Except for the head (surprisingly, my ears aren't cold) that's essentially my outfit for 35ºF. If it were any colder, I'd need heavier base layers. I don't like cold, though.

YMMV

here's my best advice for prepping for a cold ride:
if you feel warm before you walk out the door, or if you're close to sweating..you're overdressed.
and hand and feet protection are the key to comfort.

and mittens are better than gloves because your fingers maintain their warmth easier when theyre in contact with each other.

I would absolutely roast in that much clothing on an 11 mile ride. Last week I commuted 10 miles each way and temps were in the high 20's, low 30's. I wore shorts. That was a little too cold, but better than sweating a ton. When it's around 30 I usually just wear nylon windbreaker pants over my undies and I'm more than comfortable. On top I wear two short sleeve polyester tops (like the dri-fit stuff) and a windbreaking shell over the top, gloves and usually a light blanclava or sometimes just an ear warmer.

Hey Matimeo, I could get used to this weather! Tue. I rode quite a bit and wore some long johns under my wind breaker pants, and a short sleeve breathable t shirt under a long sleeve merino blend shirt from Costco, under my O2 rain jacket. That was too much, and I got pretty sweaty. This morning (26 F.) I dressed more like you describe, just shorts under the windbreaker pants, and just the long sleeve merino blend shirt. I still used the O2 jacket but it would be nice if I had a non-waterproof windbreaker jacket (never ever thought I would say that!) for this dry weather. It's perfect. I'm comfortable and not too sweaty when I stop. If it's warm enough this evening for the ride home I'll pack the jacket away, as I remembered to bring my reflective harness that I can wear over the long sleeve shirt.

I haven't seen anybody else mention this for ear warmers. I bought several "dew rags" to wear under my helmet because I don't like sweat running down in my eyes. When it's cold I tug them down over the tops of my ears, and that's all I need for the high 20's temps anyway. Still under my helmet.

Yeah, all of this sunshine has been nice.

All true. I'd add to complete your lower body attire before beginning your upper body accessories as you'll stay cooler longer. Afa extremities go I add a set of arm warmers as a base layer for my fingers and knee high wool socks w/extra shin padding for my toes. Helmet cover, beanie, light or medium balaclava and hooded polypro cycling jerseys are varied according to temp for my head/neck/upperbody. The warmer the bloodflow is kept from the major regions the warmer it will be for the extremes. Just takes time to dial it all in.

I know in about 15 seconds whether I've over or underdressed for my commute. If under I'll go back and add whatever's needed. If over I'll just loosen a zipper or 2 and ride. Better to be too warm than too cold.

you need less than you think. wind protection is more important than thermal density. the lost sensitive areas are toes, fingers and sinuses

For your feet, make sure your shoes are plenty roomy enough to accommodate thicker/layered socks. I only used mittens when it's like below zero. I find my windstopper gloves are good down to the mid 20s, and have snowboarding gloves for mid 20s down to 0. For your legs, try the Novarra Headwind pants from REI.

Golly, I hope you find them!

haha no I meant "most"

reg: fingers I'm a big fan of glove liner under a loose fitting winter glove