Biking to work in the winter can seem like a daunting, insurmountable activity. The snow! The ice! The freezing temperatures!

But listen here, friends. I’m here to tell you about the simple ways to address the elements and enjoy cold-season commuting.

For my first winter of riding to work, I used a hand-me-down mountain bike with two studded tires, for better grip on the snow and ice. I dressed in layers — recycling the same clothes I use for cross-country skiing and frosty running — put on a pair of old mitts, and I was on my merry way.

I’ve refined my low-key approach slightly, but am still convinced you don’t need to own a lot of fancy equipment to be comfortable when winter biking. While it might be nippy outside, just a few key pieces will make a significant difference.

In collaboration with Wirecutter, a New York Times company that reviews and recommends products, here are five cheap(ish) things that will keep you commuting on your bike all season.

(And if you’re new to commuting by bike, here are all the basics you’ll need.)