I’ve been a bit lazy recently with writing anything down, but that doesn’t mean I’ve not been cycling or indeed discovering new tricks and tips.
Tip 1
This winter I loved my toe covers, cheap, easy to fit and I just leave them on my shoes with minimal hassle compared with overshoes. I own two pairs now. They keep my feet warm enough and even some water out too, enough to keep my toes dry on a wet commute. £9.50 at time of writing… http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-toe-cover-overshoe/
Tip 2
Base layers are expensive, but don’t necessarily need to be bought from a cycle shop, you can save money by looking around. I recently bought four from a DIY shop at £8.49 each, unfortunately they are £9.99 at time of writing… http://www.screwfix.com/p/helly-hansen-kastrup-baselayer-crewneck-black-large-42-chest/55368
Tip 3
Disposable gloves for bike maintenance. I like nitrile ones at just under 8p per glove… http://www.screwfix.com/p/skytec-utah-nitrile-powder-free-disposable-gloves-blue-large-100-pack/1705g
Tip 4
Never give up, just because your gloves don’t keep your fingers warm, you just haven’t found the right ones yet… I like the look of lobster neoprene gloves… maybe I’ll try them next year.
Tip 5
For every rubbish tool you have there’s a good one that cost just a few pounds more, not every tool is worth the extra, but I’m definitely glad I spent the extra on decent wire cutters, chain whip, floor pump and tyre levers to name but a few. Last weekend I used my wire cutters again and I remembered how much I appreciate them every time I use them.
Tip 6
Muc Off or similar top brand of degreaser and bike cleaner. Degreaser is so good, I don’t use a lot over the course of a year, but every time I clean my chain and bike I’m glad I have it and can’t imagine how I ever cleaned it without it.
Tip 7
Ignore and pity the fools with mega expensive road bikes that don’t ride all year round, they may go fast in summer, but fast is expensive and a whole load more maintenance and hassle. Buy yourself a cheap and really awful road bike, try riding it to put yourself off the idea of wasting a lot of money on one.
Tip 8
Rags and old socks, don’t throw them in the bin, they are perfect for bike maintenance and cleaning, as are old scrubbing and tooth brushes.
Tip 9
On a slightly icy Monday morning, do be careful in the office car park, they won’t have gritted it…
Tip 10
Check brakes frequently in winter, a sticking caliper can be enough to help you loose traction on that office car park…
Happy cycling, spring is on its way!
Tim's cycling blog 
As an avid snowboarder, hiker and a cyclist the best tip I ever got for winter riding came from snowboarding. Your hands get really cold if your body can not keep your core warm. A great base layer, mid layer and outer will help to keep your hands toasty, especially if you combine it with a pair of windproof gloves, look for ones with a removable inner as you will not believe how warm your hands can be if you get your core right. This is because your body keeps your blood in your core, rather than your extremities if you get cold.
My other piece of advice is your clothing is only as good as your worst layer.
That is a good tip too. Unfortunately I don’t think I’ve got great circulation which doesn’t help either. Thanks for commenting.
My neoprene gloves (not lobster) aren’t that warm, but they do keep my hands warm in the wet. I tent to use them if it’s > 2 degrees and rainy, otherwise it’s the Sealskinz.
Great tips! I agree with thesultrysinglespeeder – your clothing is only as good as your worst layer! Also, I always let someone who isn’t riding with me know my route and location ahead of time. And keep a phone on you at all times!