Winter layers

My 3/4 bib tights are proving not up to task – in either warmth or water resistance terms. I need to replace them, along with working out a top half set up for the variable conditions I am dealing with after getting back on the bike recently. I cannot fathom what in the heck, to go with though.

Weather where I am is a little choppier than I have been used to. Longest bib is 3/4. I have 1x winter jersey but no waterproofing. A smattering of arm / knee warmers, windstopper, but thats about it. I am commuting from the coast (Devon UK), inland 20 miles on some trash roads. Reasonably consistent and occasionally aggressive winds are paired with some sideways, torrential rain at times. Its green for a reason round here.

Temperatures average between November and April around 3-9°C, but bone chilling cold with all that wind and rain AND in the wrong gear. I’m OK with investing a bit, but I don’t have endless sums so want to spend wisely for the broadest range of situations.

I need some full length tights – looked at Rapha and DHB, both have been good fit for me in the past and have skimmed Lusso too, but there are just too many choices! Basically I like what the write ups say about the durability of the Rapha Cargo Tights, but £240 is a bit lumpy and the pockets on the legs look utterly silly. Rapha Classic Tights / CHPT3 Nanoflex both £200 – a little better. Lusso Termico are £99.99 so much easier on the wallet, but will they stand up to the hours in the rain? All tights reviews talk about cold, but not so much about how they stand up in the wet.

On jackets, I’m toying with the idea of a Gore Shake-Dry C5/C7 and pairing that with a jersey and / or base layer, but surely when the temperature drops, I’d be screwed with this set up? Alternative is to get a winter softshell. Again, massive rain the concern and getting cold accordingly.

Overshoes are needed too, I have some gloves, but some liners for them would be a good idea to keep them warm – basically I’m underequipped for what I’m doing and I need greater defences against the weather!