Mostly what he ^ said!
I use Wulfsport overtrousers and jacket. Cheap, well made and good enough. Repeated washing machine care has reduced the waterproofing, but Nikwax has restored that.
+1 on the stiff boots - I have Tech 3's that I can hardly walk in, even after 3 years, but I've had no ankle issues. Forget about waterproof boots - there's no such thing, especially when there is a big hole in the top (where your leg goes in!) "Invest" in a pair of Sealskinz waterproof socks, or ex-army ones for the tightwad - it is worth it, but if you go for Sealskinz, shop around aggressively (search MTB sites too) as the same socks can be had for either £18 or £36. Big money difference.
IMO, don't balaclava, you'll get too hot, but a neck warmer is useful.
I do full body armour when using just MX shirts to ride in the height of summer, otherwise, just the inbuilt stuff. I do use extra knee protection, but not MX ones, I use MTB ones as they are not solid, are more comfortable and less prone to sweating.
By coincidence, I also have a Wulfsport helmet, an old model now, but the visor is crap and distorts vision - later ones are better, have sun visor, but are heavier. I don't get on with goggles (visor and safety specs underneath for me). Wulf helmets are reckoned to be noisy, but it doesn't bother me.
+1 for base layer tops. I wear cycle trousers under the Wulfsport overtrousers (it's a Lycra thing!) year round. Summer is base layer top only under the jacket, winter is base layer and thin jumper. I'm not hard, I just get hot on the lanes, and use the road to cool down!
Gloves: take your pick, but carry a spare set, so you can change to a dry pair after the lunch stop!
Everyone has their own preferences, and mine may not be perfect by any means, but it works for me!
Mike
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