Fenders, and don't skimp on gear. I rode every day for two years straight in Chicago, back a few years ago before the really mild winters. I rode into the negative teen temperatures whether it was snowing or not.
I switched to clipless and picked up some cheap but good Northwave boots from Wiggle in the UK. I got some wind & weather resistant knickers from Swerve. Picked up a bunch of of merino wool base layers and a thicker wool zip up, under a goretex shell zip up. Many pairs of wool socks as well. Pearl Izumi lobster gloves were great. Pick up a balaclava or some other head/face covering, a cheap pair of anti-fog goggles, and you're good.
It sounds like a lot to buy, and maybe it sounds expensive, but considering the use I got out of all of it, I didn't blink. Plus it was more fun, and in my case it's roughly the same time to ride as it is on a perfect day timing the bus/train combo I needed.
I switched to clipless and picked up some cheap but good Northwave boots from Wiggle in the UK. I got some wind & weather resistant knickers from Swerve. Picked up a bunch of of merino wool base layers and a thicker wool zip up, under a goretex shell zip up. Many pairs of wool socks as well. Pearl Izumi lobster gloves were great. Pick up a balaclava or some other head/face covering, a cheap pair of anti-fog goggles, and you're good.
It sounds like a lot to buy, and maybe it sounds expensive, but considering the use I got out of all of it, I didn't blink. Plus it was more fun, and in my case it's roughly the same time to ride as it is on a perfect day timing the bus/train combo I needed.