Fellow Kiwi and ex st Albans…snap! :-). The altura attack waterproof shorts get the thumbs up from lots of buddies for when it’s wet, otherwise the better breathability/less rubbing noise of your normal shorts will do over padded cycling unders. I drag out full length lined bib tights to go under shorts only when it gets sub zero-ish so guess I’ve acclimatised the past 15 years!. Covers over shoes helps a bit, as does a thin merino sock layer under your sealskins. For ultimate winter luxury I’ve gone for a pair of Lake MXZ302 boots…toasty feet in the snow and -8º conditions! But one to find in the sales as ridiculously expensive.
Top half is merino base layer….short or long temp dependant, and then either just a long sleeve standard top top with a windproof/water resistant gilet (which you’ll probably need to take off as you warm up) or for colder conditions a long sleeve windproof water resistant layer. Full on waterproof only come out for proper rain/cold and even then you need massive pit zips/ front zip if you don’t want to massively overheat 10 minutes into your ride. Flexibility with layers is key as you overheat fast on climbs, and cool down even faster if you have to stop for repairs/buddies etc.
Thin merino gloves under standard gloves (icebreaker ones are about right), sealskin waterproof winter gloves if sub zero (otherwise too hot)…same for under helmet layer and neck sleeve thing…usually to counter wind chill on exposed elevated sub zero or there about rides….merino balaclava the ultimate neck/head combo if it’s really cold. clear lens glasses to stop you eyeballs freezing on the speedy sections, and the snow googles come out if it’s a night ride sub zero. That just about covers it….
Let me know if you need some local riding buddies to hook up with in St Albans.