Winter Week has arrived at Cyclingnews, which mean💧s a deep dive into all things related to winter cycling. As the nights start to draw in and the temperatures fall (for those of us north of the equator, at least), our preparation needs to go♈ to another level if we're going to be safe and comfortable while cycling. 

Whether it's for commuting, training, or simply enjoying a social ride wi💫th ꦉthe club, this guide to winter cycling has the answer to every question you're likely to come across, and our content this week will address key topics such as bike maintenance and kit choice in detail. 

Whether you see winter cycling as an excuse to sit indoors on the trainer and get some quality structured riding in while it's blowing🌸 a gale outside, or whether the sight of a downpour causes a masochistic grin to spread across your face, the winter months have particular requirements for both clothing and equipment.

If you take shelter indoors you’ll need specific tech to get into the world of Zwift or the intervals of TrainerRoad, as well as equipment to help you stay cooled an🧜d fueled in the process, while if you’re heading outside staying warm, dry, safe and seen often takes precedence over speed.

Whether this is your first winter of 🐽riding and you want to make sure you get it right, or if you’ve had a bad time in the past and want to improve things for yourself then you've come to the right place. We’ve got you covered for clothing, equipment, training and commuting.

Clothing choices for winter cycling

Appropriate clothing is often the first port of call, but getting through the winter in comfort and safety extends beyond having the 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:best waterproof cycling jackets at your disposal. Consideration for mudguards (fenders) and a c✤hange of tyres can make a huge diffe🍷rence too. 

The more you ride, the more you’ll come to know how your body reacts at different temperatures. Some riders will need the absolute 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:best winter cycling gloves money can buy, while some pros like 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Heinrich Haussler eschew all hand coverings eve✤n when the mercury dips 𒅌below zero.

If you’re just gett🌟ing started then most winter clothing will have a recommended temperature range, which should give you a good indicatioಌn of what to expect.

The key to staying warm and avoiding overheating is to opt for a layering system, the basis of which comes from a great base layer. The 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:best cycling base layers for winter months will be long-sleeved and ocꦗcasionally feature a roll neck, a hood, and/or integrated windproof panels. Some riders prefer Merino, while others opt for synthetics, but in either case, wicking properties will be important t♐o ship moisture away from your skin and avoid you feeling clammy.

Due to the movement of - and heat generated by - your legs while riding, layering on your lower half isn’t common. Instead, making sure you have a set of the 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:best winter bib tights will ensure you stay warm and comfortable. Some might prefer to stick with their 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:winter cycling shorts and a pair of 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:leg warmers. It is possible to double-glaze your upper legs by opting for unpadded tights over a set of bib shorts, and if you’re really struggling to get some heat into your legs then a generous smear of 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:embrocation, ꦍa heat-inducing cream rub, might just be what you need to stave off the cold. For the wettest of winters, a hardshell rain trouser (pa꧟nt) is the port of call for some of our reviewers. 

While most riders can stomach having wet legs, opinion is split on the most appropriate option for wet and cold weather for your upper half. Many will opt for a softshell option such as any of the 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:best winter cycling jackets, but those who want to stay dry at all costs should opt for a hardshell, as you'll find in our guide to 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:waterproof cycling jackets.