How to enjoy cycling in winter

Summer is the easy bit for cyclists. The challenge comes when the temperature drops and the nights draw in. But do not fear: winter cycling is not only more fun than you think, it is also easier than ever, thanks to various advances in cycling technology. The greatest of all concerns lights. Not so long ago these were brick-heavy and feeble; now LED technology means even a pocket-size gizmo weighing 50g packs retina-scorching power and can be charged from a USB port.

For me, the biggest motivation to cycle through the winter is appreciating the colder months. Rather than just sitting indoors and waiting interminably for them to pass, I embrace feeling the winter rain against my face, or basking in the brief appearance of thin sunshine. So don’t lock your bike away – keep riding. Here’s my advice for getting the most out of it.

The temperature

For longer rides in winter there are two key rules: the first is to not overdress. Set off in an outfit in which you feel a bit chilly for the first few moments, and you’ll soon warm up. If you begin warm, you’ll end up overcooked. The exception to this is extremities – your head, feet and hands generally feel colder the longer you ride.

Rule two is layering. Choose a few thinner garments – if you want to add a thermal base layer, the sports giant Decathlon supplies a very good bargain one from its in-house B’Twin range.

If you’re a fan of bike gear then anything you can remove quickly is a bonus – arm and knee warmers offer even more flexibility.

Winter-proofing a bike

The good news is that modern bikes are generally pretty winter-proof to start with, particularly thanks to sealed bearing units, which help keep everything dry and rust-free inside. As the roads get wetter and icier, you can buy bike tyres dotted with little metal studs that offer more grip – try the Schwalbe ones at wiggle.co.uk.

When it’s very rainy, you can use a thicker, wet-weather chain lubricant, which won’t get washed away too easily – Bio Wet Lube by Muc-Off is great. Bikes particularly appreciate the odd rub-down with a rag after grubby weather. If you’ve got rim brakes give the wheels an occasional wipe to help your stopping power.

Cycling in the dark

As mentioned, riding in the dark is easier than ever thanks to the astonishing recent advances in LED lights. There’s a vast range on offer, from about £5 a light to well over £200. Cateye offer a decent range of lights starting at reasonable prices. For something more expensive, but very bright and indestructible, UK brand Exposure are great.

Bear in mind, though, if you’re only cycling along urban streets then the aim is to be seen by others rather than to show the way ahead. This is where the smaller lights that flash like a 1970s disco are invaluable – I recommend the LEDs by Knog Blinder.

If you’re taking to the country lanes, then the key thing is brightness. Plenty of modern front lights are bright enough to illuminate the way, like Lezyne Mega Drive, and some even come with dip functions so you don’t blind the oncoming traffic: see Exposure Strada.

Leisure cycling

A normal road bike doesn’t have to hibernate during winter. Pick the right sunny day and the country roads are all yours. You can even stop to defrost in front of a roaring pub fire. Or embrace the filthy weather with something more extreme. Many mountain biking enthusiasts would insist that the pursuit is more fun the muddier it gets. And speaking of mud, there is cyclocross, where thin-tyred bikes are raced around grassy circuits, occasionally hoisted on to shoulders to be carried over obstacles. Formerly the slightly ascetic preserve of men with wiry limbs and dirt-spattered faces, cyclocross is becoming increasingly popular and inclusive.

My favourite ride in winter

The Surrey hills: starting in south-east London and ending in Westerham, Kent, a half-hour cycle from home brings me gorgeous countryside, picturesque villages and – as the name implies – some leg-warming inclines.

Five best bits of winter cycling kit

Water or windproof jacket

For a cheap and cheer-ful one, try Dhb, the in-house brand of the bike-seller Wiggle (from £12.99, wiggle.co.uk). If you’ve got a little more cash, then try a new British brand, Vulpine, (from £169, vulpine.cc).

Gloves

You need a reliable all-rounder. I use SealSkinz (£36), which are comfortable, flexible and weatherproof.

Ear covering

Feeling your ears slowly succumb to frostbite in a winter wind is no fun. Earmuffs and helmets don’t really mix, so use anything from a full-head skullcap to a headband. Sporty skull caps are available at evanscycles.com (prices start at £8.54) or try asos.com (prices start at £8.00, asos.com) for a more fashion-conscious headband.

Waterproof overshoes

Cycling shoes with cleats are the best winter investment you can make. They protect against (most) rain, and keep your toes snug. I like the Altura Airstreams at evanscycles.com. (£18.99)

Neckwarmer

My best cycling friend is my Buff (from £15, buffwear.co.uk) – a windproof modern-day take on the snood. Or be fancy and buy a luxury cashmere version from Johnstons of Elgin (from £120, johnstonscashmere.com).

Peter Walker edits the Guardian’s cycling blog