I'm more of a get wet in the rain kinda guy and wear kit that keeps me warm when wet but dries out quickly. I do 10 miles each way. I find that destroys normal clothes so I tend not to do it in jeans etc unless I'm riding home from the pub after work.
Summer kit: bib shorts, short sleeved jersey, fingerless gloves.
Early autumn kit: as above but switch to a thicker wool jersey, then switch to long sleeve wool jersey.
Late autumn kit as it starts to get colder (i.e. now): switch to short sleeve base layer under a long sleeve soft-shell. Switch gloves to soft-shell full fingers. Start wearing cycling cap underneath crash helmet. Start wearing buff. Start wearing a pair of wool socks over normal socks. Expect to remove buff and/or hat partway.
Winter kit (sub 10°C in both directions and likely to get wet): switch to bib tights. Fingers will be getting chilly. Switch from cycling cap to thin fleece beanie hat which covers ears.
Deep winter kit (sub 2-3°C and below freezing): Bib tights, long sleeve base layer underneath a windproof smock, two pairs of socks as above, thick windproof winter gloves, buff often pulled up over my mouth and nose, beanie hat. Expect feet to get cold.
Is being wet not a precursor to being cold? Don't mind my lower half getting wet, but a good waterproof cycling jacket improves things no end from a warmth perspective.
I'm more of a get wet in the rain kinda guy and wear kit that keeps me warm when wet but dries out quickly. I do 10 miles each way. I find that destroys normal clothes so I tend not to do it in jeans etc unless I'm riding home from the pub after work.
Summer kit: bib shorts, short sleeved jersey, fingerless gloves.
Early autumn kit: as above but switch to a thicker wool jersey, then switch to long sleeve wool jersey.
Late autumn kit as it starts to get colder (i.e. now): switch to short sleeve base layer under a long sleeve soft-shell. Switch gloves to soft-shell full fingers. Start wearing cycling cap underneath crash helmet. Start wearing buff. Start wearing a pair of wool socks over normal socks. Expect to remove buff and/or hat partway.
Winter kit (sub 10°C in both directions and likely to get wet): switch to bib tights. Fingers will be getting chilly. Switch from cycling cap to thin fleece beanie hat which covers ears.
Deep winter kit (sub 2-3°C and below freezing): Bib tights, long sleeve base layer underneath a windproof smock, two pairs of socks as above, thick windproof winter gloves, buff often pulled up over my mouth and nose, beanie hat. Expect feet to get cold.