I'm new to bike commuting...and this will be my first Chicago winter. Yeah!! I know this isn't a commuting site, but you guys always have such great ideas I thought I'd ask: what do you suggest for gloves when the temps dip??

My "commute" is only 2 miles, so my biggest problem is that I really don't have time to actually warm up. I start to feel toasty about 2 blocks from my destination.

I've been using a pair of REI softshell gloves that have worked just fine in light rain and fall temps, but as the weather starts falling below freezing they just aren't going to cut it.

What do you use for your winter hand protection?? How many layers, which ones...so many choices!!!!

My trail riding friends use lobster gloves.
(Wow, biking riding in Chicago -- I wish you well)

These might be overkill but they are the best:
http://www.empirecanvasworks.com/icebikemittens.htm