I don't think this material debate is about appearance or looking like a racer. I'm researching what I should wear through my winter commutes right now, and synthetics are a viable option. Synth tights seem appropriate because jeans won't keep out the wind and long johns under the jeans get soaked quick and I can't stand the cold-outside-profusely-sweating-underneath feeling - it just feels like having a fever to me. Blech. That said I'm going to stick some cut-off shorts over them lycra pants because I'm a beanpole and I'd rather not have others gazing at the exact shape or lack-thereof around my upper thighs.

If I just wear regular work clothes for the ride, it gets really bulky once I have to stay warm through a windy 20 degree commute even if it is only 5 miles. But then dragging my day's wears along with me in a backpack and changing in the bathroom at work is kind of a pain in the ass.

I wear those wicking tops in the summer also. Cheap and good. Maybe use those as the base layer?

Also, here-here on the synthetic stink factor. Geez. I'm not even a big sweater compared to some dudes I know, but you run around in those things for 15 minutes and they're unwearable until washed again.

So who is really happy with their winter commuting setup and wants to share? Charles Vail - never heard of a merino wool shirt, but the idea of wool against skin sounds pretty itchy to me. I'm curious.