Originally Posted by
cycleheimer
If that's what you are going to do
, keep the chain very well oiled and lubricate any bike part that moves. Putting a heavy duty car wax on it might help too. Most importantly, take it out on the road and ride it.
You beat me to it! I gave my son a Trek 800 when he went to college. It was stored outdoors. We waxed the frame, used oil on the chain (not chain lube), used clear laquer on chrome parts, waxed the spokes. The only parts that rusted were the adjustment screws on the brake levers, because I forgot to protect them. However, we did not care if the paint faded or if rust eventually did claim this bike because we looked at it as a beater.
To the OP. Buy a beater and store it outside after treating it as stated above. Keep your good bike in the basement and only take it out when you want to ride your best bike.