Cycling Through The Seasons: Wet and Cold Weather Cycling

• You'll get wet sometimes. It's not the worst thing in the world (especially if you have some rain gear)
  
• You'll be chilly sometimes. But you'll soon warm up!

• Layers are key! Your body will quickly warm up because of the activity. A great layering combo: sweat-wicking material against skin, then wool (as many layers as needed), then a breatheable, windbreaking jacket.
  
• Drinking water can help keep you warm.

• A thin cap under your current helmet, or a full-on winter helmet, will keep you warm.
  
• Waterproof coat and pants
  
• Full fenders for your tires (these make an amazing difference for wet riding).
  
• Good wind & waterproof gloves.
  
• Shoe covers 
  
• Use anti-fogging spray on your glasses will stop them from fogging up.
  
• Studded tires make an enormous difference for winter riding traction.
  
• Decreasing tire pressure to the low end of the recommended range will increase traction.

• When it's wet, braking can take longer
  
• Puddles can hide potholes: avoid riding through them.
  
• Water makes some surfaces slippery, such as painted lines, metal bridges and railroad tracks.
  
• Take corners slower.

• Snowy weather cycling can be fairly challenging. On days with heavy snowfall, biking requires skill, confidence and level-headedness. 
  
• Even the most dedicated winter riders carefully consider the conditions and their route before going out. Walk your bike when necessary, and recognize that sometimes biking just isn't an option! 
  
• Very icy conditions are particularly difficult, and require studded tires to make any riding possible.

Visibility
In cold and wet weather, visibility can be pretty bad. 

• On your bike, use a white light on the front and a red light in the back -- flashing lights are most visible to drivers. 
  
• Consider wearing bright or reflective clothing. You can even add a strip of reflective tape to your rain jacket. Most cycling jackets have reflective material sewn on them.

Equipment and Maintenance
In the winter, the salt, dirt, ice and snow of the road means your bike will need a little extra care.

• Consider using a cheap/ugly/basic "beater" bike for winter riding.At work and home, store your bike so it isn't rained or snowed on. If you let your bike get cold outside before you ride, less snow will stick to it.
• Once a week,
  
• Clean and lubricate your chain.
  
• Wipe your bike down with a dry cloth to remove the salt buildups. 
  
• Put a drop of lubricant where each spoke meets the rim to slow corrosion. (Wipe your rims clean afterwards so your brakes work properly!)