Hi, From Syracuse NY I generally don't ride when we got snow predicted, that said sometimes i get caught on the way home in it but never real bad (lucky me). I know I had to put fenders on my winter rat bike ( old mtn. bike), because the cables would ice up then couldn't shift. I live south of syr. and it's hilly and need gears, if you can do it, it would be advisable to go with a single speed,Disk brakes. Now to the task at hand,riding. If your in the deep stuff might want to forego the clippless or toe straps and ride platform pedals. need open treaded tires. I would advise overall not riding when a BIG one comes unless you can avoid streets and cars, plows. in syr. we get those BIG ones too and it's downright nasty. I'm pretty hardy and wear a t- shirt and good wind waterproof shell most days w/light longjohns on bottom. (8 mile commute each way all uphill coming home). things that get cold,hands, forehead, feet, crotch on real cold days. have riding in 15 below b4 and gotta be careful. use old snowmobile gloves (mittens) very warm. get real waterproof and warm workboots for feet, baclava under helmit pull down to eyes keep that forehead covered. you'll figure it out as it gets colder and adjust to what your needs are. GL