use for glaciering (how appropriate!), and they're waterproof and rather warm. If you'd like to try them for cycling I'm sure you can borrow them - I won't be climbing around the blue ice in a few months now. I used a pair of Sealskinz before and I have the same experience - freezing and soaked with icy water by the feel of it. Send me a PM if you want to borrow gloves.

How much did you pay for the Norrøna trousers? I've been ogling them for years, but never actually seen a pair in my size in a shop...