General Cycling Discussion - Question about Bike Storage...?

I'm a brand new member, and I'm planning on purchasing a new hardtail MTB. The thing is I live in a condominium in Northern California (Dublin, CA to be exact) without indoor storage space for a bike. During the winter, there is rain, and I was planning on leaving the bike on my covered balcony with a bike cover, like this: http://www.brookstone.com/store/product.asp?product_code=356923&search_type=search&search_words=bike&prodtemp=t2&cm_re=Result*R3C2*A.

The question is, will it protect my bike or should I not even leave it outdoors? There is absolutely no room inside to store the bike. The only other option would be to rent a storage space in our underground garage and store it there...

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

That will be fine. Just keep the bike properly greased and lubed.

Or get one of these snazzy looking racks for inside. Think of it as wall art. ;)
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17082&subcategory_ID=6600

But make sure to lock it. Bikes can disappear even off of 2nd or 3rd story balconies.

Thanks d2create!

The problem is the GF won't allow a dirty bike in the house...:rolleyes:

Do I need to worry about the elements affecting the bike even though it's covered? I've read that it's bad to keep a bike outdoors even though it's covered b/c of the condensation of water under the cover - which could eventually lead to rust.

Thanks d2create!

The problem is the GF won't allow a dirty bike in the house...:rolleyes:

Do I need to worry about the elements affecting the bike even though it's covered? I've read that it's bad to keep a bike outdoors even though it's covered b/c of the condensation of water under the cover - which could eventually lead to rust.

That's why I said to keep it greased/lubed... to prevent rust from moisture.
I prefer steel bikes, but you might want to look at aluminum frames in your case. (aluminum doesn't rust, does it??? Anyone?)
You can also spray the inside of the frame to prevent rust.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKKeQUeo4iI

P.s. - By the way, tell your girlfriend she needs to keep all her dirty shoes out on the balcony. :thumb:

The problem is the GF won't allow a dirty bike in the house...:rolleyes:
OK, I wont bore u with another "dump the gf joke." :)

I would personally hang it on the ceiling indoors (big padded hook, hardware store), tell gf how cool it looked on "Seinfeld."

Otherwise outdoors, I'd use a SEALED bag so no chance of any moisture seepage. If they make a BIG freezer (thick plastic) double-zipper Ziplock bag, that'd be perfect. If yer absolutely sure all no bare metal anywhere (who has time) then the cover u show *should* be OK.

P.s. - By the way, tell your girlfriend she needs to keep all her dirty shoes out on the balcony. :thumb:

Ha! Like that would fly with her! :lol:

Seems if I just store it downstairs in the parking garage, there would be a lot less to worry about...