Here's my first ever proper group ride. Enjoyed it much more than my single outing on Saturday which was a shorter 14m ride.
Good going! Group riding can be a great way to rapidly progress - pushing yourself to keep up with riders faster and fitter than yourself!
I think I need to invest in some properly good cycling kit - doesn't have to be most expensive, or look good.... but properly nice bib shorts with a pad that's oh-so-amazing and a great softshell (what IS a softshell, anyway?)
And maybe some lightweight but good arm/leg warmers, and some thin neoprene and thin properly waterproof overshoes.
What is there out there for cheap, on sale and in a med/large size (probably large)?
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I wore those and my altura night vision jacket - claimed to be breathable -wasn't. Sweated light a pig in it and may as well have not worn it, other than for the visibility.
I swear by my DHB kit for commuting, I wear a combination of Active &
Flashlight jerseys along with flashlight bibs. I do have a pair of Active bibs but the pad is pretty poor... Flashlight are good but non-commuting riding the pad does hurt after an hours worth of harder riding.
All of my tights are Active/
Vaeon, although I'll need to buy more for this winter due to quite a drop in weight/size compared to last year. I went through several DHB jackets, the '
Commuter' they did was brilliant in wet weather (but not very breathable), I also couldn't find one high-viz. I tried several others (DHB & Altura) but wasn't happy until I got my
DHB EQ2.5! Incredible jacket and the most breathable waterproof one I've found.
A softshell is more of a 'roubaix' type of jersey/jacket. Think of it like a fleece. It'll keep you warm and dry without being full winter wear or full wet weather. I've got a
DHB Windslam Blade like this. Can wear as just a jersey (like a Gabba) or on top of a jersey like a jacket.
For arm/leg/knee warmers I currently wear Sportfun NoRain, they keep me warm and bonus if some rain/shower protection. Not great for really wet weather but better than wearing full waterproofs in these warmer conditions, just get a wet arse from wearing normal bibs in the rain...
Overshoes,
DHB Neoprene every time. Cheap and do the job well, far better quality and fit than the PX/CRC ones. Mine are going to last a 3rd winter.
I've just ordered a GIANT Alpecin team set of bib shorts and Jersey for cheap off ebay from China, (yes i know), if it's crap, it's only cost me £20, but if it's comfy and the padding feels good, then it's £20 well spent, I will report back when it arrives in three years time
Giant team kit from prendas isn't overly expensive, I actually ordered some Giant-Shimano (better looking kit than the G-A) jerseys from there last night (£39 each iirc). They do the shorts too, think it's all Etxeondo kit so not cheap knockoff kit like China
I bought some 'Castelli' bibs from aliexpress china, they were ok but poor fit and the printed on colours soon faded/marked easily, I removed the pad and wore them through winter over my other bibs/tights as an outer/additional layer.
I got some new Endura Thermolite arm warmers the other week (very pleased with them - the external gripper means they don't move at all), though I'd suggest visiting a LBS to try some on to get a good fit.
Good shout on trying them on, my Sportful NoRain leg warmers I have to wear really high (as I've got short legs!). If I wear the knee warmers low then I get the same coverage (down to overshoes)
they're a bit stiffer up front and rear but that's about it 
