I have, in the past, during foul months where road salt is used, covered the drive train, front & rear gears and chain with plastic bags and taped them on. there are some days during the fall/winter/spring in NE where the roads are just nasty especially if there's rain & road spray. it's so much easier to protect the gear and chain than to clean them. during summer months / clean road months where there just may be rain and mild road spray I cover nothing. the only exception would be if I were to bring my bike that has a the leather saddle, then that would get some paper towels and 3 platsic bags firmly attached!