Southern California - Storing bicycle outside during winter months

I have a lovely new Carbon Motobecane with Ultegra Components and urrently living in a small apartment. At this point, the only two alternatives to store it are in a paid storage unit that I rent or in the outside balcony (upstairs) Was wondering if keeping it outside would harm the bike and its components, especially during the winter if I ride and maintain it regulary ??? BTW, living in Ontario, California.

Thanks for your feedback! :)

You do what you have to do but I wouldn't like to store it outside, especially in Ontario (with all the smog in the air and potential for theft). If you are forced to, get a cover or tarp to throw over it. Does your apartment complex allow you to do that? Can you not just get a hook and store the bike on the wall, say in your bedroom?

especially in Ontario (with all the smog in the air and potential for theft).

Born and raised in Ontario. Let me know the storage name and unit, well if it's a 57-58 cm.:D

Seriously, I've know riders get ripped off when it comes to storage units. One party seems to think it was the operators of the storage place. I'd be real careful about lugging a bike into a unit with eyes all around.:eek:

BTW, winter in Ontario? Why not ride the bike?

Well, not necessarily storing it, but keeping it there when I'm not riding it. It's an upstairs balcony, so not sure it's vulnerable to theft. Will look for a good cover to throw over it. I hate the idea, but haven't really been able to convince the wife that it could be a wonderful component of our decor. :lol:

what winter is he referring too in Ontario, I am 1 town over in Upland, doesn't really get too cold.. I would be more inclined to use a storage unit or preferably inside your apartment vs. the balcony..

A carbon bike will get a lot of attention..

What? If you don't have a garage, you store the bike inside. No compromises. I don't know anyone who stores their nice bicycle outside.

After watching some spiderman type guy scale the side of our 4 floor apartment building once (to get to his friend on the top floor), I informed my wife that I would never store my bike on the balcony. That being said, it's not all that bad as far as weather if you know it won't get wet and you can lock it to your rail. I still wouldn't do it with anything but a beater, though.

...a lovely ... Motobecane
Nobody sees a discrepancy here? :D

Seriously, though, my bike is never outside unless I'm on it. If you have to, kick the roommate out (wife, girlfriend, doesn't matter). ;)

I've kept nice bikes outside under a tarp. Sometimes you don't have another option. In my case, however, there was really no threat of theft. I would be very hesitant in Ontario to keep a nice bike outside, even under a tarp and on a balcony.

Ask your wife if she would rather help you pay for a new bike, or find the least intrusive place to store the bike inside. Or, make sure you have renter's insurance and keep it outside under a tarp. Maybe it'd be fine.

It's an upstairs balcony, so not sure it's vulnerable to theft.
Most bike thefts are from the home. Lock up your bike when it's left alone at home. Many people don't think of doing that. If the bike is visible from the street, it's an invitation for thiefs to break in to your apartment and take it and a whole lot of other stuff.


Suggestion: Keep wife out on the balcony, keep bike in bed with you. It will be safe there. Wife can fend for herself.

Seriously, bikes are hot items on the street. Be careful.

Show this to wifey and see if this will work inside.

http://www.bikemania.biz/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BW_BikeTub