Cycling smart in the colder months

Earlier this year I wrote a few articles about how an increasing number of urban dwellers are turning to bicycles as their preferred mode of transportation, not only for recreation but also for everyday commuting. This is a great development, of course, but the more I write about it, the more I wonder: What happens when it's not a lovely day? What if it's cold and you freeze? What if it rains and you get soaked? What if it's hot and you arrive at the office a sweaty mess?

As winter approaches, New Consumer is trying to address some of my concerns by coming out with its guide to successful winter cycling. The overall message: Bundle up.

Some tips:

• Wear a hat that covers your ears but that is also designed to fit comfortably beneath a helmet because as you know, you must wear a helmet.
• For rain, get a waterproof helmet. Your "base layer," which I interpret to mean long underwear, shouldn't restrict your movements and should have moisture wicking properties, anti-bacterial fabric, and odor resistance, for all the obvious reasons.
• Test gloves until you find a pair that can truly keep your hands warm.
• When you buy rain gear, don't skimp on price. It's not worth it to buy cheap stuff.
• Address the darkness problem with reflective outerwear and appropriate lights.

Click through to the article to get specific product recommendations that can help you meet all these goals. Happy riding.

Don Willmott's blog posts are provided by LifeWire, a part of The New York Times Company.