When dressing for most winter activities, start by dressing with thin layers of wool or high-tech synthetic wool long underwear, and as the temperature gets colder add more layers. Avoid using cotton for active winter wear.Cotton under-layers and socks are poor insulators because they lose their insulating properties when wet. A thin outer-layer of rain/wind-proof material drastically changes how many base layers are needed in order to be warm. As the temperature rises or as you warm up, the layers can be removed to adjust to a proper comfort level. If the layers become saturated with moisture, either on the outside from sweat, or on the outside due to weather, the insulation value of the clothing is drastically reduced. Keeping dry is of key importance in keeping warm in the winter.

Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, especially in slippery winter conditions. A waterproof helmet cover acts as a very effective insulator. If you prefer, find a hat or head cover that fits under the helmet that still allows for a proper fit. Removing some of the fitting pads from the helmet allows the hat to fit better while under the helmet.

When it comes to your feet, don't stuff your shoes with socks, because this restricts the blood flow to your feet, thereby diminishing the warmth your socks could provide. You should always be able to wiggle your toes inside the footwear. Using thin liner socks with wool or synthetic wool socks that fit inside the shoe without being too tight is a good place to start. Choose a shoe or boot depending on the temperature. There are summer shoes and there are winter shoes. If you are riding with a clip-less bicycle shoe and pedal system, try adding a heavy wool sock over the shoe with a shoe cover over the sock. Make sure to cut a hole in the bottom of the sock so the cleat still engages the pedal properly. To keep the hands warm mittens are warmer than gloves because the fingers can help keep each other warm.

A five-degree change in the outside temperature can change what clothing setup is most comfortable for you. Take your best guess at what to wear and try it outside for a few minutes before heading out for a ride. If you are out for a training ride, and it's windy, try to ride into the wind on the way out and with the wind on the way back. This way you won't over-heat, sweat, and then freeze on the way back into the wind. The more you ride in the winter, the easier you will find out what works the best for you. Everyone has a different ability to heat themselves, so you will learn by trying. There is no bad weather, just bad clothing.

To prepare the bicycle for winter use, always have your bike in good condition. A mechanical breakdown in the winter is worse than in the summer. Salt and slush are very corrosive. Every nut and bolt on the bike should have a drop of oil, just as every metal-on-metal pivot point should be greased or oiled. The brake and derailleur cables should also be greased or oiled, as well as the chain. Fenders are recommended to protect the bike and the rider from slush. Larger tires with a more aggressive tread offer a better grip in slippery and snowy conditions. If the air pressure for the tire is 40-65 PSI, run them at 40 PSI to get a larger "foot print" which will improve traction and offer a more comfortable ride over unshoveled sidewalks and snow-packed roads. Try to thaw the bike as snow and ice build upon it by bringing the bike inside after the ride. The melted water that drops from the bike will be very dirty so be careful of where the mess ends up. When a bike is warm and taken outside, snow will melt, then freeze to the wheel, rendering the brakes useless (iced rim/brake). The solution is to leave the bike outside long enough for the bike to "freeze" before riding.

To have a safer ride on very slippery surfaces, keep the bike very upright and don't lean into turns. Having the handlebars higher than normal will help shift your weight to the rear wheel. Doing so will reduce the chances that the bike will slide out from under you. When slowing the bike down, don't skid the tires; keep the weight off the front wheel, avoid using the front brake, and pedal against the rear brake so the tires never skid. While stopping, keep pedaling lightly and let the rear brake slow the pedaling motion as you would down-shift a car in snowy conditions. If there is an ice storm, don't ride, as walking will be challenge enough. To improve your slippery condition riding skills, try practicing on a frozen lake, it can be a lot of fun, but be sure the ice is thick enough.

When properly dressed, equipped and practiced, winter cycling can be great fun, it just takes a little experience. Go outside and play!