Originally Posted by
demoncyclist
base layer is exactly that- the base level of clothing. It is designed to wick moisture away from your skin and out to the next layer of clothing that you wear on top of it. My cold weather gear would usually consist of a base layer, then a long sleeve cycling jersey, then a jacket- something to stop the wind, at least in front. On the bottom, I have a pair of windstopper tights. As the weather gets warmer, I dump the long sleeve jersey and tights in favor of a short sleeve jersey and shorts with arm and leg warmers, so I can remove layers more easily if the day gets warmer than I expect. I also have sleeveless base layers for the same reason.
Exactly what I wear as well (jacket is nice - gore-tex wind/rain proof) - except on the bottom are regular winter tights (expensive but worth it) and if it's rainy - I have have a pair of wind/rain proof pants I through over the tights. 30F and lower I have a pair of sugoi firewall gloves that are superb - have ridden in (with wind chill) -20F with 25-35 constant wind and my hands were toasty. Pair of assos lycra booties too. It also has taken me a couple years to put this together. But well worth it.