When winter arrives, so does the need to take your bike inside. Storing a bike might seem pretty straightforward. However, there are many components that need to be taken care of and considerations to be made to keep it completely safe during the winter months.
Read on to discover how to store the bike away for the winter and other tips that can ensure its safety.
Inflate Your Bike Tires
If your tires are flat, the weight of your bike will cause the rims to press down on the rubber, degrading its material.
To prevent this, make sure to inflate both tires and store them away in a safe place, checking them out every month or so. The preferable level of air pressure your tires must contain should be printed on the sidewalls.
The best place to store these tires is in an area that is dry and whose temperature is mostly stable. To take some of the pressure off the tires, consider hanging it up to help them keep their shape.
Clean The Bike Occasionally
When you keep cycling, it’s inevitable for mud, dust, dirt and grime to collect in different crevasses of your bike leaving it susceptible to corrosion if left alone for long periods of time. This is why cleaning your bicycle is an essential consideration.
You’ll need:
Soft Sponges or Rags
A Bucket of Warm Water
Chain Brushes
Dish Soap or Bike-Specific Cleaner
Instructions:
First, look for an outdoor area that’s far enough from your neighbours.
Add some of your cleaner or dish soap to the warm water to create a soapy solution, and begin applying it all over your bike’s handlebar, saddle, and frame with the rags and sponges.
Next, brush the brake area of your tires’ rims to ensure that nothing remains in those nooks and crannies.
After you’re done, hose off all the soap with some clean water.
Dry off your bicycle with some dry rags, and voila- your bike is ready to ride or store away.
Clean and Lube the Cables and Chain
Cleaning a bike doesn’t only involve it’s exterior. You should also consider lubricating the cables, chain, derailleur assemblies and levers.
When you’re working on your bike chain, make sure to drip the lubricant into each link as you slowly rotate the pedals backward. As far as your cables go, make sure to lube the part where they meet the housing.
Lubrication isn’t merely about cleaning your bike as much as it’s about its health and well-being. Without this, your bike could get rusted due to the build-up of moisture during winter.
Inspect Your Bike For Problems
Before you store away your bike for the upcoming winter season, inspecting it for nicks, dents, and scratches is vital.
Firstly, look closely at the frame. Make sure to check every nook and cranny of your bike, especially the weld spots and bottom bracket.
Then, proceed to your bike’s wheels and tires. Keep your eyes peeled for broken or dented spokes or other technical issues. Spin them around to make sure they work like they should.
Finally, look at your braking system. Check each tire’s brake pads and see if they’re a little too brittle or thin. If they are, consider replacing them with new ones to ensure that your brakes work perfectly once spring arrives.
If checking your bike seems a little overwhelming for you, make it to a bike shop. Troubleshooting bike problems and rectifying them is right up their alley.
They can even provide you with some insight and advice that you can heed to keep your bike safe.
Tip: Since you’re most likely going to eschew your bike riding sessions, the winter season is perhaps the most opportune time to add or replace some bike components. If you plan on installing a new saddle or making alterations to your gear, it’s time to pull the trigger.
Store Your Bike in a Bike Bag
Sometimes, simply placing your ride indoors may not suffice as an effective bike storage strategy.
Some bikes come with a bike cover, while others don’t. If you don’t have one, make sure to purchase a couple, as they can make quite a difference. This simple yet essential accessory helps protect your bike from unwanted dust, dirt, and moisture.
You can also style things up a little by selecting the color, material, and shape of your choice. Whether you’d like a simplistic tone or a vibrant one, you’ll always be able to find one that suits your bike. Store the filled bag in a garage or near a bike rack.
It’s Time to Prepare Your Bike for Spring
And on that note, let’s conclude this article. Whether it’s a mountain bike, a road bike, or an E-Bike, storage is instrumental in ensuring your bike’s safety.
So, get ready to maintain your ride and keep it safe during winter. Soon enough, you’ll be zipping down the streets of your neighborhood amidst the fresh blooms of spring.
