Cycles of all sorts

Won't I get cold?

Not if you dress properly. As with winter running, you optimally want to be "a little cold" for the first five minutes. After five minute of cycling, your body warms up and should be pretty comfortable. One of the great things about cold winter exercise is that while your body generates heat and burns calories, but you typically do not sweat very much due to the cool air. Most people do not bike to work because they fear arriving at work sticky and smelly. When you bike in winter, you arrive at work invigorated, sans sweat. If you're cold, pedal harder!

Is it hard to bike on snow?

Biking in deep snow is pretty difficult. In urban areas (e.g. Chicago), the city typically plows the main streets immediately after a snowstorm. Ordinary bike tires typically handle light snow pretty well. But for ice, studded tires are needed (and are available). Some icebikers relish the challenge and vigorous workout of riding in snow storms; others prefer to wait 24-48 hours for the streets to be well plowed. Off-road biking on snow is also popular; it is easiest on well-packed snow such as snowmobile trails, and with wide, low-pressure tires.

What about biking on ice?

Bike tires do not grab ice well. Take a turn on ice and you will fall. To this end if you plan to ride on icy surfaces, you will want studded tires.

Why does it get harder to pedal on clean roads in winter?

Winter air is somehow denser, or something. Icebikers all discover that given dry pavement, good winter lubricant in the bicycle, and light warm clothes, it still feels like you're pedalling uphill. This is okay though because the harder you work, the warmer you get. Come spring you'll have extra strong muscles and you'll pull ahead of the seasonal bikers.

What do I have to do to prepare my bike?

A lot of cyclists like to have a "beater" bike for the winter season to ride on slucky mucky days. Salt and slush are hard on a bike and it's a shame to rust out your nicer bike. In deep cold and dry days you can ride your regular bike. Most winter cyclists also like to have a set of studded tires on a bike, usually the beater bike. While studded tires or even knobbies aren't necessary, they help a great deal and are very recommended. Be sure you get the grease on your bike updated to a good all-season synthetic grease. In your axel bearings, bottom bracket, and head bearings. This will make a huge difference in your ability to pedal at extremely low temperatures.

What about studded tires?

Some will change the tires according to conditions, others will just live with the extra rolling resistance and noise, and the wear on the studs. There are a number of studded tire brands at varying prices. You get what you pay for and the cheap ones are usually only good for one or two seasons. You can also make your own with screws and knobby tires. Be sure the screw points go parallel to the outside of the tire, not into or out of the tire. The screws should go through the knobs sideways, not from the inside nor the outside. (someone edit in a link to directions please)

Why would I want to bike in winter?

Building exercise into your daily commute guarantees a workout. Exercise generates endorphins so you will feel better despite the 'dark winter months'. You can keep your calorie burn-rate high so you don't need to worry so much about holiday eating.

Because it is beautiful.

What kind of bike do I need?

Salt is murder on bike components. As such keep your $7000 Lance-Armstrong-wannabe bike for warm dry days. Old mountain bikes work great.

Does all that cold air dry out my skin?

Yes. You will want to make liberal use of lotion. And likely use a balaclava if the weather gets below freezing. Snowboard helmets and goggles also are great for 'full face protection'.

Isn't it dangerous?

Not really any more dangerous than other biking. Just make sure people can see you (i.e. use lights at night) and drive defensively (use signals, etc).

Will people think I'm weird?

Yes. But they will admire your 'hard core'-ness and your toned, fit physique.