I don't cycle in winter now, or ever. I just started cycling again with the nice spring weather we've been having - for about 2 weeks now. I've had no problems, and I didn't gain any weight over the winter. You don't have to cycle all winter if you do other things. I walked an hour a day 6 days a week, and I used the exercycle every few days. I don't ski, but that would be a good alternative, x-country that is. I think it may actually be better to take a break from cycling over the winter, as long as it's not just sitting and eating while watching TV.