Because of recent changes at work, I'm not sure if' I can park indoors any more. What advice do you have for parking bikes out doors in the weather? I'm' hoping I will be able to continue to park inside but not sure how the new boss will view it. Don't want to leave my bike out in the rain but I'd like to start commuting again. Really don't want to leave bike out in the snow. Last winter I rode to work in 3 degree weather because of a broken truck. Also this advice will help as I'd like to start bike packing eventually. I guess I'll just have to get over not wanting my bike to get wet. Thanks in advance for all of your input.

Keep a shower cap tucked under your saddle rails. If it is wet out, use it to cover your saddle while parked. Prepare to clean and regrease exposed interfaces(seatpost, et al)more often.

Keep the chain Oiled , Use a Plastic bag over the saddle ,

Or just use a Pleather covered saddle that will be fine with water
wiped off it before you get On.

Below 0C I have Studded Tires , from Finland.

there is a winter cycling section here , https://www.bikeforums.net/winter-cycling/

Rather dormant in the Northern summer, not may Aussies & Kiwis post.

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My bike is out in the elements while I'm at work. I don't have a leather saddle, and take no special precautions at all. However, I do ride a beater during the winter months. I haven't noticed any special problems that result from the bike getting rained on during the warmer months, but winters around here are hard on a bike no matter what you do.

I got to watch the owner of the company I work for chew out my boss because I had my bike inside, so now my bike is outside on the rack. Cover the saddle if it absorbs water, don't leave anything you want to keep on the bike, and use good chain lube.

Not much advice if it works out poorly; but if you can think of the most inconspicuous place inside to park, and approach the new boss respectfully, I like your chances. I'm two for two with understanding employers. Actually, going back to younger days, I could say three for three.

I think they make bike covers similar to grill covers

I used to use a grill cover on my bike at home.

I just carry a plastic grocery bag and cover my seat every time I park even if it is not raining. A bird pooped on my Brooks one time.

I have never figured this out. I had an inside spot to park, out of the way and it was quite a while before any one even noticed my bike. When someone did and complained, there were several co workers and supervisors actually escalated to being visibly angry. The best they could come up with was bicycles should not come inside. I still don't get it.

Yeah, it was crazy. I had it hidden, while other peoples bikes were right out in the open. He never said a word about the other bicycles. He went ballistic on my boss. I was going to go over when it first started(he was pointing and talking with a raised voice), but then he went crazy over it, so I just stayed out of the way. My boss came over afterwards and told me I had to take it outside. Thank god I had a lock with me.

I am still the only person TO THIS DAY that has to use the rack, and this happened 2 years ago.

Just put a freaking cover over your bike while it's outdoors, job done.

Buy or setup a beater for the winter, with fenders.

I agree with having a number two bike for winter and/or sloppy weather, for a lot of reasons. But really, the elements aren't going to hurt a maintained bike if you take care of the saddle as suggested.

I've entertained the idea that a bike might be better off staying outdoors in the winter if you're riding it outdoors on salted roads. If the bike stays cold, corrosion (rust) occurs more slowly.

Regardless, getting slush, sand, and splashed on it while riding is far worse than just having it sit outside. I think the sun does more damage to bikes that sit outside in warmer weather than snow falling on them in winter.

Almost everyone keeps their bikes outside all year in Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, France, and elsewhere. Won't hurt them. As others have said, a seat cover can make life a bit better. An IGH and fully enclosed drivetrain doesn't hurt.

When I had to park outside, I kept a bike cover handy for those days when it rained all day, or thunderstorms with a hard blowing deluge. Most days I didn't sweat it, except for putting a saddle cover on my Brooks when it looked like it might rain.


Did you know Proofide will soak into a saddle really fast when it's sitting out in bright sunlight in 90F temperatures?

What's your solution for locking to a rack with the cover on? Just cut a hole through it?

Lock bike to rack (through front wheel and frame), then put the cover on. Mine has a little bungee to hook under the BB. That hook is important to keep the cover from blowing off in strong thunderstorm winds, but I never worried about somebody stealing the cover while it was parked there in the day.

Find a good labor attorney and file a Hostile Work Environment lawsuit...