slcp

Hey guys,

a wee bit of advice if you dont mind.

I am going to be staying in a rural area for a month or so and am going to have to store my bike outisde, and not necessarily be using it regularly (it is possible I wont at all but unlikely).

Firstly, what are the dangers of this aside from theft, it will be locked and relatively safe due to location. What sort of damage, degradation is the weather likely to inflict (it will have a cover of some description) on it and what components are most likely to suffer? It is winter and snowy right now and I am heading north so wet/cold is pretty certain.

Secondly, I have never used a cover of any sort so I was wandering if anyone has any experience with particlarly good or bad ones/styles? I will most likely DIY a cover with some tarp or something unless dire warnings against this are evident?

Cheers for any words you can impart )

frankenmike 

Try a gas grill cover- fairly inexpensive(x-mart), sealed all the way down, and has provisions for a secure fit. I wouldn't worry too much about about damage due to weather if it's covered.

slcp

Excellent, thank you very much!! Thats a bit of doubt off of my mind )

wahoonc

Depends on the bike and the location. Condensation is a real issue this time of year. Depending on your willingness to spend. You can purchase ready made bike covers. I used a nylon tarp for years with decent results. I would try to pick a dull neutral color so as not to call attention to the bike.

Topeak makes a very nice bike cover too.

Aaron

slcp

I thought condensation would be my biggest worry, do you what sort of effects I should be keeping an eye out for of it on the bike? I am going check it daily and obviously if I can mitigate any damage with a daily routine then I shall be away )

BurnMyEyes

I have a Nashbar cover that I bought. It does the job well. I haven't had any problem with condensation. I've been parking my bike outside for about 3 or 4 months, and riding it a couple of times a week.

My only problem with the cover is that it doesn't quite go all the way to the ground. Part of this is because the cable I use to lock my bike gets in the way of pulling the cover down. So that's something to think of. If you end up with a gap, make sure snow doesn't build up or blow underneath the bike, because you wouldn't want your chain sitting in snow for an extended period.

Also, be aware that some people think it's fun to steal or remove the cover. One day I came home to find that someone had stuffed my cover underneath a bush. I would look for a way to lock it down enough to deter that sort of behavior.

wahoonc

Sometimes there is nothing you can do about it depending on the climate. One thing I try to do if I have to leave a bike parked out side for long periods is try to put it on something solid like concrete versus dirt or grass. Biggest thing condensation will cause is surface rusting of any exposed fasteners and unoiled or greased components. If you have a decent quality bike with alloy or stainless fittings it won't be as much of an issue.

Aaron