wow great responses folks. confirmed my thinking that being dry in rain on the bike is somewhat of a myth and all you can do is regulate temperature and comfort. luckily being an automotive tech doesn't require the suit-and-tie/office experience after arrival so my second set of clothes requirement is low as i have a uniform at work.

im going to be investing in a proper jacket as described and i suppose my old SIDI clipless mtb shoes will become the rain shoe when coupled with a cover. wool everything else is key.

thanks so much everyone.



*and noglider, i see where i could have been confusing. 'no winters' meant i dont ride in winter. i am located in the greater toronto area and we definitely have a winter time. commute is from ajax ontario into scarborough[east end toronto]. road quality is horrendous[700x23c and you will need to know how to bunnyhop potholes at +30kmh] and if you have ever been to toronto you know about the driver style[a 40 zone has an average traffic speed of about 65-70kmh and they ALL have the right of way and will let you know. plus the limited bike lanes i see during my commute are for parking when getting a coffee, basically i ride the tour de f*** you every day].