It is easy to talk ourselves out of doing things we  know are good for us. Eating our veggies, doing the dishes after dinner, going to the dentist, and riding our bikes year round.

Maybe you have toyed with the idea of keeping your trusty steed out of the storage closet for the winter. Well quit toying with the idea and keep your bike from sharing its winter with lawn chairs and mice. Now is the time to make the commitment to ride your bike as often as you can this winter. We know what you are thinking: are we crazy? No, we live in Utah; we know cold. We also know icy streets, white out conditions, wind chill and rain. Not to brag, but we know Jack Frost and all his trickery. We want to pass on a few words of advice from our years on the winter roads so you can stay fit and happy on your bike without regret nagging at you all winter.

When it comes to base layers, less is more, and the type of fabric is key.  Always remember this: cotton kills. Cotton may be great for all your summer riding, but it won’t cut it in the winter time.  Wool and synthetic base layers will wick away moisture and keep you warm, but don’t go crazy with them. With your legs pumping away, your core will stay warm no problem if you have a good jacket. Its the arms and legs you need to focus on the most.

Cannondale Jacket

You need more than a good jacket for commuting. This doesn’t mean you need to run out and buy the burliest down coat on the market.

A jacket that is breathable, weather proof and will shield the wind is ideal, since the elements are going to be your biggest competitors this winter. The Cannondale L.E. Max Jacket is a good option for those who want to stay visible, warm and stylish.

A great pair of gloves will keeping you riding, since cold hands are what keep people off their bikes the most. Avoid any frost nip, bite, or meal by investing a couple dollars in gloves like the Giro Proof Cold-Weather Cycling Gloves, which are rated 30-0 degrees. The Giro gloves are a good option, but if neoprene is more your style, the Neo Work ‘n’ Sport gloves will keep the elements at bay and your fingers functioning.

Giro winter gloves

If you are like us and carry a few extra pounds around, you may not think you need tights. But let us entice you with something that will keep you far warmer than any pair of  jeans, cordorroy-poly-cotton-spandex-shimmy-shake-pants.  Tights man, it’s where it’s at. Sure, they fit a little snug, but what are you trying to hide?  A pair of warm tights will keep your joints happy, your muscles warm, and will save your work pants from getting stuck in your chainring…again.  Our tights page has so many styles, you could get lost. So we’ve picked out a few that we support for winter riding.

Bellwether Windfront

If you want the option of wearing shorts or knickers under your tights, the Bellwether Thermaldress tights are the best option. They don’t have a chamois and have reflective piping so you stay safe while commuting when the day light hours are shorter.

When the weather isn’t at its most extreme, or you want something a little lighter with a chamois, Bellwether Thermaldress Bike Tight With Pad deliver it all: warmth, chamois and comfort.

Some people are shy about parading around town in a pair of skin-tight tights, we understand. Bellwether understood the need for a more flattering fit  too when they designed the Windfront Bike Tights. A looser fit, but tight around the knees to keep the joint warm, the Windfront is flattering and winter worthy.

Headsweats Sweat Tech II

Helmets are breezy; this isn’t the best thing when it is 15 degrees outside and you are bombing down hills. Cold ears and foreheads are the makings of a cold weather migraine. Keep your ears from turning into icicles with a Neoprene ear warmer or a winter scull cap. If you want a balaclava to keep your face covered up, we support that too.

Your bike might need some extra gear to keep it working in the winter so invest in a good pair of fenders, keep your bike clean, and lube your chain at least once a week.

If you decide you really want to sissy out on winter, get a trainer.