In the glorious warmth of summer, just riding aimlessly along is easy, a simple pleasure. Who cares where you're going, or what you're wearing. In the depths of winter, however, getting caught out without the right gear or the right plan will make you hate riding bikes in a hurry. Here are a few things that work for me to keep the cranks merrily spinning along through cold winters.
Gear and motivation are everything
If you're lucky enough to squeeze in some outdoor rides with the winter's limited light, good clothing is your friend. Yes, some sturdy clinchers and a set of fenders/mudguards are a good idea, too. But if your hands, feet or other extremities are painfully cold, who really cares about the stupid tires?
If work, family and/or lousy weather conspire to keep you inside, it's all about the motivation. You could have Chris Froome's Pinarello and closet full of brand-new kit, but without a specific reason to climb on the trainer, you're not going to get much done.
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Clothes I'm loving this winter
Okay, so it's not exactly clothing, but the snap-on Lazer Aeroshell is a great little piece that, for $15 / £15, keeps the wind, rain and snow out and the heat in. The Aeroshell is obviously specific to helmets from the Belgian brand, but Lazer does sell it for a few different helmet models. A close second is a rain-resistant cycling cap worn under the helmet.
I'm not a fan of bulky hats — they usually make me overheat, plus they don't fit well under helmets. But cold ears on frigid days are no fun. Enter the lowly headband. The Pearl Izumi Thermal Headband is a great one, at a great price ($18 / £10).
On the other end of the price spectrum, a wind-blocking but breathable jacket simplifies winter cycling. Yes, you can stack up 400 layers, but I like to spend more time riding than I do getting dressed. I've been wearing the Alé PRR Thermal Winter Jacket ($260 / £160) on days slightly above freezing with just a long-sleeve baselayer underneath.
What's motivating me this winter
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