Riding in winter

I always thought the logic was that you push a smaller gear through winter so you get fitter/stay warmer and it means you will be more likely have sufficient power in your legs when the elements are putting more against you. Pushing a bigger gear in colder temps is more likely to give you an injury I think, colder muscles work more efficiently but it increases the chance of injury/muscle strain. Just because you'll be lugging stuff around when you're touring doesn't mean you need more power (I assume you're touring geared) because you'll be able to shift so you're at a comfortable cadence.

Someone may be along to correct me but that's how I see it.

I'm currently pushing 73GI and that seems to suit me quite well for winter (usually ride 85ish)

Isn't there something about developing slow and fast twitch muscle fibres? Depending on a tall or a small gear ratio.

Doesn't it also depend what your pedal style is?