I don't commute by bike, but there have been a few things I've had to learn through trial and error that I think apply to any type of cycling --
- how to dress for different types of weather; food and drink -- what, when, how much -- before and during a ride
- always keep certain things in your gear bag -- spare socks, gloves, arm warmers, a wind breaker, a vest -- so it's available right before the ride (keep spare at your job for the ride home)
- have more than one headlight and taillight in case the one you planned to use has a dead battery
- fenders are great when roads are wet
- have a bag or two on your bike large enough to carry extra layers that you put on or take off as weather conditions change or you warm up
- keep a couple of zip top bags in your bike bag for your phone, keys, wallet, whatever needs to stay dry if it rains
I keep a log of weather conditions, what I wore and whether I was comfortable for rides in fall, winter and spring.
- Gray 2010 carbon WSD road bike, Rivet Independence saddle
- Red hardtail 26" aluminum mountain bike, Bontrager Evoke WSD saddle
- Royal blue 2018 aluminum gravel bike, Rivet Pearl saddle
Gone but not forgotten:
- Silver 2003 aluminum road bike
- Two awesome worn out Juliana saddles