Thermal shoe covers/Winter gear

[Selkie]

So I am trying to find a balance - I can't spend a fortune on the hard-core gear until I figure out if I will like it - but I have to get a certain amount to give me a chance to like it. It is a Catch 22 situation for sure. I do appreciate all of the advice!

You don't have to "spend a fortune," just look for sales or buy just a couple high-quality items.

Shoe covers/booties didn't cut it for me. I ended up getting good quality winter cycling shoes/boots--on sale--and have gotten five winters use out of them so far (more than recouped the initial investment). Figure that they will get me through at least part of the upcoming cold weather riding season.

Hands/feet are the most difficult to keep relatively comfortable. A high tolerance for discomfort is probably a necessary attribute for riding in the worst of winter conditions.

There's always the trainer and Coach Troy, if conditions outside are either unsafe or unbearable.