Q Winter is definitely here and I'm not sure how much I will be using my bike if the weather is bad.
Do I need to do anything special with it until Spring comes?
A Well, the most important thing to do if you can is keep it dry. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have a garage with room in it should have no problem but an ordinary shed is fine. After all, we will not be using the gardening tools much, either so a bit of squeezing should do it.
Failing that, a waterproof cover should keep the worst of the rain and snow off.
Secondly, use the bike from time to time if the weather is OK. Of course, some people won't want to ride unless the sun is shining, while others enjoy nothing better than battling the elements and enjoying snowy conditions. It's up to you from day to day.
Riding the bike not only keeps your joints moving but also does the same for the bike. Everything that moves has the potential to get 'set' and moving it all about is good for both you and the bike. It will show up where attention may be needed.
Third, keep it clean and oil the chain, especially, because if that gets 'set' and rusty it won't go round the gear wheels when you need it to, and not only that but the tiny bits of rust act like scouring powder and get inside the joints so they wear out much quicker when you start riding again.
Even when the bike is put away, it is a good idea to check the tyres and pump them up if necessary. If they go completely flat the tyre walls can crack and be weakened, possibly encouraging punctures next year. Years ago I had a puncture when I was riding down Portsdown Hill after a tyre with a crack in the side wall weakened a bit more and the tube bubbled out like a child's balloon, caught on the brakes and went 'Pop' . I had to walk home!
So, check your tyres every month or so by squeezing each one or pressing on it with your thumb if you haven't got a pressure gauge Not as accurate but you'll know if it's too soft to take your weight when you are riding. If it is, then pump it up until next month and if it goes down again you probably need to mend a puncture.
Getting back to cleaning, if you are using the bike in Winter it will pick up grit and possibly salt from the roads. Very often put down to stop roads freezing in near Zero temperatures. If you leave the bike covered in salt it will encourage rust on steel, and corrosion on anything else.
You don't have to give the bike a thorough wash, but a wipe down with a damp rag will get the worst off, and I have an old rag that has got covered in oil and grease over the years and this provides a good final wipe down to get rid of the water and leave a slight protective coating.