When it's cold outside, it's too easy to stay in and watch old episodes of Star Trek. Well the "I can't ride; it's too cold" excuse is now officially lame, because we're giving you some helpful advice on how to stay warm when temperatures are less-than-ideal.

It's All About Layers

For cold-weather cycling, multiple thin layers are much better than one or two thick layers. That allows you to easily regulate your temperature as you start sweating and the air temperature changes.

Keep your Head and Chest Warm

Wind protection for the chest keeps your core warm, helping you breath well and prevent illness. For mildly chilly days, a thin wind-breaking jacket should do the trick. For colder days, an insulated cycling jacket will help you block the wind and trap your body warmth.

A helmet liner/skull cap will keep your dome and ears nice and toasty. If it's really cold, a balaclava will keep your face warm. Just make sure you take it off before entering a public place, so as not to frighten small children and bank tellers.

Keep your Joints Warm

When your hinges are warm, they move easier and are less prone to injury. Arm and leg warmers add an extra layer of warmth to knees and elbows and are easy to remove when needed.

Wear insulated cycling gloves that are nice and warm without being too bulky. Thin neoprene gloves give you a nice layer of insulation without limiting finger movement.

You'll also want warm cycling socks and maybe even neoprene shoe covers.